Tennis Elbow is NOT just for tennis players
Tennis Elbow is a painful overuse injury that affects the elbow and lower arm. It is also known as lateral epicondylitis.
But only a small number of people with Tennis Elbow get it from playing tennis. In fact, anyone who performs repeated tasks with their hands and arms is at risk for getting tennis elbow.
The good new is, Tennis Elbow responds well to a combination of therapies. Like Active Release and Graston therapy. In fact, many of Dr. McGahey’s patients report relief in just a few short visits. That means a faster return to activity with less time off.
Read on to learn more about Tennis Elbow. And when you’re ready, give Dr. McGahey at Eastside Chiropractic Group a call. He’s been helping people with Tennis Elbow get out of pain since 1998. Chances are he can help you too!
What is Tennis Elbow?
Pro Tip: Don’t grip the ball and racket with the same hand!
Tennis Elbow is a painful overuse injury. It affects the muscles on the outside of your forearm where they attach to the elbow. Over time, wear and tear on these muscles can cause pain, inflammation and stiffness around the elbow. It can make even simple tasks like gripping, swinging a racket, and even typing painful and difficult.
Tennis Elbow is more common in men than women. It often occurs between the ages of 30-50, but can occur in younger individuals, especially athletes. While Tennis Elbow affects the outside of the forearm and elbow, it shouldn’t be confused with Golfer’s Elbow. A similar injury which causes pain on the inside of the elbow.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis Elbow – the injury occurs where the muscles/tendons attach to the elbow
The muscles on the back of your forearm help move the wrist and fingers when gripping, lifting and even typing. When they are used a lot, they can become fatigued and sore. If overuse continues, tiny tears can form where these muscles attach to the elbow (3). The result is inflammation, pain, and scar tissue. Without proper treatment, this can lead to chronic pain, weakness and further injury.
Tennis Elbow can result from playing racket sports. But it’s even more common with computer use and typing, assembly work, hand work and physical labor. Symptoms tend to come on slowly, but not always. Sometimes trauma, like banging your elbow against something, can cause Tennis Elbow to occur more quickly.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
Tennis Elbow pain is worse with gripping and squeezing (and not just a racket)
The most common Tennis Elbow symptoms are pain and stiffness around your elbow. Pain may also spread down your forearm toward your wrist, or above your elbow. As Tennis Elbow worsens, you may begin to lose grip strength, or have numbness or tingling in your hand. Symptoms usually develop slowly over a period of time, but can come on quickly.
Even though it’s an elbow injury, tennis elbow is often more painful when using your hands. Especially with gripping and squeezing. Gripping a racket, shaking hands, holding a coffee cup, and typing area examples. If left untreated, Tennis Elbow can become chronic and make these movements too painful to perform.
Tennis Elbow Treatment That Works
For tennis elbow treatment to work, three things need to happen:
- Reduce inflammation around the elbow
- Break up scar tissue in the soft tissues around the elbow and forearm
- Return normal function to the elbow and wrist
Active Release Techniques can accomplish these three objectives in a short period of time, with dramatic results and a quick return to activity. People with Tennis Elbow often report a dramatic decrease in elbow pain after just a few treatments. In addition, Chiropractic can help improve joint motion in the elbow and wrist, decreasing the strain placed on the muscles during activity.
Ready to Feel Better?
Has your tennis game gone to the dogs? We can help!
If elbow pain is interfering with your life, or your tennis game, don’t ignore the warning signs. If left untreated, Tennis Elbow may lead to chronic pain or a more serious injury. Dr. McGahey can help you get to the source of the problem, and create a treatment plan to help eliminate your pain as quickly as possible.
Get Help Now!
No referral is necessary. Just call or click today to schedule a visit with Dr. McGahey. You’ll be glad you did!