Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

Tennis elbow occurs when there is damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the elbow joint and forearm. Small tears, called micro tears, form in the tendons and muscles which control the movement of the forearm. They cause a restriction of movement, inflammation and pain. Tennis elbow does not only affect tennis players who of course frequently strain the muscles in this area. It is also caused by other sports and by work or hobbies that involve repetitive movements. Movements where the elbow is bent while holding tightly onto something such as a racquet or a tool, are the most common causes of tennis elbow.

What does tennis elbow feel like?

Tennis elbow usually starts with gradually increasing pain on the outer side of the elbow. It is painful if someone presses on the area. If you bend the wrist upwards against pressure, it will hurt around the projection of the bone on the outer elbow. The pains may eventually radiate up into the upper arm and down along the outer side of the forearm. There may be a feeling of weakness in the wrist which makes it difficult to do things that require strength in the hand.

How is it treated?

Most issues like this do not happen in isolation. Generally we find that there is a mechanical pattern that has led the elbow to be under strain and caused the problem. Osteopathically we would look to treat the local symptoms at the elbow, whilst also looking to treat areas like the shoulder, upper back and neck that will almost certainly be involved in the process too. Exercise prescription will also be essential to improve strength and flexibility.