Tennis elbow is a common injury that occurs when the forearm muscles and tendons become inflamed due to overuse. This can result in persistent pain and difficulty moving the forearm. Physiotherapy, also known as physical therapy, is a popular treatment option for tennis elbow, as it focuses on restoring movement and function to the affected area.
Our Physiotherapist, Barry, will work with you to assess your condition and determine the best course of treatment. This may include manual therapy, which involves using hands-on techniques to manipulate and release tension in the affected muscles and tendons. Additionally, he will help to show you exercises to carry out at home in order to help strengthen your forearm muscles and improve flexibility. These exercises are designed to target the specific muscles and tendons that are affected by tennis elbow. By following a physiotherapy program, you can expect to see improvements in your range of motion and a reduction in pain and inflammation.
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Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the lateral or outer, side of the elbow joint. It typically arises due to overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, particularly the extensor tendons, which attach to the lateral bony part of the elbow. This overuse can cause the tendon to become inflamed, resulting in pain and tenderness in the lateral elbow area. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players and can occur in anyone who regularly performs repetitive gripping or twisting motions with their forearm.
In addition, activities such as gardening, painting, and carpentry can also cause lateral epicondylitis.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow include mild to severe pain in the outer elbow, weakness or stiffness in the forearm, and difficulty gripping or holding objects.
Treatment for tennis elbow typically begins with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. In more severe cases, physiotherapy may be recommended to help strengthen the forearm and prevent future injury. With prompt and appropriate treatment, most cases of tennis elbow can be successfully managed, allowing you to return to your normal activities without pain or discomfort.
Our Physiotherapist, Barry, can help by using manual therapy and exercise to strengthen the muscles around the elbow joint. Gentle stretching exercises can also help to improve joint mobility and prevent further injury. He will assess the affected area and develop a customised treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. By combining manual therapy with exercise, patients can achieve long-term relief from the pain and discomfort of tennis elbow.
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Tendon pain at the elbow is a common condition, especially among athletes and manual laborers. This is known as tennis elbow, characterised by persistent pain on the outer part of the elbow. Tendons are fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones, allowing us to move and perform tasks. They are able to change their shape and strength over time to accommodate the body’s demands. However, sudden increase in load or repetitive movements can cause micro-tears and inflammation on the tendon, leading to pain and discomfort. Activities such as gripping, lifting, and twisting can put excessive strain on the tendons, resulting in tennis elbow. Additionally, studies have shown that some cases of tendon pain at the elbow can be attributed to rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the joints. Treatment for tendon pain typically involves rest, ice, and physical therapy to strengthen the affected area and prevent further injury. In severe cases, surgery may be required. Seeking medical attention early on and taking preventive measures such as proper technique and warm-up exercises can help reduce the risk of tendon pain at the elbow.
Tennis elbow is a condition that affects the tendons surrounding the forearm. It is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly the extensor muscles responsible for gripping objects. Pain is typically felt on the outside of the elbow and can range from mild to severe. If you are experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek the help of a physiotherapist who can assess and treat the issue. In addition to physiotherapy sessions, there are exercises that can be done to increase strength and flexibility in the affected area. These exercises for tennis elbow may include wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and forearm pronation and supination exercises. It is important to note that proper form and progression of these exercises is crucial to avoid further injury. A physiotherapist can guide you through a personalised plan that will target your specific needs and address any underlying issues contributing to your tennis elbow. Do not let tennis elbow interfere with your daily life – seek the help of a qualified professional to alleviate your pain and prevent further injury.
As we have mentioned, tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outside of your elbow, leading to inflammation and microtears in the tendons.
The duration of tennis elbow can vary, and it largely depends on the severity of the injury and how well it is treated. Generally, tennis elbow can last for a few weeks to several months. Without proper treatment, tennis elbow may become chronic and can continue for years. It is best to seek advice and physio as soon as you feel the pain and symptoms occur.
If left untreated, the pain and stiffness associated with tennis elbow can persist for a long time. But with proper treatment and management, most people with tennis elbow experience significant improvement in symptoms within six to twelve months.
Tennis elbow is a common condition that affects many people, especially those who engage in repetitive motions that involve the wrist and arm muscles. It is seen in people who perform activities that involve gripping and twisting such as carpentry, painting, and plumbing.