Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. It is often caused by repetitive or overuse movements of the wrist and arm, such as those involved in playing tennis, hence the name. However, anyone who performs repetitive motions with their forearm and wrist can develop tennis elbow, including painters, carpenters, and assembly line workers.
At Al Hanif Physiotherapy and Hijama Centre, we have treated many cases of tennis elbow over the years. In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment of tennis elbow in physiotherapy.
Causes of Tennis Elbow:
The primary cause of tennis elbow is repetitive or overuse movements of the forearm and wrist. When these muscles are repeatedly used, tiny tears can develop in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. This can result in pain and inflammation in the outer part of the elbow.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain in the outer part of the elbow, which may also radiate down the forearm. The pain may be exacerbated by gripping, twisting, or lifting activities involving the affected arm. Other symptoms may include weakness in the affected arm, stiffness in the elbow joint, and difficulty in fully extending the arm.
Treatment of Tennis Elbow:
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment for tennis elbow. At Al Hanif Physiotherapy and Hijama Centre, our physiotherapists develop personalized treatment plans for each patient, based on their specific symptoms and needs.
The first step in treating tennis elbow is to rest the affected arm and avoid any activities that exacerbate the pain. Our physiotherapists may also recommend using a brace or splint to immobilize the affected arm, which can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
Once the acute symptoms of tennis elbow have subsided, our physiotherapists will work with patients to develop a rehabilitation program that focuses on stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm and wrist. These exercises can help to improve flexibility and reduce pain in the affected area.
In addition to exercise therapy, our physiotherapists may also use other treatment modalities, such as ultrasound therapy, manual therapy, and acupuncture to reduce pain and inflammation in the elbow joint.
Conclusion:
Tennis elbow is a common condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. At Al Hanif Physiotherapy and Hijama Centre, we have extensive experience in treating tennis elbow using physiotherapy techniques. If you are experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, we encourage you to contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced physiotherapists. We will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your specific needs and helps you to achieve a full recovery.
