Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis occurs when there is repetitive stress on the elbow joint, resulting in painful inflammation outside the elbow. The same problem on the elbow inside is medial epicondylitis, otherwise known as golfer’s elbow. You may feel the pain radiate down your forearm when you fully extend or straighten it. This is usually the first sign of a damaged extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. When this muscle is overused, the tendon will tear at its attachment to the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow can be triggered by the following activities:
- Playing racquet sports like tennis, squash or bhttps://backneckrehab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Whiplash-post.pngton
- Throwing sports like discus and javelin
- Manual work like plumbing, bricklaying or painting
- Activities that involve repeatedly bending the elbow, like playing the violin
- Swimming
- Golfing
Conditioning and Rehabilitation to Prevent Elbow Pain
If you are experiencing pain in your elbow from repetitive stress, be sure to speak with your doctor to ensure you are given a treatment plan that is right for you. Refrain from participating in any physical activity for a minimum of one week. Applying ice packs for 15-20 minutes three to four times a day will comfort and ease the swelling. Using an elbow brace can also help you relieve the pressure on your elbow and help with the inflammation.
- Lightweight exercises can help strengthen your forearm muscles – try squeezing a stress ball or using a hand gripper.
- Always remember to stretch before participating in any physical activity – walking or jogging is a great way to warm up your muscles.
- Be sure to maintain proper form during physical activity to prevent pressure on your muscles.
- Using the right equipment can put less strain on your body – consider upgrading to newer, lighter tennis rackets or golf clubs.
- Always keep your wrists firm when lifting sports equipment or heavy items – this will reduce the weight in your elbow.
- Rest your elbow as soon as you feel pain
Relief from Elbow Pain in Calgary from a Trusted Sports Injury Clinic
Alberta Back & Neck Rehab & Sports Injuries Clinic can help provide relief from tennis or golfer’s elbow in Calgary. Our team of skilled practitioners will work with you to determine a custom treatment plan specific to your needs so you can resume your daily activities. We use the state-of-the-art Primus RS rehab machine, the Medx Medical Rehab machine, or the Multi-Cervical Unit (MCU) to assess your situation accurately. By measuring your motion, strength, power, and speed, we can track your progress and increase your performance for a speedy recovery.
Call Alberta Back & Neck Rehab & Sports Injuries Clinic today at 403-234-0040 or contact us online to schedule your appointment and get an exam and diagnosis of your elbow pain in Calgary.
