Tennis Elbow

Repetitive contraction of the forearm muscles during hand and forearm activities can shorten the extensor muscles, causing strain and micro-tears in the common extensor tendon. The strain and micro-tearing of the tendon eventually develops into pain and swelling at the site of attachment on the outer elbow.

 

Individuals that suffer from tennis elbow will often experience tenderness and pain at the outer elbow, which can radiate from the outside of the elbow down the forearm. Some may also develop pain and weakness when opening jars, using a screwdriver, playing racket sports, or shaking hands. 
 
Despite its name “tennis elbow” often affects people who do not play tennis. Those most at risk are those whose jobs or activities involve repetitive use of the hands and forearms such as: carpenters, weightlifters, crossfitters, office and construction workers.
 
Like all forms of tendinitis and tendinopathies, the best way to manage tennis elbow is to avoid it. Below are 3 tips to help prevent tennis elbow.
 
Prevention

Perform a pre-activity or pre-work warm up

• Before performing work or sports related activities take a few minutes to warm the muscles of hands, forearm, upper arms and shoulders. This can be as simple as gently massaging these areas. 

Stretching

• Develop a daily stretching routine that targets the muscles of the hands, forearms, upper arms and shoulders.

Rest days

• Take days off from activities that can aggravate the condition. If you perform repetitive tasks that involve gripping or typing during the week try and avoid these movements and tasks on your days off. 

If the pain from your tennis elbow continues to persist gives us a call to find out how we might be able to help you.                                                   

To book an appointment or a free 15 minute assessment please click here

Ryan Samuels
Registered Acupuncturist & Chinese Medicine Herbalist 

 

References:

Legge, David, Close To The Bone: The treatment of painful musculoskeletal disorders with acupuncture and other forms of Chinese medicine (Sydney college press, 3rd ed,2011)