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Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort on the outer side of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow can affect individuals from various backgrounds and is typically caused by repetitive wrist and arm movements. Physiotherapy offers effective treatments to alleviate pain, promote healing, and restore optimal function for individuals with tennis elbow.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow. Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive Motions: Activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as tennis, painting, typing, or using hand tools, can strain the tendons and lead to tennis elbow.
- Poor Technique: Incorrect form or technique during sports or manual labor can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.
- Age and Gender: The condition is more prevalent in individuals aged 30 to 50 years, and it tends to affect both men and women equally.
The primary symptom of tennis elbow is pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. The pain may radiate down the forearm and worsen with activities that involve gripping, lifting, or twisting motions. Individuals with tennis elbow may experience weakness in the affected arm, difficulty gripping objects, and discomfort when extending the wrist.
Assessment & Diagnosis
When seeking physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow, a thorough assessment and diagnosis are essential. Our qualified physiotherapist will evaluate the individual's medical history and perform physical examinations. This comprehensive approach helps identify the underlying causes and determine the most suitable treatment options.