Tennis Elbow Treatment

Premier Therapy Solutions has years of experience working with tennis players and offers the latest, non-invasive tennis elbow treatment solutions for professionals and everyday players. Tennis elbow (tendonitis lateral epicondylitis), also known as lateral epicondylitis, is an acutely painful condition that occurs when tendons on the lower arm and wrist are overloaded, most often by repetitive, prolonged movements of the arm and wrist. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not the only area where athletes are affected. Those whose jobs involve the repetitive, high-velocity movements which often cause tennis elbow include lumberjacks, plumbers, sportsmen, carpenters, and butchers. Tennis elbow can be chronic or acute, meaning that it arises suddenly and lasts for several weeks or months, or it can be a long-term condition that occurs on a periodic basis. The condition is more common among American men than women and is almost twice as likely in male tennis players as in female tennis players.

The usual treatment for tennis elbow consists of anti-inflammatory drugs and a program of therapeutic exercise. Manual therapy is used to strengthen and correct weak muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This type of physical therapy is recommended after minor injuries have healed because it helps speed the return to sporting performance. Manual therapy is particularly helpful to athletes and weightlifters with wrist injuries, as the muscles become stronger through manual therapy.

Patients are advised to refrain from activities that aggravate their condition for at least six months. This will help them avoid the activities that put extra stress on their arm and wrist ligaments. They may be allowed to participate in lightweight and resistance training exercises, swimming, or aerobics for a few weeks. During this period, they can increase strength and use the stretching exercises that are part of physical therapy in the short term.

For a tennis elbow patient to prevent playing tennis elbow in the future, it is important to learn proper stretching exercises before, during, and after each playing session. By learning these exercises, and using them correctly, tennis players can avoid injury and fully protect their muscles, tendons, and ligaments. The backhand and forehand strokes, the two most common strokes in playing tennis, cause the greatest amount of stress to these tissues. Many of these movements involve bending the elbow or wrist, so players should focus on stretching their muscles during these activities.

Other risk factors for tennis elbow include obesity, age, and standing for long periods of time. Women are more likely to develop this condition than men, and the risk factors tend to be similar between the ages of 30 and 50. Obesity increases the risk factors for tennis elbow because extra weight places additional stress on the arm. Athletes are at an increased risk for the condition because of increased forces on the muscles of the arm. It is recommended that athletes do not participate in intense physical activity of any kind while they have tennis elbow, as it worsens.

Treatment options vary depending on the severity of the condition. Mild to moderate tennis elbow does not require medical treatment. In some cases, physiotherapy may help to reduce the pain and reduce the swelling. Patients may require surgery if there is a tear or rip in the tendons or muscles. This is usually indicated when a large tear is present or if there is nerve damage present. Call Premier Therapy Solutions today if you have any questions about tennis elbow treatment for professionals and everyday players.