Tennis Elbow & Physical Therapy

What is tennis elbow/lateral epicondylitis?

                      It is the most common overuse syndrome in elbow. In this injury the extensor muscles are involved and the common muscle involved is the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Tennis elbow affects people in other occupations like computer professionals, painters,weavers etc.. and it often seems that both the males and females are equally affected.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow.

You may feel pain in the arm and tenderness in the elbow and the pain is getting worse when you try to lift an object,giving shake hands or grip an object. You may also find that you have a weak grip and stiff elbow. If your symptoms doesn't subside with in two weeks see your physiotherapist or G.P for advice. 


Diagnosis:

Cozen's Test:

It is one of the test to evaluate for tennis elbow. The test is positive  if it produce pain in the lateral side of the elbow.

Physiotherapy Management.

                    As per physiotherapy protocol there are several modalities for treatment of tennis elbow, includes, kinesio taping, electrotherapy, neural mobilization, muscle stretches, massage and strengthening, its aim is to reduce pain and improve function. 

In acute cases first  48 hours follows the P.R.I.C.E principle.(protection,rest,ice,compression and elevation).