Advanced Physiotherapy Proves right for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow may sound like a condition particularly affecting athletes but in reality, it can affect any of us, from tennis players to office workers; it can also affect DIY enthusiasts and all those involved in doing repetitive motions that strain the joint. It is a common musculoskeletal disorder also known as lateral epicondylitis, causing pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. Clinically, when the extensor tendons in the dorsal forearm, attaching to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, experience pain, it is known as tennis elbow. Nearly 90% of the time, the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle is the afflicted tendon.

Any individual who engages in repetitive gripping and wrist extension activities, like the tennis players, the people indulged in manual labor, or the ones who are indulged in prolonged typing hours at work, is often at risk of developing tennis elbow. Basically, repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons also play a role in the development of this condition.

The muscular imbalance in the forearm contributes to the development of tennis elbow. Various symptoms like a burning sensation on the outer side of the elbow, spreading down the forearm and the wrist with pain and tenderness, and stiffness in the elbow joint, especially after resting or in the morning, are a few primary symptoms of this condition. Most commonly, the grip weakens and pain worsens over time.

Then, the most effective method to manage this condition is grabbing the key to relief with ABTP - the best advanced physiotherapy clinic with state-of-the-art technological interventions. Let's delve into the various strategies for managing tennis elbow.

We can treat tennis elbow by adopting a holistic approach to the treatment, which considers pain management, strengthening, functional recovery, and recurrence prevention in three different stages.

1. Acute stage: In the acute stage, pain and inflammation are managed by avoiding the activities that aggravate the symptoms, applying ice for 10-15 minutes thrice a day to reduce swelling and pain and applying a tennis elbow brace to reduce stress on the affected muscles and joint.

2. Sub-acute phase: The prime focus in this stage is reduction of pain and reinstalling the lost strength in the affected region in the following methods:

• By leveraging therapeutic techniques like ultrasound, physiotherapy aims to reduce the pain, stimulate tissue repair, and enhance blood flow in the affected region. The ultrasound therapy has been a widely adopted method because of its high efficacy in pain reduction.

• Another essential part of overcoming the strain is with the help of strengthening. Strengthening exercises gradually activate the extensor muscle group with the help of both eccentric (lengthening under tension) & concentric (shortening under tension) movements. As a result of which, muscle strength improves, flexibility gets enhanced, and stiffness is prevented.

  

  
  

  

  
  

• Various manual therapy techniques are also implemented by ABTP Experts including soft-tissue and joint mobilization. These techniques improve the joint mobility, easing muscle tension and reducing pain.

• Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is also adopted, demonstrating both analgesic and inflammatory effects. With the help of this technique, cellular activity gets stimulated, which further promotes tissue repair as well as regeneration. This non-invasive technique further reduces the muscle fatigue, supporting faster recovery in tennis elbow cases.

• Furthermore, another non-invasive treatment approach that boosts the healing process is extracorporeal shockwave therapy. This treatment methodology delivers targeted acoustic waves in the affected area, stimulating the blood flow as well as cellular repair. This technique allows the breakdown of the scar tissue while also reducing the chronic pain. All the above given methods, primarily contribute towards the long-term recovery from tennis elbow

3. Chronic Phase : In this phase, stretching and strengthening exercises are continued to maintain muscle strength and joint stability. Focus is also laid upon the gradual return to activities of daily living that were initially causing pain. Additionally, various ergonomic adjustments are also provided to avoid overloading of tendons, making patient education a priority.

   
   

At last, tennis elbow can impact anyone, but it is necessary to be aware of this and adopt timely care at ABTP with the advanced physiotherapy interventions. It not only offers targeted, non-invasive treatment options but also accelerates the healing process while also preventing recurrence. The expert-led assessments and evidence-based therapies ensure that recovery is safe and sustainable. The holistic treatment approach adopted at ABTP Centres help you return to life and embrace quality of life free from pain.