Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis / Elbow Pain

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury of the elbow. Despite its name, it’s not exclusive to tennis players; anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles, particularly in activities involving gripping and wrist extension, can develop tennis elbow.

Symptom

Symptoms typically include pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. The pain often worsens with activities such as gripping, lifting, or twisting motions of the wrist or forearm.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in the treatment of tennis elbow. Here are some common physiotherapy interventions used for managing tennis elbow:

1. Manual Therapy: Physiotherapists may employ various manual techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and manipulation to reduce pain, improve flexibility, and restore normal joint mechanics.
2. Exercise Prescription: Specific exercises are prescribed to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and forearm, focusing on eccentric exercises, which involve slowly lowering the weight against resistance. Strengthening exercises may include wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and gripping exercises.
3. Stretching: Stretching exercises help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Common stretches for tennis elbow target the wrist extensor muscles and forearm muscles.
4. Modalities: Physiotherapists may use modalities such as ice or heat therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation (e.g., TENS – Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), or laser therapy to reduce pain and inflammation and promote tissue healing.
5. Bracing and Taping: Using a brace or taping techniques can provide support to the affected area, relieve stress on the tendon, and assist with pain management during activities.
6. Activity Modification and Ergonomic Advice: Physiotherapists may provide guidance on modifying activities and ergonomics to reduce strain on the elbow and promote healing. This could involve adjusting workstation setups, sports equipment, or techniques used during daily activities.
7. Education: Patients are educated about the condition, its causes, and ways to prevent recurrence. They may also receive advice on self-management strategies, including home exercises and activity modification.
8. Progressive Return to Activity: Physiotherapists work with patients to gradually reintroduce activities and sports, ensuring that the elbow is adequately rehabilitated and the risk of reinjury is minimized.

Tag: #Elbowpain#Bursitis#lateralepicondylitis#tenniselbow##kickboxing#wristpain#forearmpain#healthandwellness#elbowphysiotherapy#orthopedicphysiotherapy#painmanagement.