Tennis elbow - Bradbourne Osteopathic Practice

tennis elbow

Handsome man on tennis court. Young tennis player. Pain in the elbow

Tennis elbow is the most common cause of elbow pain, affecting up to 3% of the general population. It is associated with a marked reduction in quality of life and absenteeism from work.

Tennis elbow is a form of tendinopathy, similar to achilles tendinopathy in the lower leg. Tendinopathy is a term that encompasses any problem with the tendon, this can mean inflammation (tendinitis) or degeneration (tendinosis). Tendon health is affected by smoking, obesity, high fatty food intake, diabetes and sudden increased activity levels.

Diagnosis

Localised pain experienced of the outside of the elbow, or common extensor muscles.

No obvious onset, but often due to sudden increased activity levels.

Pain experienced with wrist movements and gripping.

Treatment

The strongest current scientific evidence for rehabilitation of tennis elbow is a combination of exercise and manipulation.

Exercise is central to successful management. Gradual strengthening/loading of the extensor muscles for a minimum of 12 weeks.

Manipulation of the elbow joints and soft tissues can reproduce immediate improvement in pain, this is due to a neuro physiological response. Hands on treatment to the neck, shoulder and upper back is also recomended to improve pain and function.

Elbow clasps or braces may be as effective as a cortico steroid injection, for reducing pain and increasing function. No one type of clasp appears superior to others.

Cortico steroid injections are not recomended. Scientific evidence suggests that injections are associated with increased chronicity of local soft tissues, increased re occurance rates of tennis elbow (10x more likely to have a re occurance) and potential rupture of the extensor tendon from its attachment point. Cortico steroid injections could be seen to lead to short term gain but long term pain!

Imaging

MRI or ultrasound is only recomended if there is a lack of significant improvement with conservative treatment, or if there was a traumatic onset that could have let to a rupture of the extensor tendon.

Testimonials

The practice has a calm friendly atmosphere, receptionists are lovely and the treatment is superb. Both myself and my husband have used their services with excellent results. Would and do highly recommend.

C. Matthews

A very warm and welcoming clinic with extremely professional staff. Ive had a problem with my shoulder for the past 10 months and the osteopath was able to get me on the road to recovery and diagnose the problem. I would recommend clinic to anyone seeking professional and high quality help.

L. Corse

My first experience of an Osteopath, very professional and I felt better as soon as I left. Very clean and calm environment with a lovely receptionist

S. Butcher

It was my second visit to Bradbourne Osteopathic today. What a lovely experience in peaceful surroundings. I’ve been suffering with restriction in my back for 2 weeks. It’s really eased. Staff are very knowledgeable and thorough . Felt like I was in good hands . Easy parking too

L. Anthony

Booked in last minute as struggled with pain in neck and lower back. Receptionist very helpful and accomadating. Saw Matt and he eased the pain dramatically. Been here before so knew I would get a great service as always.

X. Xapilaou

Fantastic service from booking in to treatment. Will definitely come back if I need to. The staff are so friendly and you are made to feel relaxed from the moment you walk in.

I. Hall

Ready to get started?

If you have any questions you can get in touch on 01732 666302 or info@bradbourneclinic.co.uk. If you would like to book an appointment then you can book online below!

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