When you’ve overused the muscles in your hand and forearm you can contract a condition known as tennis elbow—even if you don’t even play tennis. In fact, less than 5% of cases occur in tennis players even though it affects 1-3% of all Americans each year. Persons at risk include bowlers, golfers, gardeners, house cleaners, baseball players, mechanics and assembly line workers.
- Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Tenderness on the bony part of the elbow
- Forearm soreness
- Pain when grabbing or holding onto an object
- Persistent aching
- Morning stiffness
The first priority in the treatment of tennis elbow is to reduce the amount of pain the patient is experienced. Trigger-point massage and spinal adjustments accompanied by rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE) at home; can start the healing process and alleviate pain.
When the patient is comfortable enough to begin more aggressive treatment, we can begin a course of therapy aimed at rehabilitating the injured arm and restoring strength and range of motion.
The prognosis for sufferers of tennis elbow is actually very good, with 95% of patients experiencing a complete recovery without the use of surgery; especially when patients perform corrective exercises and stretches at home.