" I've got Tennis Elbow but I Don't Play Tennis..."

What have I done?...

'Tennis Elbow' is the generic name given to pain that is felt on the outside of the elbow. The term tennis elbow is a misnomer, as the problem is actually a problem within the tendons of the forearm, and not everybody who develops the condition plays Tennis! Generally Tennis Elbow develops slowly overtime, as the condition itself is an overuse injury that leads to a degeneration of the tendon. It is usually as a result of excessive wrist extension, either at work or sport.

So what does my diagnosis actually mean?

Tennis Elbow generally occurs due to repeated loading of the forearm muscles in wrist extension. If continued loading occurs, the tendon can break down, and develop micro tears and scarring. This leads to the pain that is felt in the forearm. In many cases, the repeated loading does not have to be something extreme. For example, many office workers suffer from this complaint after using their mouse with their hand in a poor position.

What do I need to do?

STAGE 1: ACUTE MANAGEMENT (0 DAYS - 1-2 WEEKS) Damage Control. Rest: Try not to perform activities that aggravate the problem. If you cannot avoid them, modify them so as to resolve the problem. Your Physiotherapist will provide you with advice on how to do this. Ice: Often, to settle pain and any secondary inflammation; 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times a day. Compression: By using a specific brace, the amount of force through the affected tendon can be reduced, which decreases pain. Seek treatment.

What next?

STAGE 2: SUB-ACUTE MANAGEMENT As pain begins to subside and becomes less of a problem, the aim of treatment is to encourage the dysfunctional tendon to heal, and to restore strength to the affected forearm. Manual Therapy will be the modality used by the Physiotherapist at this stage. Further, to complete the repair process, an exercise programme will be introduced that will look at strengthening the forearm in a way that you may not have seen before - termed eccentric strengthening.

STAGE 3: RETURN TO NORMAL FUNCTION At this stage, hopefully much of the pain would have resolved. It is then a matter of returning to normal function, with guidance from your Physiotherapist so as to not to return to an activity too soon which sets you backwards - i.e. reaggravates the problem. It is also essential to analyse the activities that you have been performing that may have contributed to the pain in the first place - and ensure that any faulty techniques are corrected. If return to sport is desired, the strength programme and Physiotherapy guidance will continue until performance without pain is achieved. Technique modification may also play a role at this stage.

A Final Word...

As neither our bodies or injuries are exactly the same, not surprisingly we all recover at different rates, have different expectations, thus rehabilitation programs will be catered to the individual. Your Physiotherapist will ensure that you achieve each stage outlined above before progressing to the next one. Working with your Physiotherapist, you have the opportunity to create the best outcome for your injury. Should questions arise whilst being treated it is best to speak directly to the Physiotherapist about your particular rehabilitation program.