What is it?

• There are a number of muscles on the top of the forearm that all attach on the outside of the elbow (common extensor origin)
• If you injure this thick tendon base it can become quite sore and often slow to heal
• Injuries occur with excessive force or repetitive activities where the wrist is bent backwards (e.g. tennis-hence the name)
• Acute tennis elbow is a one off injury where you injure your elbow, there is some inflammation but it heals in approx 4-6 weeks
• Chronic is where it gradually gets worse or is left untreated for weeks or months. This takes much longer to treat and can become degenerative.

But I don’t play tennis!

Other ways to injure this area are:

• Lifting loads or weights incorrectly
• Typing with an elevated keyboard or wrist
• Lifting small children
• Housework/Gardening

Let’s fix it!

• Tennis elbow can be difficult to fix because the blood supply to the middle of such a thick tendon base is poor
• Acupuncture and cupping is particularly effective at increasing the blood supply to this region
• Massage and stretches are useful but need accurate prescription
• Eccentric exercises are critical to recover the integrity of the tendon

– These are a carefully prescribed set of exercises where the muscles are   worked as they lengthen only
– This stresses the fibres of the tendon allowing them to heal in the right      direction without tearing further fibres

• A brace can be effective during activities that are usually painful

If you suspect you have Tennis Elbow, give us a call on 9922 2212 to book an appointment now!