Also known as Lateral Epicondylitis, involves pain in racket sports when hitting the ball (or absorbing force) through the backhand stroke as the forearm extends. The tendons of the extensor muscles of the wrist and forearm absorb the stress and with repeated trauma may cause inflammation, pain and altered movement mechanics to avoid pain which results in the development of muscle and tendon weakness.
Anatomy
Tennis elbow is a slight tear or inflammation of the extensor carpi radialis brevis or longus mechanism. The extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor carpi radialis longus are extensors of the wrist and in 90 percent of cases; tennis elbow affects the brevis tendon. The brevis tendon lies right on top of the bony epicondyle. Less common tears can also occur in the body of the tendon, in the muscle belly, or in the longus tendon at the supracondylar ridge of the humerus.
Signs:
Lateral elbow pain upon activation of the extensors of the forearm.
Pain performing gripping tasks
Tenderness directly over the bony epicondyle
Nerve irritation
Medical Treatment
l. Deep Massage and Friction Therapy
For effective treatment of tennis elbow deep tissue massage of the forearm muscles and friction therapy on the tendon is recommended. Both help enhance circulation and diminish adhesive scar tissue. Alternations between the two types will occur during the massage session. In order to perform friction therapy on the extensor carpi radialis brevis and extensor carpi radialis longus the clients elbow will be bent at a 90 degree angle with tyhe forarm in the supinated position. Friction therapy twice a week for 10-15 minutes along with deep tissue massage will improve blood circulation to the tendon.
Stretching:
Wrist flexion (passive)
Place ice on the elbow for 10-15 minutes after stretching
