Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendons of the arm. Tennis Elbow tends to be a common injury and mostly occurs because of overuse. Despite the name of tennis elbow, these injuries occur quite often in people who do not play these sports, rather it is an overuse or repetitive use that may occur because of work or activities that inflame these tendons. Tennis elbow can happen to anyone, but it is more common in people over the age of 40. Tennis elbow or repetitive motions like grabbing a racquet or during a swing can strain muscles and put stress on the tendons they attach to. These constant movements cause microscopic tears in the tissue.

Causes of Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):

• Tennis, racquetball, squash, fencing, weightlifting, carpentry, typing, painting, raking or knitting are among the causes of tennis elbow.

Symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness in the bone outside of the elbow. The pain can radiate into the upper or lower arm, but mostly lower arm.
• Most pain will occur when lifting, making a fist, gripping an object, opening a door or shaking hands

Treatment:

Treatment includes initially reducing pain, inflammation, and swelling. Next, strengthening weak muscles and stretching contracted muscles is recommended. Physiotherapy, Massage Therapy, and Acupuncture can all be effective in treating these conditions. In chronic cases, shockwave therapy also works really well. For more info contact us at 905-273-5433 or visit www.dynamicphysiotherapy.ca