Lateral Epicondylitis

Often referred to as Tennis Elbow and involves pain in racket sports when hitting the ball (or absorbing force) through a backhand stroke as the forearm extends. Stress is absorbed through the tendons of the extensor muscles of the wrist and forearm which with repeated actions may cause inflammation, pain and altered movement mechanics to avoid pain that may result in the development of muscle and tendon weakness.

Signs:

Lateral elbow pain upon activation of extensors of the forearm.

Rehab for Lateral Epicondylitis:

• Technique changes may assist in reducing the loading on the wrist extensors during sporting activity e.g. double handed back-hand in tennis

• Taping around the forearm just distal to the elbow joint may assist in absorbing forces to the extensor tendons during eccentric loading

Stretching:

Wrist flexion (Passive) 3 x 3 x 10 sec As above but increase ROM 3 x 3 x 30 sec

Medial Epicondylitis:

Often referred to as Golfer’s Elbow. Characterised by pain localised to the origin of the wrist flexor musculature on the medial epicondyle of the humerus and is often associated with hyaline degeneration of the flexor tendons.

Signs:

Principle symptom is medial elbow pain with activation of the flexor muscles in the forearm i.e. the lower grip hand on the stick.

Rehab for medial Epicondylitis:

• Review of playing technique or grips may assist in reducing the loading on the wrist flexors during sporting activity

• Taping around the forearm just distal to the elbow joint may assist in absorbing forces to the flexor tendons during loading

Stretching: 

Stretching of the flexor musculature and strength training of the wrist flexors are important for effective rehab.

• With arm extended hold the affected wrist in forced hyper-extension

• Repeat as this protocol similar for lateral epicondylitis