Tennis Elbow Test
Check your patient's elbow condition using a Tennis Elbow Test. Access our free step-by-step guide and example.
Fact Checked by RJ Gumban.
What is a Tennis Elbows Test?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury or pain in the elbow that affects the outside of the arm near the elbow joint. This condition usually occurs when you use the wrist and forearm muscles during activities like tennis, golf, painting, and other manual labor tasks.
A, also known as the Cozen's Test, is used to assess the condition of a patient's elbow. It involves checking their flexibility, strength, and range of motion. It can also identify any signs of injury or abnormal movement.
To perform the test, the clinician will ask the patient to extend their wrist and fingers against resistance. The clinician will then press the bony bump on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) to check for tenderness. They will also look out for any signs of pain or discomfort from the patient during the resisted wrist extension, especially on the outer part of the elbow.
If the patient experiences pain or tenderness, they likely suffer from tennis elbow. The clinician may then recommend further assessment and treatment to prevent the symptoms from worsening.
Check out this video to see how to perform the Tennis Elbow Test:
Printable Tennis Elbow Test
Download Tennis Elbow Test to assess your patient’s elbow condition.
How does this Tennis Elbow Test work?
Our free Tennis Elbow Test provides a comprehensive guide to performing this assessment. Follow these steps to get started:
Step One: Download the test
Get a copy of the free template using the link on this page. You can also access the test using the Carepatron app or our resources library.
Step Two: Explain the test to your patient
Let them know it will help you assess for any signs of injury or abnormal movement in their elbow joint. Answer any questions they may have to ensure they understand the exam before proceeding.
Step Three: Perform the test
Using the steps outlined in the template, conduct the Tennis Elbow Test. Observe any signs of pain or discomfort during the assessment.
Step Four: Document your findings
Write down any observations and take note of any pain or tenderness identified. This will be helpful for any future assessments and treatments.
Step Five: Discuss your findings with the patient
Explain the results of your assessment and any recommended treatments if needed.
Tennis Elbow Test Interpretation
The Tennis Elbow Test is generally interpreted as follows:
- Positive findings: Pain or tenderness in the lateral epicondyle when pressure is applied during resisted wrist extension.
- Negative findings: No pain or tenderness in the lateral epicondyle when pressure is applied during resisted wrist extension.
Note that a positive finding on the Tennis Elbow Test does not necessarily mean the patient suffers from tennis elbow. Other conditions may also cause similar symptoms, so it is important to conduct further assessments and tests before making a diagnosis.
Tennis Elbow Test example (sample)
We have created a free Tennis Elbow Test example to help you start. This sample can be used for educational purposes or as a reference in your practice. You can view the sample here or download it as a PDF.
Download the free Tennis Elbow Test example (sample)
When to use these Tennis Elbow assessments?
The Tennis Elbow Test should be used when the patient presents with symptoms of tennis elbow, such as pain or tenderness in the lateral epicondyle. You can also administer the test to:
Assess any previous elbow injuries
This assessment tool can help you determine the severity of any previous elbow injuries and assess the patient’s condition. It can also identify any signs of new or worsening injuries.
Evaluate the patient's range of motion
The Tennis Elbow Test can also be used to evaluate the patient's range of motion. This is important to determine the level of flexibility and strength in their elbow joint.
Monitor the progress of treatment
Checking the results of the Tennis Elbow Test before and after any treatments can give you a better idea of how effective the treatments are. This will help you adjust the treatment plan if needed to ensure maximum benefit for the patient.
Track changes in a patient's condition over time
By administering the test regularly, you can track changes in the patient’s condition and make sure they receive the best possible care. It can also help track the progress of healing after an injury.
Benefits of these free Tennis Elbow Test Templates
These free Tennis Elbow Test templates can help you evaluate and monitor the condition of your patients. It also provides other benefits, including the following:
It's time-saving
The templates can help you quickly and accurately assess the patient’s condition. It is also fully digital, so you can quickly and easily access it on any device.
It's easy to understand
The Tennis Elbow Test provides clear-cut instructions to help you perform the test quickly. It also includes important reminders to help you better understand the procedure.
It's reliable
This Tennis Elbow Test is based on established medical guidelines and has been used by healthcare professionals in many clinical settings. It provides reliable results you can trust.
It helps patients understand their condition
Explaining the assessment results to your patients can help them better understand their condition and feel more involved in their treatment.
It opens up the dialogue
The Tennis Elbow Test can help open the dialogue between you and your patients. By assessing their condition, you can provide them with more personalized treatment and help them achieve their goals.
Why use this Tennis Elbow app?
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Commonly asked questions
The Tennis Elbow Test is used to assess the severity of any previous elbow injury and evaluate range of motion in the elbow joint. To perform the test, the patient will need to perform several simple exercises, such as bending and straightening their elbow.
This exam doesn't have a scoring system, but there are several points to consider when evaluating the test results. These include range of motion, flexibility, and strength in the elbow joint. A positive finding would be exhibited by pain during the test or any signs of new or worsening injuries.
The Tennis Elbow Test offers several benefits, including helping to identify any new or worsening elbow injuries and providing insight into the patient’s range of motion and strength. It can also help health professionals monitor recovery after an injury or procedure, allowing for more personalized treatment plans.
