Have you ever been told that your tennis elbow will be persistent with no chance of recovery?
If you are currently thinking to yourself “YES!”, trust me you are not alone. With consistent pain comes constant aggravation and all you want is a solution. Just like anything else, it will take time but taking the proper approach increases the longevity of relief.
First & foremost, embarking on the journey of self education will always serve as the most resourceful route for improvement. Never feel as though you have to sacrifice what you love due to a condition you have been dealt. There may not always be a solution but there will always be a way. So keep in mind that you do have the ability and choice; your constraints are only what you allow yourself to be confined to.
Since we addressed and reassured ourselves of our capabilities, let’s begin by discussing exactly what tennis elbow is.
Tennis elbow is pain at the lateral epicondyle; traditionally described as pain on the outside of the elbow joint. Many muscles originate here for complete arm, wrist and finger movements.
Tennis elbow can happen traumatically or it can progress over time. It is not refined solely to tennis players; although the most traumatic cases of tennis elbow originate from participating in tennis.
Traumatic cases consist of individuals who made sudden movements of the muscles within the elbow causing micro-tears of the tendons that make up the arm. Immediate pain will occur causing weakness of grip, hand motion and tenderness along the outside of the elbow.
Chronic Tennis Elbow (accumulates overtime) will occur secondary to tasks such as: lifting, carrying heavy loads, gardening, or housework. The continuous strain on the tendons in the arm will ultimately cause micro-tears leading to the point of unbearable pain.
So let’s get to the point. How can you find relief?
Each individual is different, so each approach will be divergent. The following advice is generalized and I advise that you seek medical assistance prior to implementing these exercises.
- 1If there is a high level of pain, icing is a great tool to dilute pain receptors. Ice numbs the affected area alleviating the discomfort.
- 2Start lightly stretching the area. You can watch a video on how to stretch your tennis elbow here.
- 3Begin isometric exercises to strengthen the area. In order to relieve prolonged pain you must strengthen the muscle.
I hope this article served as a prominent tool towards your recovery.
As mentioned above, this will not treat your condition but will be of assistance in your path to recovery. Please note, for conditions and injuries care from a certified licensed therapist will be required.
