What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players; it can affect anyone who engages in repetitive gripping or wrist extension activities.

What causes tennis elbow?

Like most injuries, tennis elbow is a result of a discrepancy between the capacity of the tendons to handle stress and the demands placed on them. Repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons can lead to tiny tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle. This repetitive strain can result from activities like tennis (especially backhand strokes), typing, using hand tools, or any repetitive gripping and lifting motions.

What are symptoms of tennis elbow?

Symptoms of tennis elbow include

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.

• Weakness in the affected arm.

• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects.

• Stiffness in the elbow.

• Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting.
  

How do you treat tennis elbow?

The practitioners at Mountain Health and Performance may suggest a combination of therapies and at-home management strategies, including:

• Rest: Giving your elbow a break from the activities that worsen the pain.

• Exercise/rehab: Exercises and stretching can play a crucial role in managing and rehabilitating tennis elbow. The goal is to strengthen the muscles around the forearm, improve flexibility, and promote overall joint health

• Soft tissue therapy: Soft tissue therapy can be a helpful component in the management of tennis elbow, aiming to address muscle tightness, improve flexibility, and reduce tension in the affected area.

• Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment approach that uses low-level light to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue healing.

• Shockwave therapy: Stimulates blood flow, reduces pain and promotes tissue regeneration. Best suited for tennis elbow that has persisted for 3+ months.

• Bracing: Bracing can be a helpful support for managing tennis elbow by providing compression to the affected area and reducing strain on the tendons. Remember that while a brace can be beneficial for symptom management, addressing the root causes through rehabilitation exercises and lifestyle modifications is crucial for long-term improvement.

Managing tennis elbow often involves a combination of these approaches, and recovery time varies from person to person.