Elbow & Wrist

From tennis elbow to a sprained wrist after a fall to rehab after a radius fracture: in Kloten and Zurich West we combine hands-on treatment with progressive tendon and strength training — until grip, support and stroke can take full load again.

Key facts

• First appointment usually within 48 hours
• Progressive, evidence-based tendon loading instead of rest
• Basic health insurance (with a doctor’s prescription), accident insurance (UVG) or self-pay
• Locations in Zurich West & Kloten

Typical complaints

• Tennis & golfer’s elbow — tendon overload at the elbow
• Wrist sprain after a fall — including TFCC-related ulnar-side pain
• Skier’s thumb — ligament injury at the thumb’s base joint
• Rehab after fracture or surgery — radius, scaphoid, after immobilisation

When to see us

Tennis and golfer’s elbow develop as overload of the tendon attachments — typically after an unusual amount of racket, throwing, gripping or desk work. The earlier load management starts, the shorter the course. If the pain comes from a fall, deformity, marked swelling or tenderness over the scaphoid belongs in medical imaging first — a missed scaphoid fracture heals poorly. After that, or for complaints without trauma, we start with a clinical assessment: provocation and stability tests, grip strength side-to-side, and a look at the neck and nerve pathways, because radiating symptoms like to mimic elbow pain.

Tendons need load, not rest

The best-evidenced way out of an elbow tendinopathy is progressive, dosed loading — not immobilisation. We build up step by step: from isolated forearm exercises through grip and support strength to sport-specific stroke and throwing load, while organising your everyday and training load so the tendon can heal without a complete break. For stubborn, chronic cases, shockwave therapy can complement the plan — as part of the active programme, not a substitute.

Frequently asked questions

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

Tendons take time: expect several weeks to months, and stubborn cases can take longer. Progressive, dosed training of the forearm muscles combined with load management has the best evidence. Passive measures alone change little about the course.

I fell on my hand — do I need an X-ray first?

With deformity, marked swelling, inability to bear load or tenderness in the anatomical snuffbox (scaphoid region), get a medical assessment with imaging first. Once a fracture is ruled out, we start therapy — sprains and TFCC irritations benefit from early, dosed loading.

Does a skier’s thumb need surgery?

Partial ruptures of the ulnar collateral ligament are usually treated conservatively: a splinting phase followed by structured stability and strength work. Complete ruptures may need surgical repair — that decision belongs to your doctor; we take over the rehab afterwards.

Does insurance cover the treatment?

After a documented accident (e.g. a fall onto the hand), Swiss accident insurance (UVG) covers the treatment. Overload complaints such as tennis elbow are billed through basic health insurance (KVG) with a doctor’s prescription; self-payers can book any time.

Booking: book online (German interface) or call us in English — Kloten 044 803 91 19, Zurich West 044 814 23 20.