Tennis Elbow
With the Australian Open just around the corner, and our favourite Australian Alex De Minaur looking hot to trot, what better time to talk about a common condition affecting the elbow joint: ‘Tennis Elbow’.
You may already be aware of the term Tennis Elbow, however you may not realise that it affects more people than simply those who play tennis. Tennis Elbow commonly affects carpenters, painters, plumbers and those whose occupations require repetitive motions of the wrist. In this blog we will explore the causes, symptoms, treatment and management strategies of Tennis Elbow.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow, clinically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a condition characterised by inflammation of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow (the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow joint).
Causes & Risk Factors:
Repetitive Stress: The primary cause of Tennis Elbow is repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to micro-tears in the tissue.
Poor Technique: Incorrect technique during activities such as tennis strokes, improper backhand techniques, or inadequate grip size can contribute to the development of Tennis Elbow.
Overuse: Rapid increases in load from excessive use without adequate rest can lead to flare ups.
Symptoms:
Pain: The most common symptom is pain on the outer part of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm.
Weak Grip: Individuals may experience weakness in their grip strength.
Stiffness: Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning or after periods of inactivity, can also be a sign of Tennis Elbow.
Treatment:
Soft Tissue Manipulation: Techniques such as myofascial release and soft tissue manipulation can help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area.
Joint Mobilisation: Gentle mobilisation of the elbow joint can enhance range of motion and reduce stiffness.
Muscle Energy Techniques: Osteopaths employ specific muscle contraction techniques to address imbalances and restore proper muscle function around the elbow joint.
Lifestyle and Exercise Prescription: Health practitioners may provide tailored exercise programs and advice on ergonomic modifications to prevent re-injury and promote overall well-being.
Management:
Rest: Giving the area time to rest, and ice application, can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
Brace or Strap: Wearing a brace or strap around the forearm may provide support and alleviate stress on the affected tendons.
Proper Technique: Athletes should focus on proper technique and body mechanics to prevent overuse injuries.
Strength and Flexibility Exercises: Incorporating strengthening and flexibility exercises into regular workouts can help prevent recurrence.
Preparation: If you have started a new activity begin slowly and increase the load by small amounts each week. This will give your muscles and tendons time to adapt and reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
As the Australian Open approaches, athletes and tennis enthusiasts should be mindful of the potential risks associated with Tennis Elbow. At Be Well Health Group Geelong we offer a comprehensive and personalised approach to managing and preventing this common sports injury. If you're experiencing symptoms similar to Tennis Elbow, consulting with one of our healthcare professionals can be a crucial step towards recovery and injury prevention.
Liam
Photo by Unsplash.