Tennis & Golfers Elbow

Last week we covered injuries caused by overuse, this week we will focus on two such injuries commonly seen among athletes and regular individuals. Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are common examples of overuse injury. Both are caused by any activity that requires repetitive movement of the arms and wrist, the difference between them is the area that gets inflamed. Manual Osteopathy is an excellent treatment option to help reduce inflammation and discomfort while restoring range of motion 
 
The epicondyle is a series of tendons that attach to the elbow, inflammation of this tendon causes pain on the outside (lateral) of the elbow or the inside (medial) of the elbow. 
 
 Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is most common in adults. It is an overuse and muscle strain injury that results in an inflammation of the outside of the elbow and forearm areas. With repeated use of your forehand and backhand, those muscles are often overworked, becoming inflamed. Individuals performing manual labor occupations are prone to tennis elbow due to repetitive elbow and forearm strains.
 
Symptoms:
Pain may radiate from the outside of the elbow to your forearm and wrist. It can be a constant ache in the elbow area, or you may only feel it while performing activities that involve reaching, grasping or lifting. 
 
Golfer’s Elbow or medial epicondylitis is an inflammation on the inner side of the arm and elbow. This condition can be caused by any activity that requires repeated twisting or flexing (bending) of the wrist. It is an overuse of the forearm muscles, most common among athletes and active individuals. Repeated lifting, especially when your elbow is extended and your palm is facing down, can cause golfer’s elbow. 
 
Symptoms:
Pain radiates on the inside of the elbow when lifting the wrist or hand, pain when twisting the forearm, or making a fist. The area may be swollen and tender, stiffness in the elbow or weakness in the hands or wrist can also be present.
 
Treatment: 
 
Manual Osteopathy can help reduce stiffness and inflammation, proper mobilization of the joint can increase blood circulation reducing tendinitis. Proper rest, effective ice compression to reduce swelling and consuming anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen or aspirin) in addition to therapy will help heal faster. 
Learning about proper forms and posture can reduce placing excess stress on the elbow preventing overuse injuries.