Dealing with Tennis Elbow: An Injury Not Limited to Tennis Players

Tennis elbow, more formally known as lateral elbow tendinopathy,  is a condition in which pain is felt on the outside of the elbow. It is an injury that is most certainly not limited to tennis players.

 

Pain symptoms are commonly a result of overuse or repetitive strain caused by repeated extension (bending back) of the wrist against resistance, such as with gardening, painting, chopping food, using a screwdriver or racquet sports. In today’s society where being desk-bound at work is increasingly common, using computers is the most frequent way for tennis elbow to occur in the general population.

It is most common in those aged 35-65 in both men and women and usually occurs in your dominant hand.

How is it caused?

Tennis elbow is thought to be due the breakdown of normal tendon structure in the the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (bony bump on outside of the elbow). The repetitive stress that causes the tendon structure to become disorganised can be a result of:

  • A lack of strength or flexibility in the forearm muscles.
  • An instability of the elbow joint.
  • Poor technique during sporting activities (especially tennis and golf) that puts too much strain on the elbow joint.
  • Inappropriate sporting equipment, such as using a heavy tennis racquet or having the wrong sized grip on a tennis racquet or golf club.
  • Repetitive or sustained movements of the hands and arms, such as with painting, using a screwdriver or using a mouse or keyboard. Just think of how much time an average desk-worker spends each week with these muscles contracting with every keystroke, mouse movement or click.

What are the symptoms?

  • Pain 1-2cm below the outer edge of the elbow joint.  Specific inflammation is rarely present but it extremely tender to touch.
  • Weakness in the hand and wrist with difficulty doing simple tasks such as gripping a coffee cup or shaking hands with someone.
  • Dull ache when at rest.
  • Pain on the outside of the elbow when either the wrist is extended or the middle finger straightened against resistance.
  • Pain radiating down the forearm.

How is it diagnosed?

A diagnosis is principally made through clinical testing. X-rays and scans of patients who have the diagnosis of tennis elbow are almost always normal.

How is it treated?

  • It is most important to modify aggravating activities.  Complete rest/ avoidance of aggravating activities was previously advocated however recent literature has stated that performing activities and exercises in low levels of pain enables the tendon to increase its strength and capacity.
  • Strengthening of the forearm muscles and surrounding muscles.

Professional help

If the pain in your elbow that you are managing yourself does not improve it is best to seek advice and consult with one of our physiotherapists to get an accurate diagnosis of the injury and the most appropriate treatment plan. Other sources of similar elbow pain may require different treatments eg. nerve entrapment or neural irritation.

A physiotherapist at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy can provide:

  • Manual therapy techniques such as gentle massage or myofascial release to the forearm muscles.
  • A supportive brace to reduce pain and protect the tendon whilst healing and strengthening, particularly when returning to sport/work.
  • Specific stretching exercises as appropriate (For example if there is a neural component).
  • Advise on an appropriate strengthening rehabilitation program. Specifically a research based tendinopathy rehab protocol, involving progressive loading.
  • Correction of any predisposing factors leading to tennis elbow, including assessment of the upper limb kinetic chain.
  • Dry needling has been found to an effective adjunct in the treatment of tennis elbow symptoms in conjunction with strengthening and stretching exercises.

How long will tennis elbow take to get better?

Getting treatment early can dramatically reduce your recovery time & minimise the disruption of your normal work & daily activity. Mild cases that are treated early can make a full recovery in 8-10 weeks with only mild alteration in your normal activity, especially by using the brace. However the rate of recovery differs from person to person, & in cases where the problem has been left to worsen for some time then recovery can take 6 months or more.

For more information regarding tennis elbow or to arrange an assessment of your condition contact one of the physiotherapists at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy.

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I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
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I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
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Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
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The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
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The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
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I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
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I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
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Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
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Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
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"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
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I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
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Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
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The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
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01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
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23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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