Tennis elbow is an injury that results in pain and inflammation around the elbow. It affects tennis players and individuals engaged in repetitive arm activities. Sports physiotherapy Edmonton is crucial in managing and treating tennis elbow. Working with a sports physiotherapist allows patients to receive personalized treatment plans that address their needs.
What is a Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs due to frequent repetitive motions, such as twisting or swinging the lower arm, which place excessive stress on the elbow. This stress damages the tendon connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow. Most individuals recover within a few months with nonsurgical treatment and rest.
Symptoms
Pain from tennis elbow is usually felt outside the elbow, extending into the forearm and wrist. This discomfort may accompanied by localized tenderness at the lateral epicondyle. Individuals may experience reduced grip strength and difficulty with wrist extension or lifting objects. Additionally, morning stiffness or discomfort often worsens with activity.
Breaking Down The Effective Tennis Elbow Physiotherapy Techniques
The specific sports injury physiotherapy used in treating tennis elbow. These techniques, offered by experts in sports physiotherapy in Edmonton, include:
1. Pain Management Therapy
Ice Therapy
- Purpose: Ice therapy reduces inflammation and swelling by constricting blood vessels.
- Application: Apply a cloth-wrapped ice pack or frozen peas to the elbow for 15-20 minutes daily.
Heat Therapy
- Purpose: Heat therapy relaxes tight muscles and reduces stiffness. Heat enhances circulation, supporting tissue repair and reducing muscle tension.
- Application: Apply a warm heating pad to the elbow for 15-20 minutes daily.
Ultrasound Therapy
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- Purpose: Ultrasound therapy uses sound waves to heal tissue, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. It helps to break down scar tissue, which is beneficial for long-term recovery.
- Application: Enhances tissue repair and circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports nutrient delivery to accelerate healing.
2. Manual Therapy
The manual therapy method involves hands-on techniques performed by a physiotherapist to address muscle tension, pain, and restricted movement.
Soft Tissue Mobilization:
This technique manipulates the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the affected area. The physiotherapist uses their hands to apply pressure and perform specific movements on the soft tissues to break down adhesions, increase blood flow, and promote healing. By working directly on the muscles and tendons, soft tissue mobilization can help reduce pain, decrease muscle tightness, and improve the elbow’s overall function.
Myofascial Release:
Myofascial release targets the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles. Tennis elbow often involves tightness and restrictions in the fascia, leading to pain and limited movement. The physiotherapist applies sustained pressure to the fascia using their hands or specialized tools. This pressure helps release tension, reduce pain, and restore standard movement patterns. Myofascial release can be particularly beneficial for chronic cases of tennis elbow, where muscle tightness and fascial restrictions are prominent.
Joint Mobilization:
In addition to soft tissue techniques, joint mobilization may address any restrictions in the elbow joint itself. The physiotherapist performs specific movements to improve joint mobility and alignment, which can help reduce pain and improve the range of motion.
3. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment designed to address chronic pain and promote healing, especially for conditions affecting the elbow. It uses high-energy shock waves directed at the targeted area to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes by enhancing blood flow and tissue repair. ESWT helps reduce pain and inflammation by disrupting pain pathways and lowering inflammatory substances.
4. Therapeutic Exercises
Therapeutic exercise methods play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of tennis elbow.
Strengthening Exercises:
Strengthening exercises target the forearm muscles, particularly the wrist extensors and flexors, to build strength and endurance. Key exercises include:
- Wrist Extensions: Holding a lightweight, the patient extends their wrist upward and slowly lowers it back down. This exercise targets the wrist extensor muscles, which are often weak in cases of tennis elbow. It gets done for 10-15 repetitions, 2-3 sets.
- Wrist Flexions: Wrist flexions are similar to wrist extensions, but the movement involves flexing the wrist downward. This exercise strengthens the wrist flexor muscles and helps balance the muscle groups around the elbow.
Stretching Exercises:
Stretching exercises help maintain and improve flexibility in the forearm muscles, reducing tension and preventing further strain on the elbow. Key stretches include:
- Forearm Extensor Stretch: The patient extends their arm in front, with the palm facing down. Using the other hand, they gently pull the fingers back towards the body, stretching the forearm extensor muscles. This stretch is held for 20-30 seconds and repeated 2-3 times.
- Forearm Flexor Stretch: The patient extends their arm with the palm facing up. Using the other hand, they gently push the fingers towards the floor, stretching the forearm flexor muscles. This stretch is also held for 20-30 seconds and repeated 2-3 times.
5. Bracing and Support
A counterforce brace or forearm strap helps reduce strain on the elbow tendons by providing pressure that rests the tendons during activities. This support is essential for managing symptoms and promoting recovery.
Elbow Brace Application:
- Wear the brace below the elbow, positioning it over the forearm muscles.
- Ensure the brace is snug but not tight, providing consistent pressure without restricting blood flow.
- Use during activities that trigger symptoms and throughout the day as needed.
Restore The Elbow With Physiotherapy
For those struggling with tennis elbow or searching for a “sports physio near me,” consult our qualified physiotherapist at Next Step Physiotherapy Clinic, who can provide the guidance and support needed for adequate recovery of tennis elbow. Effective treatment of tennis elbow requires a comprehensive approach that combines modalities. Sports physiotherapy Edmonton is critical in managing pain. Schedule an appointment!