What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Also called Lateral Epicondylitis, tennis elbow is an injury that results from overuse and causes damage to the tendons connecting the wrist extensor muscle to the elbow. When the tissues connecting muscles become too stressed, it can lead to inflammation, degeneration, and possible tearing. The inflammatory response often leads to the breaking down of the tendon tissue (tendinosis), which causes pain and weakness in the elbow and forearm. This injury is typical in athletes that put a lot of stress on the upper extremities, but can happen to anyone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, tennis elbow affects between 1% and 3% of Americans and is most prevalent in those aged 30-50 of all genders.
Symptoms
The symptoms usually develop slowly, and pain may worsen over time. Common symptoms include:
- Burning and stiffness
- A weaker grip
- Pain and tenderness at the lateral side of the elbow
- Swollen elbow joint that can be tender to the touch
- Worsening of pain or radiation while extending the elbow, including
- Gripping small objects
- Twisting the forearm
Is There a Difference Between Tennis and Golfers’ Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when there is an injury of the lateral epicondyle tendon, which is the tendon that covers the outer part of your elbow. Golfer’s elbow refers to the condition of the medial epicondyle tendon, which is the inner part of the elbow. Both injuries are not specific to a particular sport, just the location of the elbow injury.
How to Avoid Tennis Elbow?
Let’s look at some ways you can prevent tennis elbow.
- Stretch before you start any activity, especially with repetitive forceful movement
- Strengthen your wrist and forearm muscles by strength training
- Ensure your athletic equipment properly fits your needs
- Avoid movement if you feel any discomfort or pain
Treatment
Matterhorn’s evidence-based personalized wellness programs treat injuries and chronic pain while addressing movement dysfunction at the neurological level. We employ the most advanced rehabilitation techniques, neurological movement training, and recovery modalities. Our holistic approach to pain management, which addresses the root cause and not just the symptoms, has helped more than 94% of our clients achieve pain relief within the first two weeks. During the treatment of lateral epicondylitis, we consider instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) and stretching/strengthening the forearm muscles. We also acknowledge it is essential to include the shoulders in the rehabilitation process because weakness in this area often leads to excessive force being displaced towards the elbow and forearm. To identify where the compensation is occurring in your system, we employ our unique three step process called the Matterhorn Method.
IDENTIFY THE ROOT CAUSE (INITIAL EVALUATION)
Our brain-based diagnostic tools identify where the root cause of pain and compensation is in your system.
RE-EDUCATE THE CORRECT NEUROLOGICAL PATTERNS
We unlock the compensation in your body by reconnecting the neuromuscular pathways that have been “shut down” as a function of your brain trying to protect the injured area.
REINFORCE THROUGH MOVEMENT
We implement our proprietary movement protocols that are designed to strengthen and reinforce your neurological patterns so that your problem is eliminated.
Pain Management Bonita Springs
Matterhorn Fit, located in Naples and Bonita Springs, Florida, is the premier pain relief and fitness center focusing on individualized treatment for chronic pain relief, rehabilitation, and personal training. Our team is there every step of the way and will create a personalized care plan based on a full-body approach to health and wellness during your first evaluation. Matterhorn Fit helps clients restore hope in their wellness journey. Book your first initial evaluation today!
