Tennis elbow refers to pain on the outside of the elbow, whereas pain on the inside of the elbow is called golfers elbow. These terms are misleading because due to the biomechanics of the sport, golfers get tennis elbow 5x more than they get golfers elbow.
The medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis. The ending –itis means there is inflammation present, however research has shown there is no inflammation present in these conditions. What happens is as the tendon gets overused, it breaks down at the attachment to the bone and involves microtearing of the tendon. Tennis and golfers elbow are what we call tendinosis instead of tendinitis.
Tendons have poor blood supply, so healing takes longer than you think. Typically 6-12 months.
Treatment for tennis/golfers elbow
- Active Release Technique helps reduce scar tissue in the muscle and tendons and helps to promote blood flow and healing
- Cold laser promotes blood flow and accelerates the healing process of the tendons
- Graston Technique also helps to promote blood flow and aids in healing of the tendons/muscles
- Rehab exercises aimed at stretching of the muscles and strengthening the tendons
Tips for tennis/golfers elbow
- Do not sleep with your elbows bent and/or above your head. This will prevent healing, which occurs at night
- The use of a brace can help short term to take the pressure off the bone, but is not a substitute for treatment
- Heat the elbow throughout the day to promote blood flow and before any activity involving the forearm and elbow such as computer work, weight lifting, sports
- Only ice the elbow post activity (after computer work, weight lifting, sports)
