Suffering from tennis elbow? Osteopathy can help. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition among athletes and those engaged in repetitive arm movements. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treat this painful condition.
People often get confused when they hear “tennis elbow,” thinking it only affects tennis players. But that’s not the case. Anyone doing activities that put continuous and repetitive stress on their forearm muscles can develop tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.
You usually feel pain and tenderness on the outside of your dominant arm’s elbow, extending into the upper forearm.
What is Tennis Elbow & Why is Osteopathy Effective?
Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Osteopathy aims to address the root causes of pain and inflammation, providing long-term relief and improved function.
We are here to help you
Osteopathy uses manual techniques to relieve pain, improve blood flow, and restore the normal movement of the elbow and surrounding muscles. This holistic approach ensures that the entire arm is treated, not just the site of pain.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Weakness in the forearm
- Difficulty in shaking hands or gripping objects
- Pain when lifting or bending the arm
- Discomfort when making a fist or straightening the wrist
Sometimes, the symptoms might go away on their own if you rest and stop doing activities that cause pain. However, full recovery can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.
Getting the right therapy at the right time can speed up your recovery and help ease the pain, making life more comfortable.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
The main cause of tennis elbow is overusing the muscles in the back of the forearm or elbow joint. Here are some specific factors that can lead to this condition:
- Using the wrong sports technique
- Doing too much or inappropriate activities
- Poor posture
- Not properly rehabilitating after an elbow injury
- Muscle weakness
- Injuries to the neck or upper back
- Inadequate warm-ups
- Injuries to the nerves that supply the elbow
- Tight joints in the neck, upper back, wrist, or elbow
Tennis elbow can also result from poor posture or biomechanics involving the entire arm, shoulder, and neck.
How Can Osteopathic Treatment Help With Tennis Elbow?
1. Reducing Pain and Inflammation Caused by Tennis Elbow
Osteopaths use various techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization to reduce pain and inflammation. These techniques help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing swelling.
2. Improving Range of Motion
Osteopaths use various techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization to reduce pain and inflammation. These techniques help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing swelling.
3. Strengthening Muscles and Tendons
Strengthening the muscles and tendons around the elbow can prevent further injury. Osteopaths provide tailored exercises that target the specific muscles involved in tennis elbow. These exercises help build strength and endurance, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
4. Correcting Posture and Ergonomics
Poor posture and improper ergonomic setups can contribute to the development of tennis elbow. Osteopaths assess your posture and work environment to identify any contributing factors. They provide advice on how to make adjustments that can help prevent future injuries.
Preventive Measures
Our Osteopath not only treats tennis elbow but also provides advice on preventing it from coming back:
- Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always make sure to warm up before activities and cool down afterward.
- Using Correct Techniques: Learn and use the proper techniques for sports and other activities to avoid strain.
- Ergonomic Adjustments: Make ergonomic adjustments at work or in daily activities to reduce strain on your elbow.
Follow Our Structured Treatment Plan
Osteopathy for tennis elbow involves a structured treatment plan. This plan typically includes regular osteopathic sessions and specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles.
Here is an outline of what a typical treatment plan might include:
- Initial Assessment – A thorough examination to understand the severity of your condition.
- Manual Therapy – Techniques to reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
- Exercise Plan – Customized exercises to strengthen the affected muscles.
- Follow-up Sessions – Regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust treatment.
- Preventive Advice – Tips to avoid future injuries.
Call our Body & Mind Osteopathic Clinic in Toronto and Vaughan to book your consultation (647) 995-7722