Tennis Elbow
lateral epicondylitis or as it is more commonly known Tennis elbow is where the muscle tendons in the forearm responsible for controlling the extension actionof the wrist become irritated and inflamed. Tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive over usewith activities or sports such as tennis or using a screwdriver. The inflammation that occurs is usually at the point where the tendons attach onto the outer part of the elbow. Pain is often described as a dull ‘toothache’ type pain that tends to be there all the time, worse at night, and the sudden acute pain you can get when turning a door knob. Tennis elbow will eventually get better even without treatment, but your osteopath may be able to help you have a quicker recovery.
You may notice pain:
- on the outside of your upper forearm, just below the bend of your elbow
- when lifting or bending your arm
- when gripping small objects, such as a pen
- when twisting your forearm, such as turning a door handle or opening a jar
You may also find it difficult to fully extend your arm.
Read more about the symptoms of tennis elbow.
Who is affected by tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is a common musculoskeletal condition. It’s estimated that as many as one in three people have tennis elbow at any given time.
Each year in the UK, about five in every 1,000 people go to see their GP about tennis elbow.
The condition usually affects adults and is more common in people who are 40-60 years of age. Men and women are equally affected.
How can GA Osteopaths help you?
GA Osteopaths treat this condition routinely usingmanual therapy techniques, such as massage and mobility to relieve pain and stiffness. By doing this we encourage blood flow to your arm which helps with the repair process. GA Osteopathswill also show you exercises you can do to keep your arm mobile and strengthen your forearm muscles. Occasionally we may suggest in the short term the use of an orthoses – such as a brace, strapping, support bandage or splint.