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Tennis elbow, also known as
lateral epicondylitis, is a tendonitis or inflammation of
the tendons of certain wrist muscles that originate near the
elbow. Heavy loading or repetitive stress to these muscles
can result in inflammation and pain. The ECR ( extensor
carpi radialis) is one of the muscles that is vulnerable to
stress and inflammation.
The goals of treatment are to reduce the inflammation,
decrease the pain, control scar tissue formation,
strengthen, and to prevent re-injury.
Initially, resting from aggravating activities is essential.
Anti-inflammatory medications are often prescribed by your
doctor. A tennis elbow strap can be used to spread the
stresses out and relieve the injured tendons. Physical
therapy may use electrical stimulation to reduce pain and
inflammation and ultrasound to soften scar tissue and
increase circulation to the area. Manual techniques are
generally used to restore mobility, reduce scar tissue and
reduce pain.
Eventually, strengthening of the involved muscles is needed.
Determining the cause of the problem and eliminating or
modifying it to decrease the resultant stress is essential
to long term success in treatment.
For more information on tennis elbow, contact your physical
therapist.
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