The E3 Rehab Podcast 241. Tennis Elbow: A Practical Guide w/ Marc Surdyka and Chris Hughen
Feb 24, 2026
Marc Surdyka, Doctor of Physical Therapy and tendon expert, breaks down lateral elbow tendinopathy in clear, practical terms. He and Chris cover naming and diagnosis, key anatomy and exam tests, common misdiagnoses, when imaging helps, prognosis timelines, why loading beats rest, which treatments to avoid, and straightforward load-modification strategies for recovery.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Always Screen For Common Mimics
- Consider differentials like radial tunnel syndrome, posterior interosseous nerve entrapment, elbow instability, cervical radiculopathy, or inflammatory arthritis when presentation deviates.
- Chris Hughen cites a study finding 11% misdiagnosis rate and urges checking for systemic or neurological signs.
Imaging Finds Changes That Often Don't Matter
- Imaging often shows tendon changes even in asymptomatic people and rarely changes management for typical cases.
- Marc Surdyka warns ultrasound will almost always find changes but those don't predict recovery or dictate treatment.
Expect A Months Long Recovery Not Days
- Natural history is favorable: many improve by 6–12 months and up to ~90% near recovery by 12 months without specific treatment.
- Chris Hughen emphasizes setting patient expectations that tendinopathy is often a months-long recovery, not days.