Norma Quane
Physio & Pilates Clinic

Tennis elbow

​

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is the inflammation and degeneration of the common extensor tendon of the forearm that attaches to the outside part (lateral epicondyle) of the humerus bone at the elbow. Tennis elbow is common amongst sports people and manual workers. Tennis elbow is not a diagnostic term, it is no more specific than back pain as a diagnosis. In fact this condition is more common in non tennis players than tennis players.
 

What causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is the most common elbow injury, characterized by inflammation of the extensor tendon of the forearm muscles, which is caused by prolonged gripping such as driving, racket sports or even using a hammer.

The inflammation and pain associated with tennis elbow is due to tiny tears in a part of the tendon and in the muscle covering. After the initial injury heals, these areas are susceptible to tear again. Inflammation may also cut off the blood flow and pinch the radial nerve, one of the major nerves controlling muscles in the arm and hand.

Tennis elbow is often an overuse syndrome related to excessive use of the wrist in everyday or sporting activities.
 

What are the symptoms/effects of Tennis Elbow?

The symptoms of Tennis elbow include pain on the outside of the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow, which is made worse by wrist and gripping activities. This pain occasionally radiates down the arm toward the wrist.
 

Physio treatment for Tennis Elbow

Physio may involve:

​

• Massage to relieve stress and tension in the muscles

• Individualized exercise programme including, neural and extensor muscle stretches and progressive conditioning exercises to strengthen the area and prevent re-injury.

• Taping a band around your forearm to take pressure off the extensor tendons.

• Myofascial release of the forearm muscles

• Cross frictions to the tendon

• Acupuncture

• Shockwave Therapy

• Advice about steroid injections for persistent pain and inflammation

​

Golfers elbow

​

What is Golfers elbow?

Golfers elbow or medial epicondylitus is a very similar condition to tennis elbow which is characterized by pain that affects the inside of elbow. Golfers elbow is of an overuse nature, associated with work-related or sporting activities.
 

What causes Golfer's Elbow?

There are many activities that can cause Golfer's Elbow,  working out at the gym or simply working in front of a computer for prolonged periods. These activities use the same muscles (wrist flexors and forearm pronators) repetitively and can result in the inflammation of common flexor tendon of the wrist where it attaches at the inside of the elbow. The causes of Golfer's Elbow are similar to tennis elbow but pain and tenderness are felt on the inside of the elbow, on or around the joint's bony prominence.
 

What are the symptoms of Golfer's Elbow?

Symptoms include tenderness and pain at the inside of your elbow, made worse by bending the wrist, grasping and turning the palm downwards (pronation). The pain may also spread down the forearm.
 

Diagnosis of Golfer's elbow

A physiotherapist or doctor will confirm a diagnosis of Golfers elbow after a physical examination of your elbow.
 

Physiotherapy for Golfer's Elbow?

Physio will reduce your pain and facilitate your recovery by developing an individual program suited to you.  Physio may include:

​

• Neural and flexor muscle stretches, and progressive conditioning exercises to strengthen the area and prevent re-injury.

• Massage to relieve stress and tension in the muscles

• Myofascial release of the muscles around the elbow

• Acupuncture

• Shockwave therapy

• Advice about supportive clasps or splints to off load the tendons during recovery

• Advice about steroid injections for persistent pain

​

Achillies Tendonitis/Tendonopathy

Achilles Tendonitis is the irritation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. Although it is believed to be the thickest and most robust tendon in the body, damage does sometimes occur to the Achilles Tendon causing an extremely painful injury.
 

What causes Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonopathy?

The main cause of Achilles Tendonitis is the over-use or repetitive strain injury and therefore sports associated with running or jumping can aggravate the Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendonitis is also commonly caused by a lack of flexibility or flat footedness. Rigidity of the tendons comes with age and therefore as we get older we become more susceptible to injury.

What are the Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis?

The main symptom of Achilles Tendonitis is pain at the back of the heel, which is usually worse after long periods of inaction such as first thing in the morning or after sitting down for while. Aggravating activities like running and jumping are also painful.

 

Physiotherapy treatment for Achilles Tendonitis

Physiotherapy treatment for Achilles Tendonitis should start as soon as possible to hasten recovery and to prevent further damage.

Physio treatment will significantly reduce pain and inflammation in the initial phase of Achilles tendonitis and then gradually improve muscle strength and flexibility to ensure an optimal outcome.

Physio treatment will be tailored to you but may include:

​

• Ice and heat treatment

• Soft tissue massage

• Shockwave therapy

• Advice about insoles and orthotics

• Advice on how to modify activity while your injury is healing

• Passive stretching

• Joint mobilization

• Exercises to improve strength, flexibility and balance

• Sport specific exercises

​