Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylopathy is irritation of the outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) where the wrist extensor muscles attach. Tennis elbow comes from repetitive overuse of the wrist extensors with improper healing time. Overuse loads often come from improper biomechanics. Certain occupations predispose individuals for tennis elbow like carpenters, tailors, pianists, and those who perform prolonged keyboard or mouse work.
Symptoms typically start as a vague, general pain over the outside of the elbow that starts without a definitive cause. Pain is often made worse with gripping or bending the wrist backwards. Rest typically provides some relief from the pain. The outside of the elbow is often painful to press on.
Treatment for tennis elbow starts with the removal of the insulting activities. Manual release is used to increase the flexibility of the muscles of the arm and forearm. Manipulation is used to restore normal joint mechanics. Rehabilitation exercises are used to restore the load capacity of the wrist extensors and treat any other underlying dysfunction.
If you have an issue that you would like some guidance with, give us a call at (616) 301-1702.
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