tennis (elbow) anyone?

Does anyone have experience with tennis elbow?  I think that's what's wrong with my right elbow.  I tried just doing light strength training for a few weeks, but it's just gotten worse.  I haven't done any kind of upper body work for over a week now, thinking that would give it a chance to heal, but it's no better.  If anyone has experience with this, what kind of treatment did they do?  Just wondering whether going to the doc will actually do any good, or if he'll just say to rest it until it's better.   Tami

If I have any experience, it's no more than a 1 out of 10 type thing.  I would call it a minor nuisance at worst. This site has a lot of info and recommends ice as your first step. http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/elbow /tenniselbow.htm

Thanks, Scott.  I'll give ice therapy and rest a few more days and see if I get any improvement. Tami

Hi Tami.  I am an Occupational Therapist who specializes in treatment of the arm.  First off, Rest and Ice are your best treatment.  If they do not help, start doing gentle flexibility stretching to the forearm muscles.  How you do this is:  place your arm straight out in front of you at chest height.  Plam should be facing down.  Use your other hand to gently press on the backside of the affected arm.  Hold this position for 30 seconds; repeat 2 times.  Perform this 3 times per day.  DO NOT INCREASE YOUR PAIN DURING THIS STRETCH!!  When you can do this stretch and the motion is compared to non-affected side, feel free to e-mail me and I will tell you the next step. Good luck. Jackie