Lateral Epicondylitis is a painful condition in the elbow, commonly referred to as Tennis Elbow. Although inflammation is present with the initial onset, scarring in the soft tissues is the biggest factor leading to prolonged pain. This mechanism is due to overloading the tissues’ repetitive motions of the wrist and arm.
Despite its name, tennis players aren’t the only people who develop lateral epicondylitis. Other athletes and people whose jobs feature repetitive motion can also lead to this condition.
The pain of tennis elbow occurs primarily where the common extensor tendon, at your elbow, attaches to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Other muscles that move and stabilize the wrist and elbow are also usually involved. Pain and weakness may make it difficult to continue playing sports, gripping objects, and in more severe cases hold a coffee cup.
Our initial goal of treatment is to reduce pain. The best treatment for Tennis Elbow is accomplished by reestablishing normal texture and tone to the soft tissues. Our treatment of choice is Active Release Technique. This has shown time and time again to restore muscle, tendon, ligament, and nerve function when scar tissue is present.
