Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are both overuse injuries resulting from the repetitive stress and strain on the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint.
While tennis elbow affects the outer elbow and is linked to the tendons of the forearm extensor muscles, golfer’s elbow impacts the inner elbow, involving the tendons of the forearm flexor muscles.
Both conditions are characterised by inflammation and micro-tears in the tendons at their insertion points on the humerus (the upper arm bone).
Symptoms of Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
- Pain and tenderness on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer’s elbow) aspect of the elbow
- Dull ache in the elbow when at rest
- Increased pain with forearm activity, such as gripping or twisting
- Weakness in the grip strength
Soreness around the elbow joint - Difficulty and pain when attempting to grasp objects, particularly with an extended arm
These conditions are not limited to athletes; they frequently affect individuals whose activities involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive arm motions, including manual workers, musicians, and office personnel.
Myotherapy Treatment Strategies
Myotherapy offers a comprehensive approach to managing tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, aiming to alleviate pain, address the root cause of inflammation, and prevent recurrence.
Soft Tissue Massage: Targeted massage techniques help to relieve muscle tightness, improve circulation, and reduce stress on the affected tendons.
Dry Needling: This modality involves inserting fine needles into specific trigger points within the forearm muscles and around the elbow to alleviate pain and muscle tightness. Dry needling can reach deep muscle fibres, reducing sensitivity and enhancing the healing process.
Joint Mobilisation: Gentle manipulation techniques may be applied to improve joint mobility and function, facilitating a broader range of motion and reducing discomfort.
Tailored Exercise Programs: Myotherapists prescribe specific strengthening and stretching exercises to restore muscle balance, enhance forearm strength, and increase flexibility. Isometric exercises introduced at the appropriate stage can further solidify recovery without exacerbating the injury.
Electrotherapy Modalities: Techniques such as TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) are utilised to provide additional pain relief and support the healing process.
Holistic Care and Rehabilitation: Beyond direct treatment, myotherapy emphasises education on ergonomic adjustments, activity modification, and preventive strategies to safeguard against future injuries.
How Myotherapy Can Help
Through a blend of targeted treatments and rehabilitative exercises, myotherapy addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
This holistic approach not only facilitates recovery but also equips individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary for long-term health, enabling a return to daily activities and prevention of recurrence.