Lateral epicondylitis is a musculoskeletal disorder which refers to the inflammation of the elbow tendons (these attach the muscles of the forearm just above the elbow at a small bony bump on the outer face) referred to as epicondyle.
This pain that starts from the point of the elbow may also cause suffering to many other athletes (golf, rowing, and fitness). Regular handymen and especially those overworked (screw, pour, grip are the most often gestures at the origin of epicondylitis) also suffer from this pain.
Physical therapistsat Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Sugar Land, TX, will help you identify the gestures responsible of your tennis elbow.This is the most common injury of the elbow and work is the main cause of epicondylitis, far ahead than leisure.
Initially, the epicondyle is only painful to the touch. Then, gradually, the pain can be felt during repetitive and intensive movements of the arm or hand.
This pain typically occurs with repeating gestures causing inflammation of the elbow. But sometimes, it’s simply by unfolding the arm, trying to grasp objects by extending the arm or during rotational movements like the one performed when turning a doorknob. The pain may spread to the inner side of the forearm. Typically, the pain decreases through resting.
The tendon remains fragile for quite some time and patients must not resume normal activity immediately at risk of fostering tendon rupture.
That is why, it is necessary to seek treatment and rehabilitation with physical therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Sugar Land, TX. Different techniques are used, all of which aim to promote healing of the tendon and the continuation of relief. They advise muscle strengthening exercises of the forearm, but only when the pain is gone.
Treatment that is indicated for epicondylitis is laser therapy. This treatment stimulates the body to repair micro lesions in the tendon.
Physical therapists at Absolute Physical Therapy & Fitness in Sugar Land, TX, objectives for the management of patients with tennis elbow are decreased pain, increased strength of the epicondyle muscles, and a restoration of wrist extension and supination of the forearm link with the patient’s activities.