The condition tennis elbow, also referred to as lateral epicondylitis, occurs in the tendons that connect forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow is caused by repetitive or overuse of the elbow joint, which is caused by activities like tennis, typing, and gardening. In addition to pain, stiffness, and weakness, tennis elbow can make it difficult to carry out daily activities.
There are various treatments for tennis elbow, including rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, cortisone injections, and physical therapy. The treatments, however, may not provide lasting relief, or they may have side effects or limitations. Furthermore, if you have a high-deductible insurance plan, long wait times, or limited visits, you may have difficulty accessing quality health care.
Direct Primary Care (DPC) can help. DPC is a model of health care that offers patients unlimited access to their primary care physician for a flat monthly fee, without involving insurance companies or third parties. You can count on DPC for personalized, comprehensive, and affordable tennis elbow care. Here are some of the benefits of DPC for tennis elbow patients:
Access to your doctor at any time, anywhere: With DPC, you can reach your doctor anytime, anywhere, through phone, text, email, or video chat. In addition, you can schedule same-day or next-day appointments, and enjoy longer and more relaxed visits. You won't waste time or money on unnecessary tests or referrals for tennis elbow, since you'll receive prompt and attentive care. A doctor who knows you and your medical history will be able to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.
Preventive and holistic care: DPC addresses the root causes of your health problems rather than just the symptoms. In addition to providing personalized advice and guidance on how to improve your overall health and wellness, your doctor will evaluate your lifestyle, diet, exercise, stress, and other factors that may contribute to tennis elbow. If necessary, your doctor will coordinate your care with other specialists, such as orthopedists, rheumatologists, and physical therapists.
DPC's transparent and affordable pricing eliminates the hassle and expense associated with dealing with insurance companies, copays, deductibles, and hidden costs. Your primary care services are covered by a flat monthly fee, which includes unlimited visits, lab tests, procedures, and medications. Through your DPC doctor, you can also get discounted rates on other health care costs, such as imaging, surgery, or hospitalization. You will always know what you are paying for, and you will never receive a surprise bill.
If you choose DPC for your tennis elbow, your doctor will work with you to create a customized treatment plan that suits your needs and goals. Your treatment plan may include some or all of the following:
It is important for your doctor to explain the causes, symptoms, and prognosis of tennis elbow to you, as well as to answer any questions or concerns you might have. You will also learn how to prevent further injury from your doctor, such as by modifying your activities, using proper equipment, and warming up and stretching.
For tennis elbow, your doctor will prescribe or dispense medications and supplements, such as anti-inflammatory drugs, pain relievers, or vitamin B12. Your doctor will also monitor your response and side effects, and adjust the dosage or frequency accordingly.
Whether you need cortisone injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, or prolotherapy for your tennis elbow, your doctor will perform or arrange these injections and procedures. After the injection or procedure, your doctor will follow up with you to evaluate the results. These treatments will help reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and strengthen the tendons.
To improve the range of motion, strength, and function of your elbow, your doctor will refer you to a physical therapist who can help you with exercises and modalities. In addition to teaching you how to prevent recurrence or complications of tennis elbow, your doctor will coordinate your care with your physical therapist, and they will review your progress and feedback.
As you can see, DPC can offer you a better way to manage your tennis elbow, and to achieve optimal health and wellness. With DPC, you can start your journey to recovery, use the resources and tools available to you, and do what you can to improve your quality of life.
As the famous tennis player Arthur Ashe once said, “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”
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