Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment in Houston
Tennis elbow can make even simple activities—like gripping a coffee cup or shaking hands—painful. Non-surgical tennis elbow treatment in Houston focuses on reducing pain, promoting tendon healing, and restoring strength without surgery. At Houston Sports Doctor, Dr. Adam Weglein, DO, specializes in regenerative and non-operative treatments designed to address the underlying tendon damage causing chronic elbow pain.
Patients throughout Houston, Bellaire, West University, Sugar Land, The Woodlands, and surrounding areas seek care with Dr. Weglein to relieve persistent elbow pain and return to work, sports, and daily activities safely.
Schedule Your Tennis Elbow Consultation in Houston Today
Call our office or request an appointment online to explore non-surgical treatment options for tennis elbow.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition caused by irritation and micro-tearing of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, it does not only affect tennis players.
It commonly develops from:
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Racquet sports
- Weight training
- Manual labor
- Computer mouse overuse
- Repetitive wrist extension movements
Over time, small tendon injuries can accumulate and lead to chronic pain if not properly treated.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain when lifting objects
- Discomfort when shaking hands
- Pain with wrist extension
- Tenderness over the lateral elbow
Symptoms often worsen gradually and may persist for months without proper intervention.
Why Choose Non-Surgical Treatment?
Most cases of tennis elbow can be treated without surgery. Early and targeted non-surgical intervention can help:
- Reduce pain
- Promote tendon healing
- Restore grip strength
- Prevent chronic degeneration
- Avoid surgical downtime
Surgery is typically reserved for severe cases that fail to improve after extended conservative care.
Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment Options in Houston
At Houston Sports Doctor, treatment plans are individualized based on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Options may include:
Ultrasound imaging allows precise targeting of the injured tendon to maximize treatment effectiveness.
PRP for Tennis Elbow
PRP therapy uses concentrated platelets from your own blood to stimulate healing in damaged tendon tissue.
In patients with chronic tennis elbow, PRP may help:
- Stimulate collagen repair
- Improve tendon structure
- Reduce chronic inflammation
- Strengthen the tendon attachment
- Decrease long-term pain
Unlike cortisone injections, which temporarily suppress inflammation, PRP aims to support long-term tissue healing.
When Is Surgery Needed for Tennis Elbow?
Surgery may be considered if:
- Pain persists for 6–12 months despite treatment
- Significant tendon degeneration is present
- Symptoms severely limit work or sports
- Non-surgical treatments fail
However, most patients experience improvement with properly directed non-surgical care.
Who Is a Candidate for Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatment?
You may be a good candidate if you:
- Have elbow pain lasting more than 6 weeks
- Experience weakness with gripping
- Have pain that interferes with work or sports
- Want to avoid surgery
- Have not improved with rest or basic treatments
A detailed evaluation and ultrasound examination help determine the extent of tendon damage and guide treatment recommendations.
What to Expect After Treatment
After regenerative or injection-based therapy, mild soreness is common for several days as the healing response begins.
Patients are typically advised to:
- Temporarily modify activity
- Avoid anti-inflammatory medications initially
- Gradually resume strengthening exercises
- Attend follow-up appointments
Improvement often occurs gradually over several weeks as tendon remodeling takes place.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery timelines vary based on the severity of tendon degeneration and the treatment used.
- Mild cases may improve within weeks
- Chronic cases may require several months for full healing
- Strength and pain levels typically improve progressively
Patience and adherence to rehabilitation guidance are essential for optimal outcomes.
Why Choose Dr. Adam Weglein for Tennis Elbow Treatment in Houston?
Choosing a physician experienced in non-surgical sports medicine is important when treating chronic tendon injuries.
Patients choose Dr. Adam Weglein because:
- He specializes in non-surgical musculoskeletal medicine
- He focuses on regenerative therapies
- He uses ultrasound guidance for precise treatment
- He creates personalized care plans
- He emphasizes long-term tendon healing
- He prioritizes avoiding unnecessary surgery
Rather than masking symptoms, Dr. Weglein focuses on identifying and treating the underlying tendon damage contributing to persistent elbow pain.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow Treatment in Houston
Can tennis elbow heal on its own?
Some mild cases improve with rest and activity modification, but chronic cases often require targeted treatment to fully heal.
Is PRP better than cortisone for tennis elbow?
Cortisone may provide temporary relief, but PRP aims to promote tendon healing and longer-term improvement.
How many PRP treatments are needed?
Some patients improve after one treatment, while others may benefit from a series depending on severity.
Can I keep working with tennis elbow?
Many patients can continue working with activity modifications, but ongoing strain may delay healing.
Is non-surgical tennis elbow treatment covered by insurance?
Coverage depends on the specific treatment. Our office can discuss financial options during your consultation.
Schedule Your Tennis Elbow Consultation with Dr. Adam Weglein Today
If you are struggling with persistent elbow pain and want to explore non-surgical tennis elbow treatment in Houston, contact our office today. Early intervention can help restore strength, reduce pain, and prevent long-term tendon damage.