Overcoming Tennis Elbow: Regain Your Strength and Mobility
Tennis elbow, also medically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a prevalent and painful condition that affects the elbow. Contrary to its name, this condition is not limited to tennis players; it can be triggered by a range of activities. The inflammation and pain associated with tennis elbow typically manifest around the outer bony bump of the elbow, where muscles and tendons attach to the bone. These structures play a crucial role in lifting your wrist, making tennis elbow a condition that can arise from various activities beyond the tennis court.
Recognizing the Symptoms
If you're experiencing tennis elbow, you may encounter the following symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, sometimes extending down the forearm.
- Discomfort or weakness when gripping and lifting objects.
- Difficulty performing twisting motions during sports or everyday activities, such as opening a jar.
Understanding the Cause
Tennis elbow results from the tension placed on a weakened area of tissue, typically due to a degenerative process that develops gradually. While it remains a common condition, the exact cause is still unclear, and it's not necessarily linked to overuse or any specific "wrong" activity. It's essential to note that while certain actions may exacerbate the pain, they might not be the root cause.
Taking Action: What You Can Do
The initial step toward recovery involves reducing inflammation. You can perform daily ice massages by freezing water in a paper cup, then peeling away the top to expose the ice. Gently rub the affected area in a circular motion for 5–7 minutes. Your physician may also recommend anti-inflammatory medication for several weeks. Additionally: Modify activities that cause pain and allow time for rest.
Consider using a Tennis Elbow Strap to alleviate pressure on the tendon attachment to the bone.
How Physiotherapists Can Help
At Precision Physiotherapy, our team is dedicated to assisting you in overcoming tennis elbow. We offer a range of treatments and techniques tailored to your unique needs:
- Thorough Assessment: We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand your symptoms and condition, allowing us to design a personalized treatment plan.
- Advanced Therapies: We administer LASER and/or Shockwave Therapy, evidence-based treatments widely recognized for their effectiveness in addressing tennis elbow.
- Manual Therapy: Our therapists employ hands-on techniques to target the affected areas.
- Soft Tissue Mobilization: We address tight and tense muscles through specialized techniques.
- Strengthening Exercises: As your elbow improves, we provide customized strengthening exercises to support your recovery.
FAQ: Surgery and Tennis Elbow
In most cases, tennis elbow does not necessitate surgery. Patients who do not respond to the initial treatment program may require formal physical therapy or a cortisone injection. Surgery is typically recommended only in cases involving a full-thickness tear of muscles.
Don't let tennis elbow hinder your daily activities. Contact us today to embark on your journey toward pain relief and recovery.