Tennis Elbow Treatment

 

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the outer part of your elbow become inflamed and damaged due to overuse. These tendons are responsible for connecting the forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outer side of the elbow. The overuse and strain on these tendons lead to the characteristic pain and discomfort of tennis elbow.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

Several factors can contribute to the development of tennis elbow:

• Repetitive Motion: Engaging in activities that require repetitive wrist and arm movements is a primary cause. While tennis is a notable example, it can also result from activities like typing, painting, or working with your hands. 

• Poor Technique: Incorrect technique during sports or manual labor can strain the forearm muscles and tendons, increasing the risk of tennis elbow.

• Age: Although it can affect people of all ages, tennis elbow is more common in individuals between 30 and 50 years old, as tendons become less flexible with age.

• Your Job: Certain professions, such as plumbing, carpentry, or landscaping, involve repetitive hand and arm motions, making workers in these fields more susceptible to tennis elbow.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain: The hallmark symptom is a persistent, aching pain on the outer part of the elbow, which can radiate down the forearm.

• Weakness: Reduced grip strength and difficulty performing everyday tasks that require hand and wrist movements, like lifting objects or opening jars.

• Tenderness: The outer part of the elbow may be tender to the touch.

• Stiffness: Stiffness in the elbow joint, particularly after periods of rest or inactivity.

• Painful Activities: Pain worsens when gripping objects, shaking hands, or turning.

 

Tennis Elbow Prevention

If you find yourself asking, "Why am I having tennis elbow?" there are several steps you can take to address the issue:

• Rest: Give your elbow a break from activities that exacerbate the pain, allowing it time to heal.

• Warm-Up and Stretch: Prior to activities, warm up and stretch your arm muscles to reduce the risk of injury.

• Acupuncture: Consult a acupuncturist for treatment of the forearm muscles and tendons.

 

How Acupuncture Can Help Ease Your Tennis Elbow Long Term

If your tennis elbow is worsening and you're anxious about the pain's effect on your daily life or the possibility of requiring a painful injection, acupuncture might be the natural solution you've been searching for.

At Poke Acupuncture we have worked with hundreds of patients suffering with agonising tennis elbow pain just like you.  We are typically able to help relieve the pain with a matter of weeks! 

Enquire today for more information about how we can help get you out of pain! (02) 5590 0232

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)