Elbow tendonitis is a common condition that affects the tendons in the elbow, something of which our EPAT tool can make a significant difference. Elbow tendonitis is characterized by pain and inflammation in the outer part of the elbow and forearm. Whether you are an athlete, an office worker, or someone who engages in repetitive arm movements, understanding elbow tendonitis is essential for prevention, early intervention, and effective treatment. In this weeks blog, we will explore the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for elbow tendonitis but first, what is EPAT?
What is EPAT?
You may remember from our blog last month (HERE) but to reiterate, EPAT is a non-invasive therapy which has gained popularity in recent years due to its effectiveness in treating a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions. It is proven to help a variety of conditions and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, both acute and chronic. There is an ever growing field of evidence and use applications not only in the field of Orthopedics, but also Aesthetics, Urology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Neurology and Veterinary Medicine.
Causes of Elbow Tendonitis Repetitive elbow motion causes small tears in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. Some common causes of elbow tendonitis include:
Overuse: Engaging in repetitive activities that involve gripping, twisting, or lifting can strain the tendons in the elbow over time. This is particularly common in sports such as tennis, hence the name "tennis elbow."
Improper technique: Poor technique or form during physical activities can put excessive stress on the tendons, increasing the risk of developing tendonitis.
Age and degeneration: As we age, our tendons become less flexible and more prone to injury. Degenerative changes in the tendons can contribute to the development of elbow tendonitis.
Symptoms The primary symptom of elbow tendonitis is pain on the outer part of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm. Other common symptoms include:
Weak grip strength: Tendonitis can weaken the muscles and tendons responsible for gripping objects, making it difficult to perform simple tasks.
Stiffness: The elbow joint may feel stiff, particularly after periods of rest or in the morning.
Tenderness: The affected area may be tender to the touch, and pressure may exacerbate the pain.
Treatment Options Proper treatment for elbow tendonitis involves a combination of rest, pain management, and rehabilitation. Here are some common treatment options:
Rest and activity modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain is crucial to allow the tendons to heal. Modifying your technique or taking breaks during repetitive tasks can also help prevent further damage.
Pain relief: Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. Topical creams or ointments may also provide temporary relief.
Brace or splint: Wearing a brace or splint can provide support to the affected tendons and reduce strain during daily activities.
Corticosteroid injections: In severe cases, a corticosteroid injection may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. However, these injections should be used judiciously due to potential side effects.
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT): This non-invasive procedure involves delivering shockwaves to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain. ESWT has shown promising results in some cases of chronic elbow tendonitis.
Physical therapy: One of our physical therapists can guide you through specific exercises and stretches to strengthen the muscles around the elbow, improve flexibility, and promote healing. We can also introduce you to our EPAT tool which Kelsey demonstrates in the video below.
Prevention Preventing elbow tendonitis involves taking proactive measures to reduce the risk of injury. Here are some preventive strategies:
Maintain proper technique: Whether you're playing sports or performing repetitive tasks, ensure you use correct form and technique to minimize stress on the tendons.
Warm-up and stretch: Prior to engaging in physical activities, warm up your muscles and perform stretching exercises to prepare your tendons and reduce the risk of injury.
Strengthening exercises: Regularly engage in exercises that target the muscles around the elbow to build strength and stability. This can help protect the tendons from overuse injuries.
Take breaks: If you perform repetitive tasks, take regular breaks to rest your muscles and tendons. Avoid overexertion and listen to your body's signals.
Elbow tendonitis can be a painful and limiting condition, but with the right treatment and preventive measures, recovery is possible. With a 90% reduction in pain reported by patients, EPAT has become a preferred treatment option for us. Especially when treating Elbow tendonitis . In addition to EPAT, incorporating exercises described by Kelsey in the demonstration video will further alleviate Elbow tendonitis pain. Watch the video for Kelsey's demonstration of a typical session for Elbow Tendonitis and EPAT:
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