Is lifting a cup up difficult right now due to pain in the outside region of your elbow? Struggling to grip things because of pain in the elbow? You may be experiencing something called Tennis elbow!
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury of the elbow. The muscles that open our fingers and move our wrist upwards insert into the bone in the outer region of the elbow called the lateral epicondyle.
It is important to remember that even though the term ‘tennis elbow’ is used to describe the condition, the injury itself does not just happen because you play tennis. The injury occurs to anyone that is involved in repetitive manual work such as housewives, construction workers, gardeners and racquet sports players.
Common signs and symptoms of Tennis Elbow pain include:
- Tenderness to touch on the bone outside of the elbow
- Weakness and pain with gripping
- Pain with provoking activity
- In severe cases constant pain in the elbow
Why does Tennis Elbow happen?
Lateral epicondylitis is classified as an overuse injury that may result in hyaline degeneration of the origin of the extensor tendon. Overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and elbow together with repetitive contractions or manual tasks can put too much strain on the elbow tendons leading to the development of Tennis Elbow.
The 3 main reasons why pain is present is:
- Inflammation of the tendon of the extensor muscles inserting into the lateral epicondyle.
- Microscopic tears of the tendon of the extensor’s muscles due to repeated use.
- Degenerative changes due to prolonged wear and tear.
How can Physio Ready help?
At Physio Ready our physiotherapists will help you overcome Tennis Elbow pain by providing instant relief of pain using mobilisation with movement techniques (Mulligan’s method) and specific taping methods. Mobilisation with movement is a specific technique used to correct the movement pattern of the elbow joint to reduce the tension and stress placed on the elbow tendon that is the culprit behind Tennis Elbow Pain. This is achieved through applying sustained pressure in the elbow joint in specific ways. You should notice immediate relief in elbow pain with this technique. Once the method has been performed taping will be performed so that the effects remain while you are away from physiotherapy. Once the pain is relieved therapeutic exercises will be given to strengthen the elbow joint and correct the movement pattern so that in future tension and stress is not built up in the elbow extensor tendons.
Want to make an appointment for your Tennis Elbow Pain?
Contact Physio Ready today on (02) 9249 9122 for Ryde Clinic or (02) 8622 1681 for Ermington Clinic.