Have you been experiencing pain in your elbow when you’re lifting items, getting dressed, reaching for something, or simply just sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine? You may have a pain condition that requires the careful touch of a physical therapist!
It’s okay if you don’t know the cause of your pain, that’s what Haymarket Physical Therapy is here for. Pain in your elbow can be the result of a chronic condition such as tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. One great way to pinpoint your discomfort at the source is to contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment. Let us help you get back to feeling your best!
The difference between golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
Tendinosis of the common extensor tendon is known as a pain condition called Tennis Elbow. Tendinitis of the common flexor tendon is referred to as Golfer’s Elbow.
These two conditions can get confused with each other sometimes because they are so similar. However, tennis elbow refers to pain on the lateral or outside aspect of the elbow, whereas golfer’s elbow refers to pain on the medial or inside aspect of the elbow.
Both of these injuries are a result of repetitive use injuries and can be attributed to a variety of different tasks, not just the sports they are named after.
Tendinosis occurs when the tendon’s collagen begins to break down as a result of chronic overuse, especially when there are no breaks that allow the affected tendon time to rest. This happens in instances of repetitive strain injury.
Tendinitis, on the other hand, results from tiny tears in tendons. The tendon becomes inflamed when the musculotendinous unit receives too much pressure or force too quickly. Oftentimes, tendinosis is mistaken for tendinitis.
Physical Therapy can provide treatment for both of these conditions, because it restores the underlying joint and soft tissue limitations, that are causing strain to the tendons, and reduces the inflammation quite rapidly.
Fortunately, by consulting with a physical therapist early on, you may be able to avoid severe pain and work to improve your flexibility, range of motion, and overall function in the affected joint(s). At Haymarket Physical Therapy, we can help you get back to living your life comfortably!
How to tell if you have tennis or golfer’s elbow
Symptoms of tennis elbow
Patients who experience tennis elbow typically report pain around the bony part of the extremity, just above the outside of the elbow. This is called the “lateral epicondyle.” This area may be tender to touch, and you may experience weakness and/or an inability to perform normal activities of daily living, such as lifting a cup of coffee or reaching for something on a shelf.
Any kind of activity, such as gripping or repeated grasping, can strain the tendon attachment to the lateral epicondyle. The most common age group to develop this condition is between 30-60 years of age, although it can occur in younger and older patients as well, so don’t rule it out just because you don’t fall in that age range. A physical therapist at Haymarket Physical Therapy will be able to properly diagnose your condition.
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow
Golfer’s elbow can pose challenges to even the simplest of activities, such as reaching to grab a glass from the top shelf of the cabinet or bending down to pick up a dropped item. This condition can worsen over time, becoming chronic and incredibly painful. Patients with golfer’s elbow report feeling stiffness, weakness in their hand, numbness or tingling in their shoulder and elbow areas when moving their arm.
The RICE method (rest, ice, compression, elevation) can often be a short term solution for finding pain relief at home, however, if you find that your symptoms are not dissipating or get worse, it’s a good idea to seek the help of a physical therapist at Haymarket Physical Therapy.
How can physical therapy help treat tennis and golfer’s elbow?
A physical therapist can provide conservative methods to help treat tennis and golfer’s elbow. The goal of physical therapy is to help you return to your normal work, home, and sports activities, free of pain. Your physical therapist can help identify what activities might be aggravating your symptoms and will discuss any activity modifications you may need to make.
Postural exercises are emphasized, along with stretching and strengthening of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand. Modalities may be utilized, such as heat, cold laser, iontophoresis, ultrasound, and massage. Orthotics for the wrist may also be recommended as your physical therapist deems fit, in order to rest the wrist extensors.
Your therapist can help you identify methods of treatment for your specific needs and design an individualized treatment plan. Together, you’ll identify the best range of motion and strength-building activities to reduce your likelihood of worsening your condition or developing it again in the future.
Call our clinic today
If you believe you may be experiencing pain related to tennis or golfer’s elbow, don’t hesitate to contact Haymarket Physical Therapy today! Our experienced physical therapist will provide you with the care you need, so you can get back to your normal life.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
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Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!