Tennis & golfers
Elbow
What is Tennis & golfers Elbow?
Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow are common overuse injuries affecting the tendons around the elbow, typically due to repetitive wrist and arm movements.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis):
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Description: Inflammation or degeneration of the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle (the inner side of the elbow). It is commonly caused by repetitive motions that involve flexing the wrist or gripping, such as in golf, throwing sports, or manual labour.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):
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Description: Involves inflammation or degeneration of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle (the outer side of the elbow). It is often caused by repetitive motions involving wrist extension, like those in tennis, racquet sports, or repetitive tasks such as typing or using tools.
Mechanism of Injury:
Both conditions result from overuse and repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. Activities that involve repetitive wrist movements or gripping, whether in sports or daily tasks, can cause small tears or degeneration in the tendons, leading to pain and inflammation.
Symptoms
Golfers Elbow symptoms:
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Pain: Located on the inner side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
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Tenderness: Around the medial epicondyle.
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Stiffness: In the elbow, particularly in the morning or after activity.
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Weakness: Reduced grip strength and difficulty with activities that require wrist flexion.
Tennis Elbow symptoms:
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Pain: On the outer side of the elbow, which can extend down the forearm.
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Tenderness: Around the lateral epicondyle.
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Stiffness: In the elbow, particularly after rest.
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Weakness: Difficulty with gripping or holding objects, and pain during wrist extension.
Treatment
Immediate Treatment:
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Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the condition.
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Pain Relief: NSAIDs like ibuprofen to manage pain.
Clinical Treatment:
In the clinic, various treatments may be used to address Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow:
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Massage Therapy:
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Deep Tissue Massage: Focuses on releasing tension and improving blood flow in the forearm muscles.
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Cross-Friction Massage: Applied directly to the tendons to promote healing and reduce adhesions.
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Ultrasound Therapy:
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Uses sound waves to reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue healing in the affected tendons.
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Dry Needling:
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Targets trigger points in the forearm muscles, relieving pain and reducing muscle tension.
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Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilisation (IASTM):
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Involves using specialised tools to break down scar tissue and adhesions, improving tendon mobility and reducing pain.
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Hot Stone Therapy:
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Applied to relax the forearm muscles, improve circulation, and reduce tension in the tendons.
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Cupping Therapy:
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Uses suction to increase blood flow, relieve muscle tension, and promote healing in the affected area.
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Rehabilitation Plans:
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Stretching Exercises: Focused on improving flexibility in the forearm muscles and tendons.
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Strengthening Exercises: Specifically targeting the wrist extensors (for Tennis Elbow) and flexors (for Golfer’s Elbow) to rebuild strength and prevent recurrence.
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Eccentric Strengthening: Exercises that focus on the controlled lengthening of the muscle, shown to be effective in tendon rehabilitation.
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Bracing or Taping: Use of forearm straps or taping techniques to offload the tendons and reduce strain during activities.
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Activity Modification: Guidance on how to adjust technique or posture to avoid overloading the tendons, whether in sports or daily activities.
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Progressive Resistance Training: Gradually increasing resistance in exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve tendon resilience.
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By incorporating these treatments and following a tailored rehabilitation plan, the goal is to alleviate pain, restore strength, and prevent future occurrences of Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow.