What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common term for lateral epicondylitis. You don't have
to play tennis to develop this condition, it actually happens
frequently with repetitive tasks done in poor postural positions, such
as typing at too high of a desk. The muscles that extend your wrist and
fingers actually attach to the bony outside of your elbow.
Typically with tennis elbow, severe tenderness will be present around the bony area on the outside of the elbow. This can cause pain with gripping objects, lifting objects, twisting of the forearm and more.
What is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow is a general term for medial epicondylitis. This is
similar to tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), except that it is on
the inside bony area of the elbow. Reasons for this occurring are
similar to that of tennis elbow where there is an overuse of the muscles
that flex your wrist and fingers. These muscle tendons attach to the
inside elbow bony area, and overuse results in irritation.
How occupational or physical therapy can help
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow can be treated very effectively with occupational or physical therapy. Modalities such as ultrasound, heat and ice can
assist with reducing swelling quickly in the irritated tendons.
Furthermore, hands on therapy for the tissues and joints helps to
restore normal joint movement, break up any scar adhesions in the tissue
and bring circulation to the area to promote healing.
As the pain subsides, the focus is shifted to making sure your proper range of motion in the elbow and wrist are returned to normal. Gentle strengthening programs are started to help support the affected area and regain your strength. In addition, we educate you on proper posture and techniques to manage work and repetitive activities so the condition does not continue. Call us today to discover how we can help quickly relieve your tennis elbow or golfer's elbow pain.
