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Tennis Elbow
Most people have heard of tennis elbow but exactly what is it?Tennis elbow (also known as lateral epicondylitis) affects the musclotendinous region around the outside aspect of the elbow. Although this injury is termed tennis elbow playing tennis is not always the cause of this injury. Other racquet sports such as badminton, squash and even table tennis can lead to tennis elbow. This is due to the fact that tennis elbow is caused, in most cases, by repeated extension of the wrist. This means that anyone who takes part in a sport or activity that requires repeated wrist extension is at risk of suffering from tennis elbow.
Everyone from recreational gardeners to professional tennis player can potentially be afflicted. The good news is that, by taking a few simple measures tennis elbow can be avoided. Tennis elbow is seen most commonly in individual’s aged between 35 – 50 years old. Repeated wrist extension under load can lead to degeneration of a muscle tendon know as the extensor carpi radialis brevis! There are a number of reasons why tennis elbow develops. These include:
- poor technique
- overuse
- incorrect grip size
- over weight racquet
- weakness in key muscles
- poor blood supply (mainly due to aging)
A consultation with qualified sports injuries specialist will be able to determine the cause of your elbow pain whether it be due to too much tennis or a strenuous weekend DIY job. Accurate assessment of the injury is essential in ruling out the possibility of other injuries that can occur around the elbow. Following diagnosis, treatment commonly consists of soft tissue techniques, specific stretching techniques and importantly progressive strengthening exercises. If the problem develops to become chronic the effected muscles will become weak, tight and tender with associated scar tissue and inflammation. Treatment is aimed at correcting these deficits.
So how can you reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow?Firstly, and most importantly, brush up on your technique! Studies have found that players of high ability are less likely to suffer from tennis elbow. This is because correct shot strokes reduce the stress placed on the muscles prone to injury. Hire a good coach and concentrate especially on any faults in your back hand shots.
Secondly, make sure the racquet you’ve got is the correct size and weight. A racquet with a grip too large or too small will place excess stress on your forearm extensor muscles. A sports injuries specialist will size your hand and be able to establish the correct grip size for you. All that could be required is a £5.00 grip to adjust the size of your racquet’s handle. The same applies to an overweight racquet; too heavy and you’ll be overloading those extensor muscles! Select a well balance racquet with a large ‘sweet spot’.
Finally work on your grip strength, here at Body in Motion we will be able to prescribe you a specific strengthening program to ensure you’re well prepared to play those decisive backhand shots. Weak forearms are the ‘achilles heel’ of any racquet sport player.
If you suspect you’re suffering with tennis elbow book in with one of the team here at Body in Motion. We will be able to confirm your diagnosis and establish a treatment plan to get you back full fitness.
What is the best treatment?
A qualified physiotherapist can advise you on reducing inflammation, sports massage, strapping, and a suitable rehabilitation programme.