What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow (Lateral epicondylitis) occurs when the tendon in your elbow are repeatedly used, usually by repetitive movement of the wrist and arm, which leads to tendon inflammation or even microtears of the tendon that joins the forearm muscles on the outside of your elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can happen to anyone who has never played Tennis.

Three bones make up your elbow joint: your upper arm bone (Humerus) and your two forearm bones (Radius and Ulna). An epicondyle is a bony bump at the bottom of the humerus, where several muscles of the forearm originate. On the outside (lateral side) of the elbow, there is a bony bump that is the lateral epicondyle. Tennis elbow affects the muscles and tendons of your forearm which are responsible for extending your wrist and fingers. You extend your wrist and fingers with your forearm muscles. Tendons connect the bones with these muscles. Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) is the tendon usually involved in tennis elbows.

SYMPTOMS of Tennis elbow are as follows

Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow. When someone lifts or bends their arm, they can experience pain. In addition to performing basic actions, such as writing or gripping small objects, the sensation is also felt. When twisting the forearm, the tennis elbow can cause pain. This can be noticeable when turning a door handle, turning a screwdriver, or extending the forearm fully. Point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle. radiating pain from the outside of the elbow to the forearm and wrist, weakness of the forearm, pain, and stiffness when fully extending your arm.

There are several ways to diagnose Tennis elbow such as: Your physical examination, & your work history

Investigations such as- X-RAY, MRI, ultrasonography, Electromyography (EMG), AND with some special physiotherapy tests.

PHYSIOTHERAPY TREATMENT

Firstly, Treatment to Promote Muscle Healing- Ultrasound (treatment can break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, and promote healing), electrical stimulation, Extracorporeal shock wave therapy. Sound waves are sent to the elbow during shock wave therapy. Thus, sound waves cause "microtrauma" that promotes the body's natural healing processes.

Then, Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling. For two to three days, or until the pain is gone, you should do this for 20 to 30 minutes every three to four hours.

Latest trending treatment for tennis elbow- Shock wave therapy, High-intensity laser, TACAR therapy, deep tissue release, flossing, and dry-needlingEccentric exercise is highly effective at eliminating pain and increasing strength.

Eccentric loading with weight (extension)

With holding dumbbell, Wrist extension & elbow bend & supported over the table

With holding dumbbell & elbow bend & supported, Forearm pronation & supination

Towel twist

Towel squeeze

Forearm supination curl

Tyler twist with Rubber bar (flex bar)

Tricep box dip

Stretching and mobilization of wrist and forearm with eccentric and concentric movements

Tricep stretch

Stretch your wrist extensors: turn your fingers toward the floor and your palm toward you, turn your elbow inside out, keeping it straight, now stretch your wrist.

Wrist flexor stretch-Lean the palm toward the wall with fingers facing the floor, and stretch the wrist flexors while keeping the elbows extended

Radial nerve mobilization

Keep your elbow straight as you stretch your wrist extensors with elbow rotation

Massage-

Rolling forearm flexor & extensor

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

Tennis ball massage

Dynamic & Static cupping therapy

Dry needling with or without electrical stimulation

Kinesiology taping- it inhibits wrist extension muscle. This tape application feels supportive and helps to give different input to the neuromuscular system.

Chiropractic Manipulation of the wrist & elbow is very helpful to establish proper mobility.

Elbow brace to support the wrist extensor muscles

At ELITE PHYSIOTHERAPY AND SPORTS INJURY CENTRE Saket, N.Delhi / Baliawas, gurugram has all the advanced equipments and well-experienced physiotherapist to give the best treatment and helps you to relieve from tennis elbow faster and rehabilitate you overall to reduce the chance of recurrence