Tennis elbow, don’t be fooled by the name!
Just because you don’t serve aces like Rafa, you may still be affected by tennis elbow as only approximately 5% of cases are actually tennis related!
‘Tennis elbow’ or lateral epicondylalgia, is a common repetitive strain injury to the wrist extensor muscles which attach on the outside of the elbow. These muscles are responsible for the movement of both the wrist and fingers.
The injury occurs when the tendons can no longer withstand the repetitive strain placed upon them and then undergo micro trauma which can cause pain. Tennis elbow is common in racquet, lifting or throwing sports but more commonly, we see this condition in occupations that require repetitive single-sided movements such as tradies, butchers, hairdressers and desk workers.
How does it present?
- Pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow
- Pain that radiates upward along the arm or downward towards the outer forearm and wrist
- Loss of grip strength
- Pain with lifting objects
Treatment
Tennis elbow can clear up on its own with rest and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but can last anywhere from six months to 2 years.
The team at Williamstown Health and Lifestyle are able to fast-track the healing process and get you back to doing what you love by:
- providing education
- activity modification
- hands-on treatment
- exercise prescription
Additionally, the use of shockwave therapy has been scientifically proven to significantly decrease pain and symptoms as well as speed up recovery times.
At Williamstown Health and Lifestyle, we understand that every individual is different, therefore our treatment plans are tailored to meet each person’s individual needs.
We look forward to helping you overcome your tennis elbow and getting back on the court in no time!
If you think you might be suffering from tennis elbow or require more information, feel free to get in contact with one of our practitioners or make a booking online.
Peter Vlahos – Osteopath
References:
Bayram, K., Yesil, H., & Dogan, E. (2014). Efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Northern clinics of Istanbul, 1(1), 33–38. https://doi.org/10.14744/nci.2014.77487
Waseem, M., Nuhmani, S., Ram, C. and Sachin, Y., 2012. Lateral epicondylitis: A review of the literature. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, 25(2), pp.131-142.
