Tennis Elbow

· Have you experienced numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers?

· Have you experienced elbow or hand/wrist pain?

· Do you have difficulty opening jars?

· Does you arm or hand fatigue easily?

· If any of these sound familiar, ask your Doctor about Tennis Elbow!

TENNIS ELBOW - A.K.A Lateral Epicondylitis

Causes:

This condition may be caused by any number of repetitive motions or excessive uses involving the  forearm, wrist, or hands.  People at risk include but are not limited to those active with computers, musicians, laborers, tennis players, and golfers. 

Signs or Symptoms:

Pain or tenderness when palpating the outside of the elbow.  Pain or weakness noted during resisted wrist extension or resisted rotation of the wrist to make the palm face upward.

Treatment:

If pain or muscular tightness is present, modalities (i.e. ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation) may be utilized to reduce inflammation or reduce muscle tightness or spasms.  Ice therapy may also be introduced at this stage.  Treatment may also include the Graston technique, myofascial release, and/or trigger point therapy to reduce muscle spasms or improve the range of motion.  These therapies are also effective for those with recurring problems that are associated with scar tissue from a previous episode.  The Doctors at Gateway Bay Colony Chiropractic may then begin an active care program including stretches and exercises that will be introduced as tolerated.  You will be instructed on how and why you are to    incorporate these in your daily routines.  You will also be advised on which activities to reduce or avoid in your daily routine that may be aggravating your condition.  Joint mobilization may also be used to restore normal biomechanical movement that has been restricted due to the repetitive microtrauma associated with "tennis elbow." 

After a discussion with your chiropractor, acupuncture may be a treatment to initiate or try if all else has failed.  Acupuncture points can be used to help with the pain, trigger points, or muscle spasms often    associated with “tennis elbow.”

Visit www.gatewaybaycolony.net for more information or to schedule an appointment.