Tennis Elbow!
Summer is finally here! The weather has been getting warmer, and flowers are all blooming. One dreaded summertime ritual on most of our to-do lists is yard work! Whether it be raking, weeding, or even constructing the new vegetable garden, all these activities come with the consequence of putting you at risk for repetitive use injuries. One of the most common injuries is lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow.
What is Tennis Elbow, Exactly?
Tennis elbow is an inflammation of the common extensor tendon that attaches your forearm muscles to the outside part of the elbow. It occurs due to the repetitive stress that is caused by the type of activities we mentioned before. It may also be caused by household chores or work-related duties (cleaning, painting, plumbing). Contrary to its name, most people with tennis elbow don’t play tennis!
How do you treat Tennis Elbow?
Treatment is relatively straightforward. However, the chance of complete and pain-free recovery is much more likely if you’re evaluated and treated by a qualified Physical Therapist or other orthopedic specialist. Before being seen, it is essential to control inflammation. Try applying ice to the outside part of your elbow for 15 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Be careful not to overuse the arm. If you think you may be experiencing symptoms of Tennis Elbow, please give our office a call to schedule an evaluation.
Cray Physical Therapy offers treatments, management, and general information for several types of pain related to work, sports, or everyday living injuries. Give us a call at 339-987-4856 so we can help you get on the road to recovery!
