Tennis elbow is a painful condition that occurs on the outside of the elbow.  It typically involves an inflammation and irritation of the extensor tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle.  In the past this condition was inaccurately given the title epicondylitis, suggesting an inflammatory cause.  Most painful tendon conditions in athletes, including in the lateral elbow, are actually due to tendinosis.  Tendinosis is defined as noninflammatory intratendinous collagen degeneration with fiber disorientation. Despite its popular name, “tennis elbow,” the condition occurs more commonly in nonathletes than in athletes.  More than 50% of tennis players will experience an episode of lateral epicondylosis at some point in their career. It can be caused by a variety of activities such as baseball, golf, squash, raquetball, swimming, weight lifting and crossfit to name a few.

Tennis elbow involves the extensors of the forearm, which are the muscles that bend the wrist back.  These extensors attach to the lateral epicondyle which is located on the outside of the elbow.  This area is highly susceptible to micro tears when exposed to repetitive actions day after day.  These repetitive actions often result in micro tears, scar tissue or development of adhesions between muscle layers and dysfunction in physical activities.

It is more common of an injury than you think.  In the last 2 weeks 3 people have presented to our office with tennis elbow symptoms.  All 3 patients noted a decrease in symptoms after the first visit.  Two of the three had their injury resolved after 2 visits.  Most of the elbow injuries can be treated quite easily when using Active Release Techniques (ART).  ART can effectively reduce adhesions and scar tissue in the dysfunctional musculature reducing the amount of stress put on the tissues.  If an area is chronically being over used and never has the chance to recover it will eventually become weak and injured.  ART can also be used to prevent or significantly reduce repetitive use injuries. It is much easier to address the issue when it occurs because as times goes on scar tissue and adhesions in the muscles continue to develop making the tissue even more vulnerable to yet further injuries. Keep that in mind.

Live your best,

Dr. Brian

Sources:

Conservative Management of Sports Injuries

Release Your Pain