2-Week Rehabilitation Program Post Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

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This rehabilitation program aims to facilitate healing, restore mobility, and gradually strengthen the forearm muscles while protecting the tendon during recovery.

 

General Guidelines

1. Protect the elbow: Avoid heavy lifting, gripping, or repetitive wrist/forearm activities in the initial days.

2. Pain management: Use ice or heat therapy as needed for discomfort.

3. Gradual progression: Perform all exercises in a pain-free range, progressing intensity as tolerated.

4. Monitor symptoms: Discontinue exercises if sharp pain or swelling occurs and consult your healthcare provider.

 

Week 1: Pain Management and Gentle Mobility

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Goals:

• Minimize pain and inflammation

• Restore gentle range of motion (ROM)

• Prevent stiffness

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Day 1–3: Rest and Recovery

• Activity:

  • Rest the affected arm and avoid activities that strain the forearm muscles (e.g., gripping, typing, lifting).

  • Use a brace or strap if recommended to reduce strain on the tendon.

• Pain Management:

  • Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes, 2–3 times daily, to reduce inflammation.

  • Gentle massage around the lateral elbow and forearm to improve circulation (avoid the injection site).

• Passive Range of Motion (PROM):

  • Elbow Flexion and Extension: Slowly bend and straighten the elbow to a comfortable range. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Wrist Flexion and Extension Stretch: Use the opposite hand to gently stretch the wrist into flexion and extension. Hold for 15 seconds. (3 reps each direction)

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Day 4–7: Initiating Mobility and Isometric Strengthening

• Mobility Exercises:

  • Wrist Rotations: Slowly rotate the wrist in small circles, clockwise and counterclockwise. (10 reps each direction, 2 sets)

  • Wrist Extension Stretch: With the palm facing down, gently pull back on the hand using the opposite hand to stretch the extensor muscles. Hold for 15 seconds. (3 reps)

• Isometric Strengthening:

  • Isometric Wrist Extension: Place the back of your hand against a wall or resistance (e.g., your other hand) and push gently without movement. (Hold for 5–10 seconds, 5 reps)

  • Isometric Forearm Supination: Place your palm facing up under light resistance (e.g., a light object) and push gently without movement. (Hold for 5 seconds, 5 reps)

• Postural Awareness:

  • Maintain an upright posture during daily activities to minimize stress on the elbow.

 

Week 2: Progressive Strengthening and Functional Mobility

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Goals:

• Improve forearm and wrist strength

• Enhance elbow stability

• Prepare for functional activities

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Day 8–10: Active Mobility and Strengthening

• Active Range of Motion (AROM):

  • Wrist Flexion and Extension: Perform gentle wrist curls and reverse wrist curls without weight or with very light resistance. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Elbow Supination and Pronation: Slowly rotate the forearm palm up and palm down. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Strengthening:

  • Theraband Wrist Extension: Attach a resistance band to a stable surface. Pull the band upward using wrist extension. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • Theraband Supination/Pronation: Attach a resistance band and rotate the forearm against the resistance. (10 reps, 3 sets)

  • Grip Strengthening: Squeeze a soft stress ball or therapeutic putty. (10 squeezes, 2 sets)

• Dynamic Stability:

  • Radial/Ulnar Deviation: Hold a light weight and gently tilt the wrist side-to-side. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Hammer Rotations: Hold a hammer or light object and perform controlled forearm rotations. (10 reps, 2 sets)

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Day 11–14: Functional Strength and Endurance

• Strength and Stability:

  • Eccentric Wrist Extension: Hold a light dumbbell, lower it slowly (eccentric phase), and use the other hand to return to the starting position. (10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Eccentric Supination: Use a light weight to rotate the forearm palm up, lowering slowly. (10 reps, 2 sets)

• Functional Mobility:

  • Light Gripping Activities: Practice gripping light objects such as a small water bottle or handle. (5–10 reps, 2 sets)

  • Forearm Plank on Knees: Engage forearm and shoulder muscles with a modified plank. (Hold for 10–15 seconds, 2–3 reps)

• Endurance Training:

  • Incorporate light aerobic exercises like walking or stationary biking for 15–20 minutes daily.

 

Additional Recommendations

• Pain Management: Transition to heat therapy if stiffness becomes more prominent.

• Hydrotherapy: Perform exercises in warm water to reduce joint stress and improve flexibility.

• Ergonomic Adjustments: Modify work or daily tasks to avoid repetitive stress on the elbow and wrist.