Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Options and How Physiotherapy Can Help
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. It is a type of repetitive strain injury that is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Tennis elbow is a common injury among tennis players, but it can also affect people who perform repetitive motions with their arms and hands, such as carpenters, plumbers, and painters.
Symptoms:
The symptoms of tennis elbow usually develop gradually over time. The most common symptom is pain on the outer part of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm. The pain may be worse when gripping objects or twisting the wrist. Other symptoms may include:
1. Stiffness in the elbow joint
2. Weakness in the forearm
3. Numbness or tingling in the fingers
4, Difficulty in lifting objects
Causes:
Tennis elbow is caused by the overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. The repeated contraction of these muscles and tendons causes tiny tears in the tissue, which can lead to inflammation and pain. Tennis elbow is commonly caused by:
1. Repetitive motions: Tennis players, golfers, and other athletes who use their arms and wrists in repetitive motions are at risk of developing tennis elbow.
2. Work-related activities: People who perform manual labor, such as carpenters, painters, and plumbers, are at risk of developing tennis elbow due to the repetitive motions they use in their work.
3. Age: As people age, the tendons in the elbow may become less flexible and more prone to injury.
Treatment:
The treatment for tennis elbow depends on the severity of the condition. Mild cases of tennis elbow can usually be treated with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications. More severe cases may require more aggressive treatment, such as physical therapy or surgery.
1. Rest: Resting the elbow and avoiding activities that aggravate the condition is the first step in treating tennis elbow. This will give the muscles and tendons time to heal.
2. Ice: Applying ice to the elbow can help reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Ice should be applied for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
3. Pain medication: Over-the-counter pain medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
4. Physical therapy: Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist will develop an exercise program to help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. They may also use techniques such as ultrasound therapy or dry needling to reduce pain and inflammation.
5, Surgery: In severe cases of tennis elbow, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged tendons.
How physiotherapy helps in tennis elbow:
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist will assess the severity of the condition and develop an exercise program to help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. The exercises will focus on improving flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the affected arm.
In addition to exercise, a physiotherapist may use other techniques to help relieve pain and inflammation, such as:
1. Assessment and diagnosis: The first step in physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow is a thorough assessment and diagnosis of the condition. The physiotherapist will evaluate the patient’s medical history, symptoms, and perform a physical examination to determine the extent of the injury. The physiotherapist may also use imaging techniques such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the extent of damage to the soft tissue.
2. Pain management: The physiotherapist will develop a pain management plan to help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. This may include the use of ice, heat therapy, or electrotherapy to help relieve pain and reduce swelling.
3. Manual therapy: Manual therapy techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching can help improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and restore function in the affected arm. The physiotherapist will use hands-on techniques to manipulate the affected joint and soft tissue, helping to reduce muscle tension and increase blood flow to the area.
4. Exercise therapy: Exercise therapy is a key component of physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow. The physiotherapist will develop an exercise program to help strengthen the muscles and tendons in the forearm and elbow. The exercises may include wrist curls, forearm curls, and resistance band exercises to help improve strength and range of motion in the affected arm.
5. Ultrasound therapy: Ultrasound therapy is a non-invasive technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. The physiotherapist will use an ultrasound machine to deliver sound waves to the affected area, helping to increase blood flow and promote healing.
6. Dry needling: Dry needling is a technique that involves the insertion of thin needles into the affected area to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and reduce pain and inflammation. The physiotherapist will insert the needles into specific trigger points in the affected muscle to help reduce muscle tension and promote healing.
7. Education and prevention: The physiotherapist will educate the patient on proper posture, ergonomics, and techniques to help prevent future injury. The physiotherapist may also recommend changes to the patient’s work or sports activities to help prevent further damage to the affected arm.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist will develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include pain management, manual therapy, exercise therapy, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, and education and prevention strategies to help reduce pain, improve function, and prevent future injury.
Also Read: How poor posture causes neck pain and back pain
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