Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, it can occur in anyone who performs repetitive wrist and arm motions, not just tennis players.
Signs and Symptoms:
- Pain on the outer part of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm. Pain often worsens with activities that involve gripping or lifting.
- Tenderness when pressing on the lateral epicondyle (the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow).
- Weakness in the forearm, making it difficult to perform tasks that require grip strength.
- Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning or after prolonged periods of inactivity.
- Increased pain when performing wrist extension or gripping actions.
Physiotherapy Managements:
- Manual Therapy : Techniques such as soft tissue mobilization and joint mobilization to improve mobility and reduce tension in the surrounding muscles.
- Pain Management :Use of modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Kinesiology tape to help reduce stress placed on the elbow
- Exercise Therapy:
- Stretching Exercises: Gentle stretching of the wrist extensors to improve flexibility and reduce tension in the forearm.
- Strengthening Exercises: Gradual strengthening of the forearm muscles, starting with isometric exercises and progressing to resistance exercises focused on wrist extension and grip strength.
- Functional Exercises: Incorporating activities that mimic daily tasks or sports movements to prepare the elbow for return to activity.
- Education : Educating patients about the condition, its causes, and the importance of activity modification to avoid aggravating the injury.
- Progressive Loading : Gradual reintroduction to sports and activities, ensuring the elbow can tolerate increased loads without pain.
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