Tennis Elbow
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a form of tendinitis that affects the muscle and tendon connecting to the outside of the elbow. The centre of the pain is usually the lateral epicondyle – the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Tennis elbow is similar but not to be confused with “Golfer’s Elbow” which is another form of tendinitis that affects the inside of the elbow.
Tennis elbow can be classed into three different stages:
- Acute (pain is caused by force and trauma)
- Sub-acute (pain that continues over six weeks)
- Chronic (pain lasting over three months)
Proper support from an elbow brace can speed up recovery or absorb some of the stress. We have a wide range of support product regardless of the class of your injury.
What causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that can become worse over time if not allowed appropriate time to rest and recover. The repetitive swinging motion and grip of the tennis racquet plays a large role in tennis elbow in many players. Tennis elbow doesn’t just apply to tennis players, but any activity that requires a tensed grip and swinging motion of the forearms.
Common activities that cause tennis elbow:
- Tennis – sports that require holding a racquet or bat
- Gardening
- Labour work (hammer work)
- Carpentry
- Painting
Tennis elbow is a very common form of injury in comparison to golfer’s elbow. It occurs in many professions that require labour work or repetitive motions especially the use of the forearm muscles.
Acute and Sub-acute Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow happens as a result of small tears and damage to the muscle tissue closest to the elbow bone. The small tears are caused by the repetitive motions in addition to higher impacts and force straining the muscle. Other causes of acute and sub-acute tennis elbow include: incorrect form/technique, weak forearm muscles (unaccustomed to grip and application of force).
These injuries can be easily ignored but the right elbow brace will help recovery and prevention from further injury.
Chronic Tennis Elbow
Chronic tennis elbow differs from the usual tennis elbow injury as it is not caused by inflammation and is associated with a degenerative muscle condition. We recommend you see your local GP or your physiotherapist so that they can help you identify your injury and help you to treat it.
Treatment
Common treatment for tennis elbow usually involves managing the injury with physiotherapy exercises. These exercises provided by your physiotherapist will aim to strengthen and improve stability in your elbow.
Other alternative treatments such as an elbow brace or support may be an option for people who required to work or play constantly. If your physiotherapist recommends use of a brace or support, you can check out our Brace Advisor for the best tips on how to pick the right brace or support for you. To ensure that you are satisfied our products have fast delivery and a money back guarantee.
