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Tennis Elbow Eccentric Exercises
Tennis elbow or lateral epicondylitis is characterized by pain and possible swelling on the outer part of the elbow. It is caused by overuse of the extensor muscles of the forearm which chronically strains and pulls into the bone (epicondyle) of the outer elbow. As the name suggests, tennis players will get this condition due to the amount of force and tension that the forearms absorb when hitting a tennis ball. We also see tennis elbow in people who perform a lot of typing/computer work; the constant lifting of the fingers cause overuse of the extensor muscle group and results in tennis elbow.
In Office Tennis Elbow Treatment
Treatment in our San Diego office consists of Active Release Technique, Graston Technique, to break down the tight musculature pulling into the tendon and bone. Recommended home care consists of self myofascial release (see Armaid) and Theraband Flexbar. For successful treatment, it is important for both the chiropractor and patient perform their parts of the treatment. The video below describes the Theraband Flexbar protocol. In a nutshell, the Flexbar exercises should be performed daily, 3 x 15 with a 2-3 second eccentric contraction; when 3 x 15 becomes easy, move up to the next level resistance Flexbar.
When performing these exercises, expect to feel some discomfort in the area; it targets the injured area so this can be completely normal. At home tennis elbow treatment should not worsen the pain, and should start to feel improvement with exercise consistency. As always, please get the elbow evaluated. It is important to get a proper working diagnosis from a Sports Chiropractor familiar with overuse injuries. Our office is conveniently located in Mission Valley, San Diego. We treat tennis elbow near the neighborhoods of Serra Mesa, La Jolla, UTC, Linda Vista, Poway, and Scripps Ranch.
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Dr. Travis Rose, DC CCSP and Dr. Kevin Rose, DC DABCSP are Sports Chiropractors who treat sports injuries in San Diego, California. Not only do they treat athletes regularly, they are athletes themselves, participating in triathlons, running events, and recreational team sports.
