Excited for the Australian Open? So are we! January is the perfect time to dust off your tennis racquet and hit the court—whether for the first time or after a long break. In this blog, Osteopath, Jesse, explains common elbow injuries caused by tennis and other activities, along with tips to manage and prevent them so you can keep playing pain-free.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia): An overuse injury of the wrist extensor tendon that causes pain on the outside of the elbow.
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia): An overuse injury of the wrist flexor tendon that causes pain on the inside of the elbow.
How Does it Happen?
Tennis Elbow develops from repetitive tasks that involve gripping and wrist extension. While common in tennis players, it can also result from sports like squash, badminton, or any activities requiring repeated wrist movements or forearm rotation.
Golfer's Elbow occurs due to repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, and forearm rotation. Although often seen in golfers, it also affects tennis players, other racquet sports, and activities like throwing or pitching.
Beyond Sports: Both conditions frequently occur in labour-intensive occupations, such as carpentry, plumbing, and construction, which involve forceful and repetitive movements using specialized tools.
Poor Technique and Equipment: Improper mechanics or using unsuitable gear can worsen these injuries, particularly in athletes.
How Can Osteopathy Help?
Your Osteopath can diagnose and manage your condition with a tailored treatment plan, including:
Manual Therapy: Techniques like soft tissue massage, dry needling, and joint manipulation to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Targeted Exercises: Stretching and strengthening the forearm and wrist muscles.
Relative Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the injury.
Bracing: Using a false-insertion brace or wrist splint for additional support.
Pain Management: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) recommended by your GP or pharmacist.
Equipment Adjustments: Simple changes, like adding a thicker grip to tennis or squash racquets, can reduce strain on your elbow.
Manage and Prevent Elbow Pain
Both tennis and golfer's elbow are highly manageable and preventable. If you're currently dealing with elbow pain—or want to avoid it altogether—book a session with one of our osteopaths for a personalized assessment and treatment plan.
Disclaimer:
These tips are general recommendations and may not be suitable for everyone. If you experience ongoing or severe pain, consult an osteopath or healthcare professional for individualized advice and treatment.
References:
Buchanan, B. K., & Varacallo, M. (2023). Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow). In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Kiel, J., & Kaiser, K. (2023). Golfers Elbow. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.