Understanding Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia) and How Osteopathy Can Help

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylalgia, is a common condition that affects many individuals, not just tennis players. It’s characterized by pain and discomfort on the outer part of the elbow and forearm. While the name suggests a connection to tennis, this condition can be caused by various activities involving repetitive arm movements. In this article, we’ll explore the condition of “tennis elbow” and how osteopathy may provide effective relief and rehabilitation.

What is Tennis Elbow?

It is a condition that primarily affects the tendons and muscles on the outer side of the elbow. This area is known as the lateral epicondyle, and it’s where the forearm muscles attach to the bone. These muscles are primarily responsible for extension of the wrist. When these tendons become overused or strained, they can develop small tears, leading to pain and inflammation.

Common Causes and Risk Factors

Tennis elbow is often associated with its sports namesake, as the repetitive motion of gripping and swinging a racquet can strain the muscles and tendons of the forearm. However, many other activities and factors could contribute to its development:

1. Repetitive Movements: Activities like painting, typing, gardening, and DIY that involve repetitive wrist and arm movements may lead to tennis elbow.
2. Age: It’s more common in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50.
3. Improper Technique: Using incorrect equipment or poor technique in sports or daily activities may increase risk.
4. Occupational Factors: Certain professions that require repetitive arm movements, such as plumbing or construction work, can increase the likelihood of developing tennis elbow.
5. Muscle Imbalances: Deficits in forearm muscle strength or muscle imbalances can contribute to the condition.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. This pain can radiate down the forearm and may worsen with gripping or lifting objects. Other symptoms may include:

• Weakness in the forearm and grip strength.
• Stiffness in the elbow and forearm.
• Pain that worsens with wrist extension.

Additionally, tennis elbow may develop in stages:

1. Faint pain a couple of hours after the aggravating activity.
2. Pain at the end of or immediately after the aggravating activity.
3. Pain during the aggravating activity, which intensifies after ceasing that activity.
4. Constant pain, which prohibits any activity.

Osteopathy and Tennis Elbow

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system. Osteopaths are trained to assess and treat a wide range of conditions, including tennis elbow. Here’s how osteopathy can help:

1. Assessment: An osteopath will start by assessing your condition. They will take your medical history, ask about your symptoms, and perform a physical examinations to pinpoint the source of your pain.
2. Manual Therapy: Osteopathic treatment often involves hands-on techniques to relieve pain and promote healing. This may include soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and stretching exercises to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension around the affected area.
3. Ergonomic Assessment: Osteopaths will evaluate your posture and ergonomics, helping you identify and correct any factors that may be contributing to your condition. This may include advice on improving your workspace or modifying your sports technique.
4. Exercise Prescription: Osteopaths can design specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility. These exercises can aid in the rehabilitation process and help prevent future recurrences.
5. Pain Management: Osteopathic treatment can provide pain relief through techniques that stimulate the body’s natural healing mechanisms, reducing the need for pain medication.
6. Education: Osteopaths educate patients about their condition, helping them understand the causes, contributing factors, and self-care strategies to manage and prevent tennis elbow.

Prevention

Prevention is often the best strategy when it comes to tennis elbow. Here are some tips to help reduce your risk:

1. Proper Technique: Whether you’re playing sports or engaging in everyday activities, use proper technique and equipment to avoid straining your forearm muscles.
2. Warm-Up and Stretch: Always warm up before physical activity and perform stretching exercises to prepare your muscles.
3. Ergonomics: Ensure your workspace is ergonomically designed to minimize strain on your arms and wrists.
4. Strength and Conditioning: Include forearm and wrist strengthening exercises in your fitness routine to prevent muscle imbalances.
5. Rest and Recovery: Give your arms adequate rest between repetitive activities, and seek treatment if you experience early signs of tennis elbow.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylalgia, is a common condition that can affect individuals of all ages and professions. While it can be painful and disruptive, osteopathy offers an effective and holistic approach to treatment and prevention. By addressing the root causes and providing manual therapy, exercise prescription, and education, osteopaths can help patients regain their strength and mobility, allowing them to return to their favourite activities pain-free. If you’re experiencing symptoms of tennis elbow, don’t hesitate to consult with an osteopath to start your journey towards recovery and better musculoskeletal health. Interested in making a booking with one of our practitioners? Find out more here.

References:

Warren, R. Tennis elbow (epicondylitis): epidemiology and conservative treatment. Pettrone F. AAOS Symposium and Upper Extremity Injuries in Athletes, Ed. St. Louis: C.V. Mosby, 1986; 233-243.

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2016). Tennis elbow: NICE guideline. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng77

Management of Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: One Size Does Not Fit All. https://www.jospt.org/doi/10.2519/jospt.2015.5841