Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common conditions.
Tennis elbow, or tennis arm, is the most common elbow complaint. Although it often affects tennis players, the term is certainly not reserved for them. The complaints can also develop from repeating certain movements, such as wringing out towels, tightening screws, painting or working at a computer.
We see tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow mainly in men and women between the ages of 35 and 45.
The symptoms of tennis and golfer’s elbow are similar, but the pain is felt in a different part of the elbow.
An elbow injury is a nuisance and can have a negative impact on daily life.
Elbow complaints are usually caused by overloading the tendons in the elbow. Usually the same repetitive movements are involved. Not warming up properly before exercise can also lead to complaints. As a result, the tendons become irritated and small tears can develop in them.
Keep moving, but do so in moderation. This keeps your muscles in condition and prevents your arm from becoming stiff. The osteopath can give you specific exercises. Paracetamol can be used for the pain. Alternate movement and rest. Wearing a sling or brace is not recommended.
Tennis or golfer’s elbow often clears up on its own. But if the complaints are severe, it is advisable to seek help. This prevents the complaints from becoming chronic and lasting for months. Even with chronic and severe complaints, treatment and improvement are certainly possible.
No, that is not necessary. You can go straight to the osteopath with elbow complaints.
An osteopath looks for the cause of the elbow complaint. If there is reduced mobility in the neck or upper back, the osteopath will use gentle techniques to loosen these areas. Other places in the body where restrictions are present will also be traced and released. This increases the blood supply to the arms and draws on the body’s capacity to heal itself. In addition, the osteopath promotes recovery by applying pressure massage to the painful spot. Finally, the osteopath will give you exercises for strength and coordination to strengthen the muscles in the forearm. Because an osteopath always looks at the person as a whole, factors such as stress and lifestyle will also be taken into account.