Tennis Elbow

19 Sep Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition which damages the tendons attached to the muscles found in the forearm, outside of the elbow. This condition commonly caused by overuse of the wrist and forearm muscles. The resulting strain on the elbow is usually related to repetitive movements such as gripping while carrying a heavy under load.

People who play sports which involve gripping, repetitive extension of the wrist and use of the forearm muscles are at risk of developing tennis elbow. Examples of these sports include tennis, badminton or weight lifting. Occupations which involves manual labour such as gardeners, carpenters and painters are also prone to developing tennis elbow. It is also possible for desk workers to develop this ailments if their job requires frequent use of the keyboard/mouse and their work station is not ergonomically sound (set up to correctly support the posture).

Symptoms of tennis elbow typically include:

• Local tenderness and pain (deep, dull ache) on the outside part of the elbow.
• Tightness in the forearm muscles, and
• Weak grip strength

Preventing tennis elbow can be difficult but avoiding any strain to the forearm and wrist will help you avoid the condition altogether, or at least stop the symptoms from getting worse. To stop tennis elbow from developing or coming back as a reoccurring injury, try the following:

• stop the activity that is causing pain, or attempt another way of doing it that does not cause pain or stress to the arm.
• warm up properly and gently stretch your arm muscles before playing a sport that involves repetitive arm movements
• use lightweight tools or racquets and make the grip a size bigger, to avoid putting extra strain on your tendons
• wear a tennis elbow splint when you’re using your arm (not while resting or sleeping) to stop further damage to your tendons. Ask a healthcare professional  for advice about the best type of splint to use
• include strengthening exercises into workout plan, to increase the strength of your forearm muscles.

 
Osteopathy is a holistic approach to treating musculoskeletal aliments. It can be used to diagnose, treat and prevent MSK conditions. Osteopathy is a complimentary form of treatment that can be used alongside other forms of treatment such as physiotherapy.

Osteopathic therapy is aimed at reducing any pain and muscular imbalance that is experienced, as well as restoring the affected area to its optimally function and mobility. Techniques such as massage, stretching and joint manipulation may be used to reduce muscle tightness and relieve pan. Treatment will also focus on any underlying issues which contributed to the injury.

During a consult the osteopath will take your detailed case history, perform a thorough exam of your arm from shoulder to fingertips. Once they have diagnosed your condition they will advise you on how to manage the pain. By suggesting that you modify your physically activity to reduce further strain to the injured elbow. This can include taking time off sports until the injury has fully healed. Or adjusting your work station to properly support your entire body when working. The osteo may also prescribe you with an exercise and rehabilitation program to improve your strength and increase your range of motion.

At OsteoVision, our musculoskeletal specialists are trained to treat a wide range of conditions. Please contact us if you would like to discuss your symptoms, would like to book an appointment, or require more information about the elbow and what conditions may affect it.

Call:     03303  904 300
Email:  info@osteovision.life
You can also book an appointment online at www.osteovision.life