Elbow-Pain-Private Physiotherapy
Are you suffering from elbow pain?
Possible causes of tennis elbow
The most common cause of this condition is repetitive strain on the elbow, muscles and tendons and is often caused by an increase in sporting activities, namely racquet sports. This is due to the fact that these sports have a markedly higher level of tension applied to those key regions.
Other activities that can aggravate and cause issue with this problem are gardening, lifting or carrying heavy objects or even keyboard usage. The first two share a lot in common to racquet sports, in that the constant need to grip leaves all of the muscles and tendons on the outside of your forearm in constant tension, which can lead to discomfort and pain. Extended use of a keyboard and/or laptop can also aggravate this type of pain. Incorrect positioning of the arm on the desk or table can aggravate the pain, so it’s important to assess your workstation if you are experiencing this type of discomfort
Most often the injury is caused by on of the following:
- Racquet sports – from increased playing, incorrect racquet technique or change of stroke/technique
- Gardening- excessive digging can sometimes cause this type of pain.
- Unaccustomed lifting/carrying
- Keyboard use – due to the forearm being turned in and down for long periods.
Treatment – Private Physiotherapy
Tennis elbow is a condition that given time and rest will eventually go away. However treatment can expedite the process and ease any symptoms. Icing the afflicted area for a few minutes several times a day can be used to help alleviate any pain. In combination with rest, stretching and moving it to ensure that is gets some level of mild exercise while in recovery can also be beneficial. Once the main pain from the condition has faded, the incorporation of guided and gentle exercises to stregnthen the involved muscle groups could be beneficial to help prevent future problems presenting themselves.
There are also a few other things that can be done if these do not work or you wish to aid in the recovery more.
- Applying ice
- Stretching the muscles in and surrounding the elbow.
- Graded strengthening of the muscles.
- Epicondylitis clasp (strap) can sometimes help alleviate the pain.
- Postural assessment and correction.
If tennis elbow persists, it may need further intervention from physiotherapy as long term tendon injuries can be very difficult to resolve if they are left untreated.
If you are struggling with any of the above and would like to have an assessment, get in touch today. We have both face to face and virtual appointments available at our private physiotherapy clinics in London, Lewisham and Southend on Sea. Click here to contact us now