Generally, it is not recommended to do push-ups with tennis elbow as they can exacerbate the condition.
Push-ups can strain the muscles and tendons around your elbow, particularly the wrist extensor muscles which are often affected by tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). Continuing to perform activities that aggravate these muscles can delay healing and worsen your pain.
Here's why push-ups are generally not advised with tennis elbow:
- Strain on Flexors: Push-ups can put stress on the flexor muscles in your forearm, irritating your elbow.
- Aggravation of Tendons: The repetitive motion and strain involved in push-ups can further inflame the tendons already affected by tennis elbow.
- Risk of Chronic Pain: Ignoring the pain and continuing to do push-ups can lead to chronic pain and a prolonged recovery.
Alternative Exercises and Recommendations:
Instead of push-ups, consider these modifications and alternatives:
- Rest: Allowing your elbow to rest is crucial for healing.
- Physical Therapy: Consult with a physical therapist who can provide specific exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles and promote healing without aggravating your tennis elbow.
- Modify Push-ups: If you absolutely want to do push-ups, try modifying them. For example, doing them against a wall reduces the amount of weight and strain on your elbow.
- Alternative Exercises: Focus on lower body exercises or core exercises that don't stress your elbow.
- Pain Management: Use ice packs, over-the-counter pain relievers, or other methods recommended by your doctor to manage pain and inflammation.
When to Resume Push-ups:
Only resume push-ups when your pain has subsided significantly and you have regained full range of motion and strength in your elbow. It's best to gradually reintroduce exercises under the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist.
