Winning The Fight Against Tennis Elbow With Physiotherapy - By Dr. Ponkhi Sharma- PT

Tennis players are taught to hit the ball with a flat-palmed 'slap' shot. In executing this stroke, the player reaches across their body and powerfully rotates their upper arm. This technique stresses the extensor muscle group of the forearm (a.k.a. golfer's or tennis elbow). It can lead to injury to one or both of these muscles as well as inflammation caused by compression injury and swelling of tissues near the radius( a particular part of the ulna). Professional players may eventually succumb to this injury through overuse - playing multiple intense matches in one day, year after year - until their elbow finally succumbs and can't be saved.

Symptoms of tennis elbow:

Tennis elbow is a common condition that occurs when the tendons in the elbow are overused. The symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, weakness in the forearm, and difficulty extending the arm. The pain may radiate down to the wrist or up to the shoulder. Tennis elbow is most often caused by repetitive motions of the arm, such as those used in tennis or other racquet sports. It can also be caused by other activities that involve repetitive motions of the arm, such as painting or using a manual screwdriver. Treatment for tennis elbow typically includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy exercises may also be recommended to help strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow. Surgery is rarely necessary.

Causes of tennis elbow:

There are many potential causes of tennis elbow, but the most common is repetitive stress on the elbow joint and surrounding muscles. This can occur from a number of activities, including playing tennis, using a computer for long periods of time, or even performing simple tasks like painting or gardening.

The repeated motion puts strain on the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint, causing them to become inflamed and painful. In some cases, the inflammation can lead to microscopic tears in the tendons, which can cause even more pain and disability.

Fortunately, physiotherapy can be an effective treatment for tennis elbow, helping to reduce pain and inflammation while strengthening the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint. If you think you may be suffering from tennis elbow, be sure to consult with a physiotherapist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Effect on the life if not treated:

If you are experiencing tennis elbow and have not been treated, the tendon may continue to deteriorate. This can lead to permanent damage and loss of function in the arm. In addition, the pain may become more severe and limit your ability to participate in activities or work. If you are having difficulty performing daily tasks, it is important to seek treatment so that you can regain full function of your arm.

Physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow: an introduction to physiotherapy exercises for this painful condition:

Elbow pain is a common problem that plagues tennis players. The repetitive motion of the arm during a tennis swing can put strain on the muscles and tendons around the elbow, leading to pain and inflammation. This condition is known as tennis elbow, and it can be quite debilitating for athletes who rely on their arm for their livelihood.

Physiotherapy treatment is one of the most effective ways to manage tennis elbow pain. Physiotherapy exercises help to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow, which can take pressure off of the area and reduce pain. Some physiotherapy exercises that may be recommended for treating tennis elbow include:

Wrist flexion: Using your good arm, slowly bend your wrist back towards you as far as you can comfortably go. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release and repeat 3-5 times.

Wrist extension: Using your good arm, slowly extend your wrist away from you as far as you can comfortably go. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release and repeat 3-5 times.

Elbow flexion: Using your good arm, slowly bend your elbow up towards your shoulder as far as you can comfortably go. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release and repeat 3-5 times.

Supination: Using your good arm, slowly rotate your hand so that your palm is facing up. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release and repeat 3-5 times.

Pronation: Using your good arm, slowly rotate your hand so that your palm is facing down. Hold this position for 30 seconds, then release and repeat 3-5 times.

It is important to perform these exercises slowly and with control to avoid further injuring the elbow. If you experience any pain during these exercises, stop and consult a physiotherapist or doctor before continuing.

Consult our best Physiotherapists at Curis 360 Physiotherapy Clinic, Bangalore