Sports Injury
Sports injuries are a common occurrence for athletes at all levels. Whether you're an amateur or a professional, the physical demands of sports can lead to various injuries that affect your performance and
read moreTennis and golfer’s elbow are both common conditions that cause pain and discomfort in the elbow, often interfering with daily activities and sports. Despite the names, these injuries can affect anyone, not just athletes. Whether you play tennis, golf, or engage in other repetitive arm movements, tennis and golfer’s elbow can arise from overuse and improper movement patterns.
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an injury to the tendons on the outside of the elbow. It is typically caused by repetitive or prolonged motions that strain the forearm muscles and tendons, resulting in pain and inflammation. Although it is commonly associated with tennis players, it can affect anyone who performs activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions.
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons on the outer side of the elbow become overworked, often due to repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting motions. Activities like playing tennis, gardening, or using tools can trigger or worsen this condition.
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an injury to the tendons on the inside of the elbow. While it’s commonly associated with golf, it can also occur in individuals who engage in activities that involve repetitive forearm movements, such as weightlifting or throwing.
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive stress on the tendons of the inner elbow. It typically develops due to activities that involve heavy lifting, throwing, or excessive use of the forearm. Like tennis elbow, it is often the result of overuse and poor mechanics.
Physiotherapy is one of the most effective treatments for tennis and golfer’s elbow. A physiotherapist can assess your condition, identify underlying causes, and create a treatment plan to help relieve pain, improve strength, and restore function.
For both conditions, stretching and strengthening exercises are key to rehabilitation. Specific exercises can help stretch tight muscles and tendons while also strengthening the forearm muscles to better support the elbow joint. This helps improve flexibility and reduces strain on the tendons, preventing further injury.
Manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization and soft tissue massage can help relieve pain and stiffness in the elbow. By applying targeted pressure to the muscles and tendons, manual therapy helps reduce muscle tension, improve blood circulation, and increase flexibility, leading to better function of the elbow joint.
For pain and inflammation management, ice and heat therapy can be beneficial. Applying ice to the affected area helps reduce swelling and numb pain, while heat therapy improves blood flow to promote healing. Alternating between these two treatments can help alleviate symptoms and speed up recovery.
Poor posture and improper technique during physical activities can contribute to the development of tennis and golfer’s elbow. A physiotherapist can assess your posture and body mechanics, suggesting adjustments to prevent further strain on the elbow. This may include changes in the way you grip objects, how you perform repetitive tasks, or even alterations in your sports technique.
A physiotherapist may recommend using braces or supports to alleviate strain on the elbow tendons during activities. These devices help stabilize the elbow joint and reduce pressure on the tendons, allowing the healing process to occur more effectively.
Once initial pain and inflammation have subsided, a physiotherapist will introduce progressive loading exercises. These exercises help the tendons gradually adapt to stress, improving their strength and endurance. This stage of rehabilitation is crucial to ensure that the injury does not reoccur.
Tennis and golfer’s elbow are treatable with the right physiotherapy interventions. By working with a skilled physiotherapist, you can reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent future flare-ups. Early intervention is key to avoiding chronic pain and regaining full function in your arm.
If you are dealing with the discomfort of tennis or golfer’s elbow, don’t let it limit your activities. Contact us today to schedule a consultation. Let us help you relieve the pain, restore your elbow’s mobility, and get you back to doing the things you love without discomfort.