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Can Osteopaths Treat Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects not only athletes but also anyone who engages in repetitive arm and wrist activities.
At our osteopathy clinic, we often see patients suffering from this condition, and we’re here to provide insights into its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment options.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not exclusive to tennis players. It occurs when the tendons in the elbow become inflamed due to overuse.
The pain is typically located on the outer part of the elbow and can radiate down the forearm, making everyday tasks like gripping, lifting, or even typing quite painful.
Causes of Tennis Elbow:
1. Repetitive Motions: Activities that require repetitive wrist extension can lead to this condition. This includes sports like tennis, but also jobs that involve repetitive tasks, such as painting, plumbing, or typing.
2. Poor Technique: In sports, improper technique or using the wrong equipment can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
3. Age: Tennis elbow is most common in adults aged 30 to 50, as tendons naturally lose elasticity over time.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms:
The primary symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Pain and Tenderness: A dull ache on the outer elbow that may worsen with activity.
- Weak Grip Strength: Difficulty holding objects or performing tasks that require a firm grip.
- Radiating Pain: Discomfort may extend into the forearm and wrist.
If you are experiencing these symptoms, it’s important to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent the condition from worsening.
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treating tennis elbow, focusing on the body’s overall balance and function. Here’s how we can help:
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
Our osteopaths will conduct a thorough assessment, including physical examinations and discussions about your lifestyle and activities. This helps us understand the root causes of your condition.
2. Manual Therapy
We use hands-on techniques to relieve pain and improve mobility. This can include:
- Soft Tissue Manipulation: Reducing tension in the muscles surrounding the elbow.
- Joint Mobilization: Enhancing movement in the elbow joint to alleviate stiffness.
3. Bracing and Taping
Both bracing and taping are effective management strategies for tennis elbow, providing support and pain relief:
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Bracing: A forearm strap or brace compresses the muscles and tendons, reducing strain on the elbow during activities. This helps stabilize the area and allows for healing while permitting some movement.
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Taping: Kinesiology tape can be applied to provide additional support without restricting movement. This technique helps alleviate pain and improve circulation in the affected area. Taping can also promote proper movement patterns, which is essential for recovery.
Combining both bracing and taping can enhance your support system, allowing for better pain management and facilitating a return to normal activities.
4. Rehabilitation Exercises
We’ll provide personalised rehabilitation exercises to strengthen the muscles around the elbow and improve flexibility. These exercises are crucial for recovery and preventing future injuries.
5. Lifestyle and Ergonomic Advice
We also offer guidance on how to modify activities and improve ergonomics in your daily life, reducing strain on the elbow. This might include changes in your workspace setup or adjustments to your sporting techniques.
Prevention Tips:
- Warm Up: Always warm up before engaging in physical activities. You could perform a few wrist, elbow, shoulder stretches and gentle movements.
- Strengthen Forearm Muscles: Incorporate exercises that strengthen the forearm and wrist. This may be done by holding a light weight straight in front on you & begin to bend your wrist towards and away from you (flex and extend).
- Use Proper Technique: Ensure that you are using the correct form in sports and other activities.
- Take Breaks: If your job involves repetitive motions, take regular breaks to rest your arms when you feel tension may be building up.
- Be efficient in receiving appropriate treatment: Don’t wait until it gets really painful before you come in for treatment. If you think you may be developing this condition, be seen sooner by one of our experienced Osteopaths and prevent it from worsening.
What to do now?
Tennis elbow can significantly impact your daily life, but with the right approach, recovery is entirely possible. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to our osteopathy clinic for a comprehensive assessment and tailored treatment plan. Our goal is to help you regain strength and return to your activities pain-free.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today! Your journey to recovery starts here.
We’re happy to answer any questions you might have, please email us if you need any advice! info@chadstoneregionosteo.com.au
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