Tennis Elbow, also known as Lateral Epicondylalgia, is one of the more common conditions that is seen in the mainstream population. It can occur to anybody who performs repetitive wrist movements such as gripping and bending movements in the upwards directions (extension). It involves a group of muscles known as the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB). It occurs in a much wider population than just tennis and racquet ball players.
For quite some time the actual medical diagnosis given for this condition has been Lateral Epicondylitis. Simply what this means is that it is an inflammatory condition, where the tendon is in a state of inflammation. However, in all but 1 publication examining pathologic specimens of patients operated on for this condition, no evidence of acute or chronic inflammation is found. Despite this evidence, a lot of medical professionals still call it “Lateral Epicondylitis” As a result over the last decade the name has been changed to “Lateral Epicondylalgia”. Any word ending in “algia” simply means pain.
The common treatment for this condition has been anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS), ice and rest. However, since the evidence does not show an inflammatory process occurring, we have to question why people keep taking anti-inflammatories. The most common reason is to assist in pain management but it most likely may not be treating the underlying problem. However, we need to know that since there is a lack of evidence stating that there is inflammation, could the problem be simply due to the muscles being in a state of imbalance and tight? This ongoing tension/hypertonicity in the muscle can lead to a cycle of ongoing pain and some scar tissue/adhesions forming. We may need to change the approach of treating this condition. There are many treatment strategies that can assist with this condition. Acupuncture (in the form of dry needling or non dry needling), Manual therapy such as active release therapy and Cupping have worked very well. From personal clinical experience, cupping therapy that is used dynamically on the elbow has worked very well. The approach is to work on stretching the muscles.
If you have an elbow issue that was diagnosed as Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow, please remember the correct diagnosis is “Lateral Epicondylalgia.
Until then keep looking after yourself. Remember “No matter how you feel, get up, dress up, show up and never give up.”
REFERENCES:
Boyer MI, Hastings H, Lateral tennis elbow: “Is there any science out there?” J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 1999 Sept-Oct:8(5):481-91.