ARTICLE SELECTIONS
- INTRODUCTION
- WHAT IS LATERAL AND MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS?
- CAUSES
- TRADITIONAL TREATMENTS
- WHY TRY THERAPY FIRST
- PATIENT COMMENTS
- DOCTOR’S COMMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Often referred to as tennis elbow, epicondylitis is a condition that occurs as a result of repetitive and over use of muscles and tendons. Not just limited to people in the sporting arena, lateral and medial epicondylitis is a condition that is linked to various professions and affects people in their work environment.
WHAT IS LATERAL AND MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS?
Lateral epicondylitis is a condition characterized by pain and weakness along the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow right beside the bony protrusion (lateral epicondyle).
Medial epicondylitis is less common and characteristically occurs with wrist flexor activity and pronation– the rotation of the hand or forearm so that the surface of the palm is facing downward or toward the back.
CAUSES
This injury is seen in many sports and in professional environments where there is repetitive stress, over use and strain on these muscles and tendons. The narrowing of the muscle bellies of the forearm as they merge into the tendons creates highly focused stress where they insert into the bone of the elbow.
In the case of lateral epicondylitis, which is the most common upper extremity tennis injury, is often a result of (1) a one handed backhand with poor technique (2) a late forehand swing preparation with resulting wrist snap to bring the racquet head perpendicular to the ball, or (3) while serving, the ball is hit with full power and speed with wrist pronation and wrist snap which increases the stress on the already taught extensor tendons.
Medial epicondylitis is often referred to ‘golfer’s elbow and is a result of the wrist flexors as in a golf swing or baseball pitch which can cause an overuse injury to the inside of the elbow. Unlike lateral epicondylitis, which most often happens as the result of repetitive mechanical and postural flaws, medial epicondylitis is usually a true overuse syndrome or as the result of one forceful contraction such as a baseball pitch which set off the symptoms.
TRADITONAL TREATMENTS
Epicondylitis, both medial and lateral, is a common and often lingering pathologic condition. It critical, therefore, to address the symptoms of pain and swelling before beginning a progressive strengthening program. Anti-inflammatories and icing the injured area will control and reduce the immediate symptoms. Sometimes a wrist splint and modification of aggravating factors are all effective initial treatment plans. In some instances surgery is considered.
WHY TRY PHYSICAL THERAPY FIRST
This condition is generally the result of repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons resulting in mild to severe pain and discomfort and often immobility. The most advantageous treatment to improve this condition is physical therapy to strengthen and repair the tendons and muscles that are affected. Physical Therapyaddresses this condition with the focus on improving muscles strength and eliminating pain using various modalities without the added side effects of medications. This chronic type of pain/condition responds excellently to the exercises and treatments that are executed by your Physical Therapist.
PATIENT COMMENTS
When I came to Physiocare my goals were to get a good nights sleep and go back to playing tennis. These goals were achieved and I was very pleased with the treatment I received form my therapist.
James W.
DOCTOR’S COMMENTS
“Physiocare does excellent hands on physical therapy and I recommend them without reservation.”
Irvine Mason, M.D., Diplomat – American Foard of Psychiatry & Neurology
“Physiocare rehabilitation has made a big difference in the lives of my patients. Their staff is professional , warm and always helpful in caring for their patients. I have never had a patient who was not completely satisfied with the rehabilitation at Physiocare.”
Michael D. Milstein, D.O. F.A.A.F.P., Internist
“My patients find that Physiocare provides prompt and successful relief to their pains and stiffness. I send most of my patients to Physiocare. I have found Physiocare to be the best physical therapy center in town.”
Daniel I. Nuchovich, M.D.
” Since referring my patients to Physiocare I have found that for the first time my patients actually want to return to their clinic for therapy treatment. Never before have I seen so many of my patients complimenting a rehabilitation clinic. The Physiocare team truly performs the best therapy and they continually exceed my expectations.”
Irma V. Lopez, M.D., Internist
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References: Sources come from one or more of the following articles and sites:
Medicinenet.com / mediregister.com /mediline.net /mediinfo.co.uk / mhni.com /Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. /AmericanAcademyof Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery/Medline plus.org