Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition in which there is pain where the tendons from the forearm extensor muscles attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle). It is a degenerative condition of the common extensor tendon associated with overuse, not specifically with playing tennis.
There is pain over the outside of the elbow, which may radiate into the forearm and wrist. The pain usually comes on gradually, and is made worse by repetitive extension of the wrist (moving the back of your hand towards the back of your forearm) or rotation of the forearm. In severe cases, there may be local swelling and some activities, such as making a fist, shaking hands, carrying bags like a briefcase or groceries, lifting saucepans or turning on taps may be painful.
How Can We Help
Tennis Elbow is an inflammatory process so initial treatment may be as little as ice and some gentle stretches. Once the initial inflammation is under control our therapists at Northern Myotherapy use cross fibre frictions at the origin of the tendons to break up any adhesions. Over the years we have found that dry needles connected to a TENS machine. passing a current through the effected tendon has proved extremely beneficial to our patients.
Are you experiencing Tennis Elbow? We're here to help.