Helping you recover and return to activity safelyExpert Care at Dr. Barsoom Pain & Migraine Practice
Sports and repetitive-use injuries can affect tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints. These conditions are not limited to athletes — they commonly affect professionals, active adults, and individuals with physically demanding occupations.
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. Dr. Barsoom focuses on identifying the specific structure involved and tailoring a treatment plan that reduces pain and restores function.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a common overuse injury caused by degeneration of the extensor tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow.
Despite its name, it does not only affect tennis players. It frequently occurs in:
• Plumbers
• Dentists
• Painters
• Physiotherapists
• Office workers
• Active adults performing repetitive arm movements
Symptoms May Include:
• Pain on the outer elbow
• Forearm pain
• Weak grip strength
• Difficulty holding a coffee cup
• Pain turning a doorknob
• Trouble lifting grocery bags
• Discomfort brushing teeth or combing hair
When severe, tennis elbow can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
When Should You Seek Help?
If rest, ice, and over-the-counter medications do not improve symptoms after several weeks — or if pain is interfering with daily activities — a medical assessment is recommended.
Assessment Process
This includes:
• Detailed medical history
• Focused physical examination
• Imaging review (if available)
• Individualized treatment plan
A consultation letter is sent to your referring provider.
Assessment is covered by OHIP.
Treatment Options May Include
Treatment depends on severity and chronicity.
• Activity modification
• Targeted rehabilitation guidance
• Anti-inflammatory strategies
• Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT) [hyperlink to the Perineural Injection Therapy (PIT) tab]
• Prolotherapy[hyperlink to prolotherapy tab]
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) [hyperlink to the PRP & nSTRIDE tab]
• nSTRIDE® APS (for selected joint conditions)
Injection therapies are not currently covered by OHIP.
Chronic tendon injuries are often degenerative rather than inflammatory. Addressing them early may help:
• Reduce long-term degeneration
• Improve functional recovery
• Prevent progression to chronic pain
For more general information on tennis elbow, visit the
Mayo Clinic – Tennis Elbow Resource.