Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for Tennis Elbow

               Physiotherapy Rehabilitation for Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition caused by inflammation of the tendons that attach the extensor carpi radialis brevis to the outer bony prominence (lateral epicondyle) of the elbow. Certain repetitive movements of the wrist can cause this condition. Tennis elbow can occur in anyone who strains the tendons of the forearm and is not limited to tennis players. Tennis elbow is also called lateral epicondylitis.

Why tennis players getting tennis elbow?

Any activity, including playing tennis, that involves repetitive use of the extensor muscles of the forearm can cause acute or chronic tendinitis of the tendinous insertion of these muscles at the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, while attempting One-handed backhand with poor form or technique

Other game players can get tennis elbow?

Yes, You know Sachin Tendulkar, a famous cricketer from India. In 2004, it was happened to him. It was actually a small tear in the origin of muscles at the elbow that runs through to the wrist. In effect, wrist movement caused pain at the elbow. It could happen acutely and immediately, need not have to be over a period of time."

Tennis players what can do to avoid tennis elbow? 

Hold your injured arm out straight, palm down.Use your other hand to hold the back of your injured arm's hand.Press down so your fingers point to the ground.You should feel a light stretch on the top of your forearm. Do not stretch to the point of pain.

Symptoms:

tenderness over the outside of elbow.

Morning stiffness of elbow or persistent aching

Soreness of Forearm muscles

Elbow pain is severe, while holding or grasping the hand.

Call your health care professional or physiotherapist, if the following conditions develop:

• Pain that limits your daily activity
• Pain that lasts despite ice, resting, and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain relievers
• Any weakness or numbness in the hand, which may mean you have another type of injury in the wrist or elbow

Are There Home Remedies for Tennis Elbow?

• Home remedies include icing the area for 20 minutes twice a day to help to decrease inflammation and relieve pain. Freezing water in a paper cup and tearing away the top rim as the ice melts is an easy way to use ice. Do not put ice directly on the skin. Wrap it in a towel.
• Rest the sore area to prevent further injury and decrease pain.
• Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, asprin or naproxen may help decrease the pain and swelling and help the healing. 

Physiotherapy intervention:

The first steps in treating tennis elbow are reducing inflammation and resting the irritated muscles and tendons. Ice and compression may also help reduce inflammation and pain. Once inflammation subsides, you can begin gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles of the forearm and prevent recurrence.

Most cases of tennis elbow respond to rest, ice, rehab exercises, pain medicine, and counterforce braces. This injury does take from 6 months to 12 months to heal. Patience helps. Surgery is considered as a last resort when all other nonsurgical treatments have failed.

Treatment for Tennis Elbow:

• Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling. Experts recommend doing it for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain is gone.
• Using an elbow strap to protect the injured tendon from further strain.
• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID's), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs can cause side effects, such as bleeding and ulcers. You should only use them occasionally, unless your doctor says otherwise, since they may delay healing.
• Performing range of motion exercises to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility. Your doctor may recommend that you do them three to five times a day.
• Getting physiotherapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles. 
• Strengthening exercises for Tennis Elbow
•     Ball or sock squeeze

     Hold a tennis ball (or a rolled-up sock) in your hand.

Make a fist around the ball (or sock) and squeeze.

Hold for about 6 seconds, then relax for up to 10 seconds.

Repeat 8 to 12 times.

Switch the ball (or sock) to your other hand and do 8 to 12 times.

Wrist deviation

1. Sit so that your arm is supported but your hand hangs off the edge of a flat surface, such as a table.
2. Hold your hand out like you are shaking hands with someone.
3. Move your hand up and down.
4. Repeat this motion 8 to 12 times.
5. Switch arms.
6. Try to do this exercise twice with each hand.

Wrist curls

1. Place your forearm on a table with your hand hanging over the edge of the table, palm up.
2. Place a 1- to 2-pound weight in your hand. This may be a dumbbell, a can of food, or a filled water bottle.
3. Slowly raise and lower the weight while keeping your forearm on the table and palm facing up.
4. Repeat this motion 8 to 12 times.
5. Switch arms, and do steps 1 through 4.
6. Repeat with your hand facing down toward the floor. Switch arms.

Biceps curls

1. Sit leaning forward with your legs slightly spread and your left hand on your left thigh.
2. Place your right elbow on your right thigh, and hold the weight with your forearm horizontal.
3. Slowly curl the weight up and toward your chest.
4. Repeat this motion 8 to 12 times.
5. Switch arms, and do steps 1 through 4.