What we Treat / Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) is a common cause of elbow pain. Tennis Elbow is characterised by pain over the outer side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. Despite the name, Tennis Elbow does not just afflict tennis professionals. In fact, this common elbow problem (it affects about 3% of the population) is most often associated with work-related activities, although racquet sports players are more prone to the condition and account for approximately 5% of all sufferers. Tennis Elbow is equally common in men and women, peaking in prevalence between the ages of 30 and 50.
Tennis Elbow usually begins as inflammation of the extensor tendons of the forearm as they attach to the Humerus (upper arm) bone, just above the elbow joint. Typically this inflammation is caused by prolonged gripping activities such as hammering, driving screws, weight lifting, playing certain musical instruments, canoeing, digging in the garden, driving and, of course, racquet sports. If these activities are continued, then the inflammatory nature of Tennis Elbow can give rise to a chronic tendon problem that is characterised by pain, weakness and degeneration of the tendon. This elbow problem can then be very persistent and much more difficult to treat.
Tennis Elbow is very easy to diagnose. There is pain when the Lateral Epicondyle (outermost part of the elbow) is touched, and also if the elbow is straight and the hand is moved forward and back at the wrist. The elbow pain is made worse by gripping activities and, in some cases, simple things like turning a door handle can cause intense pain.
During the early phase of Tennis Elbow, when it is characterised by inflammation, our physios will apply cold therapy and electrotherapy.. Rest is important but if it's not possible to rest completely then a compression strap (elbow support) can be very effective at reducing the stress on the painful area, whilst allowing the user to continue with activities. We have such supports for sale in our retail section of the clinic.
Once the severe elbow pain has subsided rehabilitation under the supervision of one our Physios can cure the problem and prevent a recurrence. A progressive strengthening programme using resistance bands has been shown to be the best long term approach to Tennis Elbow.
