Tennis Elbow Specialist in Midtown Manhattan, NYC

Non-Surgical Treatment to Help You Avoid Unnecessary Surgery

Schedule an Appointment

Are You Suffering From Tennis Elbow in NYC?

If you’re experiencing pain on the outside of your elbow, gripping objects, typing, lifting, or even shaking hands can become uncomfortable or difficult.

For many people living and working in New York City, repetitive activities (from computer work to fitness training) can gradually lead to persistent elbow pain that interferes with daily life.

Some patients are quickly told they may eventually need surgery. But surgery is not always necessary.

Dr. Evan Queler is a double-board-certified physiatrist in Midtown Manhattan specializing in non-surgical treatment of musculoskeletal and nerve conditions, including tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). His approach focuses on accurate diagnosis, targeted treatment, and the restoration of arm function, without rushing into surgery.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition involving irritation or degeneration of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. These tendons connect the forearm muscles to the bone and are responsible for wrist extension, grip strength, and many everyday arm movements.

When these tendons are repeatedly stressed, small microscopic tears can develop, leading to inflammation, tendon degeneration, and pain. Although it’s commonly associated with tennis players, most cases of tennis elbow occur in people who have never played tennis.

The condition can affect movement, grip strength, and arm function, often leading to persistent pain that interferes with daily activities. Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Pain that worsens when gripping or lifting objects

• Weak grip strength

• Discomfort when extending the wrist

• Pain that may radiate down the forearm

Many patients searching for tennis elbow treatment in NYC are unsure exactly what is causing their elbow pain. A detailed evaluation by an elbow pain specialist in Manhattan can help identify the true source of the problem and guide the most effective treatment plan.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repetitive strain on the forearm tendons, particularly the extensor tendons that control wrist movement. Several factors can contribute to the development of tennis elbow, including:

• Repetitive wrist or forearm motions

• Racquet sports such as tennis or pickleball

• Frequent computer use or prolonged typing

• Weight training or repetitive lifting

• Manual work involving gripping tools

• Muscle imbalances or improper biomechanics

In a city like New York, many patients develop tennis elbow from work-related repetitive strain, especially among professionals who spend long hours typing or using a mouse. Because multiple structures around the elbow and forearm can contribute to pain, accurate diagnosis is essential before beginning treatment.

Do You Really Need Surgery for Tennis Elbow?

Many patients worry that persistent elbow pain means surgery will eventually be required.

However, the majority of tennis elbow cases improve with properly targeted non-surgical treatment.

Research shows that when the underlying tendon injury and contributing biomechanical factors are identified, many patients can recover with conservative care.

A non-surgical orthopedic specialist (also known as a physiatrist) focuses on restoring function and relieving pain using minimally invasive treatments and rehabilitation strategies.

Before committing to surgery, a comprehensive evaluation can determine whether non-surgical treatment options may successfully resolve the condition..

Non-Surgical Treatments for Tennis Elbow in Midtown Manhattan

Image-Guided Injections

Spine or Joint Stabilization
Strategies

Targeted Physical Therapy Coordination

Biomechanics Correction

Regenerative Medicine Options
(PRP, etc.)

Activity Modification Planning

Who This Is For

Designed for Active Adults living in NYC

Dr. Queler frequently works with:

  • Adults of varying ages who want to stay active and healthy

  • Individuals seeking a second opinion

  • People who have pain in everyday activities

  • People who want to engage in sports pain-free every day

  • People who don’t want to put themselves on the shelf

  • People who experience pain while doing desk work in front of a computer

  • Busy Entrepreneurs

Located in Midtown Manhattan, the practice offers convenient access for patients seeking efficient, high-level orthopedic care without disrupting their schedule.

A Precision Approach to Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

Effective treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis. While many cases are labeled as “tennis elbow,” elbow pain can also be caused by:

• Nerve irritation in the arm or neck

• Joint inflammation

• Tendon injuries in nearby structures

• Referred pain from the cervical spine

Dr. Queler performs a detailed evaluation to identify the true source of the pain. This evaluation may include:

✔ Comprehensive medical history

✔ Detailed musculoskeletal and neurological examination

✔ Review of imaging such as MRI or ultrasound

✔ Functional movement assessment

✔ Identification of biomechanical or overuse patterns

This approach helps ensure that treatment targets the root cause of the condition rather than simply managing symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions about Tennis Elbow

  • Yes. Most cases of tennis elbow improve without surgery. The condition typically involves microscopic damage to the forearm tendons rather than a complete tear. With appropriate treatment (including activity modification, rehabilitation, and targeted medical interventions), many patients experience significant improvement.

    Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, bracing, and image-guided injections can help reduce pain and allow the tendon to heal. Surgery is generally considered only after several months of persistent symptoms that do not respond to conservative treatment.

  • Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the tendon injury and how long symptoms have been present.

    Mild cases may improve within several weeks, while more persistent cases may take several months. Early diagnosis and targeted treatment can often speed recovery and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

  • Surgery is rarely required. It is typically considered only if symptoms persist for 6–12 months despite appropriate non-surgical care.

    Even in those cases, a comprehensive evaluation should be performed to confirm that the pain is truly coming from the affected tendon.

  • An orthopedic surgeon specializes in the surgical treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

    A physiatrist focuses on non-surgical treatment, including diagnosis, rehabilitation strategies, and minimally invasive procedures to restore function and relieve pain.

Related Conditions

Knee Pain

Hip Pain

Shoulder Pain