What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is an overuse injury that causes pain on the outer aspect of the elbow. A group of muscles on the back of the forearm (called the forearm extensors) which have a common bony attachment to the outer part of the elbow called the ‘lateral epicondyle’. These muscles attach to the bone via a tendon. The tendon becomes damaged due to high force contractions or excessive repetition and causes pain – the condition is called ‘Lateral Epicondylitis’.

What are the symptoms?

• Pain when bending or lifting the arm
• Pain when straightening the elbow
• Localised elbow pain that is worsened with touch
• Pain worsening with gripping, opening doors and carrying heavy items

What causes Tennis Elbow?

Ironically, tennis elbow is seen more commonly in non-tennis players than in tennis players.

Patients with this condition complete activities that involve repeated wrist movements, often against resistance. This can be:

• Racket sports
• Painting
• Chopping wood
• Using a screwdriver
• Working at a computer – typing and using the mouse

 

 

 

 

 

Physiotherapy for tennis elbow:

 

The goal of Physiotherapy for tennis elbow is to unload the extensor tendon to speed up the healing process and ensure a safe return to all activities.

 

We often use a variety of treatments to do this such as:

• Taping to unload the tendon
• Acupuncture to improve blood flow to the tendon
• Soft tissue massage and trigger point release of the forearm muscles to alleviate pressure on the tendon
• Joint mobilization to allow improved movement at the elbow
• Exercise prescription to strengthen the forearm muscles and heal the tendon

 

If you have a tennis elbow injury and would like to get back to healthy, pain-free living, please call or visit

Tel:      (416) 477-1101

E-mail: reception@priclinic.com

Web:   www.priclinic.com