Tennis Elbow Treatment with Osteopathy

Suffering from tennis elbow? Osteopathy can help. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition among athletes and those engaged in repetitive arm movements. Osteopathy offers a holistic approach to treat this painful condition.

People often get confused when they hear “tennis elbow,” thinking it only affects tennis players. But that’s not the case. Anyone doing activities that put continuous and repetitive stress on their forearm muscles can develop tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow.

You usually feel pain and tenderness on the outside of your dominant arm’s elbow, extending into the upper forearm.

Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow. Osteopathy aims to address the root causes of pain and inflammation, providing long-term relief and improved function.

We are here to help you

Osteopathy uses manual techniques to relieve pain, improve blood flow, and restore the normal movement of the elbow and surrounding muscles. This holistic approach ensures that the entire arm is treated, not just the site of pain.

• Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
• Weakness in the forearm
• Difficulty in shaking hands or gripping objects
• Pain when lifting or bending the arm
• Discomfort when making a fist or straightening the wrist

Sometimes, the symptoms might go away on their own if you rest and stop doing activities that cause pain. However, full recovery can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Getting the right therapy at the right time can speed up your recovery and help ease the pain, making life more comfortable.

The main cause of tennis elbow is overusing the muscles in the back of the forearm or elbow joint. Here are some specific factors that can lead to this condition:

• Using the wrong sports technique
• Doing too much or inappropriate activities
• Poor posture
• Not properly rehabilitating after an elbow injury
• Muscle weakness
• Injuries to the neck or upper back
• Inadequate warm-ups
• Injuries to the nerves that supply the elbow
• Tight joints in the neck, upper back, wrist, or elbow

Tennis elbow can also result from poor posture or biomechanics involving the entire arm, shoulder, and neck.

1. Reducing Pain and Inflammation Caused by Tennis Elbow

Osteopaths use various techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization to reduce elbow pain and inflammation. These techniques have a natural anti-inflammatory effect and help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing swelling. It offers a natural alternative to pain medicines for many patients.

2. Improving Range of Motion

Osteopaths use various techniques such as soft tissue massage and joint mobilization to reduce elbow pain and inflammation. These techniques help increase blood flow to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing swelling.

3. Strengthening Muscles and Tendons

Strengthening the muscles and tendons around the elbow can prevent tennis elbow injury. Osteopaths provide tailored exercises that target the specific muscles involved. These exercises help build strength and endurance, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

4. Correcting Posture and Ergonomics

Poor posture and improper ergonomic setups can contribute to the development of tennis elbow. Osteopaths assess your posture and work environment to identify any contributing factors. They provide advice on how to make adjustments that can help prevent future injuries.

Preventive Therapy For Tennis Elbow Includes:

Our Osteopath not only treats tennis elbow but also provides advice on preventing it from coming back:

• Proper Warm-Up and Cool-Down: Always make sure to warm up before activities and cool down afterward.
• Using Correct Techniques: Learn and use the proper techniques for sports and other activities to avoid strain.
• Ergonomic Adjustments: Make ergonomic adjustments at work or in daily activities to reduce strain on your elbow.

Follow Our Structured Treatment Plan

Osteopathy for tennis elbow involves a structured treatment plan. This plan typically includes regular osteopathic sessions and specific exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles.

Here is an outline of what a typical tennis elbow treatment plan includes:

• Initial Assessment – A thorough examination to understand the severity of your condition.
• Manual Therapy – Techniques to reduce elbow pain and improve joint mobility.
• Exercise Plan – Customized exercises to strengthen the affected muscles and help you return to activities you enjoy, like play tennis.
• Follow-up Sessions – Regular check-ins to monitor progress and adjust treatment.
• Preventive Advice – Tips to avoid future injuries.

Call our Body & Mind Osteopathic Clinic in Toronto and Vaughan to book your consultation (647) 995-7722