Tennis Elbow: More Than Just a Sports Injury and How Osteopathy Can Help
Pain on the outside of your elbow that makes it difficult to shake hands, lift a kettle, or turn a doorknob is a common complaint. While its name suggests a sporting origin, tennis elbow (clinically known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral epicondylalgia) affects far more office workers, tradespeople, and gardeners than it does athletes.
This condition involves the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Osteopathy offers a holistic and effective approach to managing tennis elbow by addressing not just the site of pain, but the underlying causes throughout the arm and body.
Key Facts About Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a "tendinopathy," meaning it involves degeneration and failed healing of the forearm extensor tendons, rather than simple, acute inflammation. It is primarily caused by repetitive strain and overloading of the forearm muscles. Only about 5-10% of people diagnosed with tennis elbow actually play tennis. It is more commonly linked to occupational and daily activities.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Repetitive Manual Tasks: Professions or hobbies involving painting, plumbing, carpentry, knitting, or extensive computer mouse use.
Forceful Gripping: Activities requiring sustained or forceful gripping, such as using tools or playing racquet sports with poor technique.
Sudden Increase in Activity: A rapid uptick in a new sport, hobby, or DIY project without adequate conditioning.
Poor Biomechanics: Weakness or stiffness in the shoulder, neck, or upper back can alter how forces are transmitted down the arm.
Age: Most common in adults between 30 and 50 years of age.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Aching or burning pain on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. Weakness in the forearm and sharp pain when gripping objects, shaking hands, or opening a jar. Tenderness when pressing on the bony bump (lateral epicondyle) on the outside of the elbow. Stiffness in the elbow, particularly after periods of rest.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
During your initial consultation, we take a detailed history, perform a physical examination, and conduct a biomechanical assessment of your neck, shoulder, wrist, and hand. Treatment involves reducing pain and muscle tension via soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and stretching; improving joint mobility in the elbow, wrist, neck, and shoulder; addressing nerve irritation; correcting biomechanical imbalances; and providing personalised advice including activity modification, ergonomics guidance, and a progressive exercise rehabilitation program.
When to Seek Further Medical Help
Please consult your GP for severe disabling pain; elbow pain following significant trauma; signs of infection; numbness or tingling in your hand or fingers; or if symptoms do not start to improve after several weeks of conservative care.
Disclaimer: This blog post provides general information only and is not intended as a substitute for professional health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a registered health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment of health conditions. Individual results from osteopathic treatment may vary.
