Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition caused by overuse of the
forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outer aspect of the elbow. It is characterized by pain and tenderness that can be exacerbated by activities such as gripping, twisting, and lifting.
If you have been diagnosed with tennis elbow, it is important to manage the condition properly to
prevent the condition from getting worse. Here are some tips on how to manage tennis elbow:
Rest: Avoid activities that aggravate the condition, and rest the affected arm as much as possible to
reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes at a time, several times a day, to reduce
swelling and pain.
Compression/braces: Use a compression bandage or sleeve to reduce swelling and provide support to the affected area.
There are also specific Tennis elbow braces as shown in the
image. These braces relieve the inflamed tendon at the elbow
from further irritation by creating a new anchoring point for the
overused forearm extensor muscles.
Osteopath care
In addition to these self-care measures, an osteopath can assist with the recovery process by
providing manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilization, and stretching
to help reduce pain and inflammation, improve circulation, and restore mobility to the affected
muscles and tendons.
Furthermore, Osteopath’s will help to develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses the
underlying causes of your tennis elbow, such as poor posture, repetitive strain, or muscle imbalance.
They will often achieve this with a tailored exercise program to help restore mobility and strength to
the affected muscles and tendons. By addressing these underlying factors, an osteopath will help to
prevent recurrence of the condition and promote long-term recovery.
In summary, managing tennis elbow requires a combination of rest, ice, compression, elevation, and
exercise. An osteopath can also play an important role in the recovery process by providing manual
therapy techniques and developing an individualized treatment plan that addresses the underlying
causes of your pain. If you are struggling with tennis elbow, consider seeking the guidance of a Blackburn
osteopath from Blackburn Allied Health Group to help you on your road to recovery.
