October 25, 2024

What are the Causes of Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow typically stems from repetitive strain on the muscles and tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. While it’s often associated with racquet sports, many individuals in various professions and hobbies can be affected. Key contributors include:

• Repetitive Motions:

Activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm movements—such as typing, painting, or playing musical instruments—can lead to overuse.

• Improper Technique:

Athletes may develop tennis elbow due to incorrect swinging techniques or inadequate equipment.

• Weakness or Imbalance:

Weakness in the forearm muscles or poor shoulder stability can put extra strain on the elbow.

What are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

The hallmark symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer elbow, which may extend into the forearm. Patients often describe the pain as sharp or burning, especially during gripping or lifting activities. Other common symptoms include:
• Tenderness on the outer elbow
• Stiffness, particularly in the morning
• Weakness when trying to grip or lift objects

How is a Tennis Elbow Treated?

At Healthagon, our primary goal is to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence. Here are some effective treatment strategies:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis:

A thorough evaluation is crucial. We assess the range of motion, strength, and functional abilities of the elbow and surrounding areas.

2. Rest and Activity Modification:

we advise patients to modify or temporarily avoid activities that exacerbate their pain. This is essential for reducing inflammation.

3. Therapeutic Exercises:

Once the acute pain subsides,we introduce specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. Eccentric strengthening exercises are particularly beneficial.

4. Manual Therapy:

Techniques such as massage, mobilization, and myofascial release can help alleviate tension in the forearm and improve blood flow.

5. Modalities:

We may use modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help reduce pain and inflammation.

6. Bracing:

Using a forearm brace or counterforce strap can relieve pressure on the elbow and support healing.

7. Education and Ergonomics:

Teaching proper techniques and ergonomic adjustments for daily activities is vital for long-term prevention.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can significantly impact daily life, but with the right physiotherapeutic approach, recovery is achievable. Early intervention, tailored exercises, and education on proper techniques are key to preventing recurrence. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance to get back to pain-free living. Consult our team of experts at Healthagon who will be more than willing to help you in your journey to recovery.