Tennis and Golfer's Elbow
With our extensive range of treatment options, we have excellent results in treating tennis and golfer’s elbow
Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy
Tennis elbow has changed its name. Its medical name was lateral epicondylitis, as it was believed the cause of the pain was inflammation. (The lateral epicondyle is a small area of bone on the outside of your elbow and ‘itis’ means inflammation.) New research has shown that although there is inflammation in the early stages, the problem is really one of degeneration caused by overuse that results in a tendinopathy – hence the new name – Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy.
Typical activities causing the tendinopathy include keyboard work, tennis or other racket sport, house work and manual labour. These involve repetitive movements or poor technique into wrist extension or turning the forearm and wrist back and forth (pronation and supination) creating tiny tears within the forearm and elbow muscles and tendons.
Typical symptoms include
- Elbow pain that may radiate into the upper or lower arm and occasionally into the 3rd and 4th finger.
- Pain and potential weakness with grip strength and lifting.
- Recent change in biomechanics e.g. increased level of activity, new racket, poor technique or injury involving neck, shoulder, wrist or elbow.
Treatment
A typical treatment regimen may include a combination of treatments such as massage, cross friction, instrument assisted soft tissue manipulation, K-Laser, dry needling, stretching and strengthening exercises and advice regarding the use of an elbow brace support. We always make treatment plans in discussion with the patient so that we can meet their needs and wishes.
