Epicondylitis (Lateral/tennis, Medial/golfers):
Epicondylitis Treatment in Ladner BC
What is it?
Epicondylitis refers to the inflammation or irritation of the epicondyle, a bony prominence on the humerus (the upper arm bone) where tendons of the forearm muscles attach. This condition typically affects the tendons that control wrist and finger movements. There are two main types of epicondylitis, distinguished by their location on the elbow:
1. Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): This type affects the outer (lateral) part of the elbow. It is commonly associated with repetitive wrist and arm motions, such as those used in tennis, hence the name. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
2. Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): This type affects the inner (medial) part of the elbow. It is linked to activities that involve repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation, such as those in golf. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, which may radiate down the inner side of the forearm.
Both conditions result from overuse and strain, leading to tiny tears in the tendon attachments at the elbow.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness around the affected epicondyle.
- Weakness in the forearm.
- Pain that worsens with specific movements, such as gripping, lifting, or bending the wrist.
Treatment typically involves:
- Physical therapy exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility
- Rest and avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain.
- Ice application to reduce inflammation.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief..
- Bracing or strapping to reduce strain on the tendons.
Preventive measures include proper technique during activities, regular breaks to avoid overuse, and exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles.
Benefits of treatment:
- Manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) at our Ladner clinic can be beneficial for individuals with epicondylitis, both lateral (tennis elbow) and medial (golfer’s elbow), in several ways. The primary benefits of manual therapy for epicondylitis include:1. Pain Relief: Manual therapy techniques, such as massage, joint manipulations and mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation, can help reduce pain by relieving muscle tension and promoting relaxation in the affected area.
2. Improved Blood Circulation: Techniques like deep tissue massage and myofascial release can enhance blood flow to the injured tendons and surrounding tissues. Improved circulation aids in delivering nutrients and oxygen necessary for tissue repair and healing.
3. Reduced Muscle Tension: Manual therapy helps in alleviating muscle tightness and spasms around the elbow, forearm, and wrist. This can reduce the overall strain on the tendons, helping to alleviate symptoms.
4. Enhanced Range of Motion: Joint manipulation and mobilization techniques can improve the range of motion in the elbow and wrist, which might be restricted due to pain and inflammation. Restoring normal joint movement can help in performing daily activities with less discomfort.
5. Improved Functionality: By addressing muscle imbalances and correcting compensatory movement patterns, manual therapy can help restore normal function in the arm. This can be particularly beneficial for athletes and individuals whose daily activities are impacted by epicondylitis.
6. Decreased Inflammation: Gentle mobilization and soft tissue techniques can help in reducing inflammation around the elbow. Joint manipulation can also gap the affected joint thereby alleviating inflammation within the general area. This can alleviate pressure on the tendons and reduce pain.
7. Education and Prevention: During manual therapy sessions, therapists can educate patients on proper techniques, posture, and exercises to prevent future episodes of epicondylitis. They can also provide guidance on activity modifications and ergonomic adjustments.
Overall, Manual therapy (Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care) can be an effective component of a comprehensive treatment plan for epicondylitis, helping to alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and prevent recurrence. It is often used in conjunction with other Ladner clinic treatments, such as targeted exercises, rest, and anti-inflammatory medications, to achieve the best outcomes.