Tennis elbow treatment (lateral epicondylitis)

Professional treatment of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus

Tennis elbow treatment – It is estimated that more than half of patients suffering from this ailment have nothing to do with playing tennis. The pain involves the area of the lateral compartment of the wrist extensors, causing discomfort, restricted mobility, and often muscle weakness. The basis for proper treatment is the implementation of appropriate diagnostics and rehabilitation.

Tennis elbow diagnosis at Medi Horizon Clinic

Tennis elbow is diagnosed in the office of an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine physician. Diagnosis of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is based on a detailed interview with the patient and a physical examination, that is careful palpation of the affected area and muscle tests. The doctor uses pressure on the tissues of the elbow and wrist joint to assess pain. Two types of muscle tests are useful in diagnosing tennis elbow:

• Cozen test – the patient assumes a comfortable sitting position, the tested upper limb is slightly tilted at the shoulder joint and bent at the elbow joint. The forearm is in pronation, and the hand is clenched into a fist. The doctor or physiotherapist stabilizes the patient’s elbow joint and gives resistance on the dorsal side of the hand with his hand. Then the person under examination must make a straightening movement at the wrist joint against the resistance. If there is pain localized at the level of the lateral epicondyle or the pain radiates on the radial side when the joint movement is made, then the diagnosis is positive.
• Thomson test – the patient performs a slight wrist extension with his fist clenched and elbow joint fully straightened. The examiner stabilizes the wrist from the palmar side with one hand, while the other hand covers his fist. The patient is instructed to flex his fist dorsally against the examiner’s resistance, or vice versa – the examiner flexes his fist palmarily against the patient’s resistance. When there is uncomfortable pain in the lateral epicondyle area, this indicates symptoms of tennis elbow.

Diagnostic imaging tests performed at Medi Horizon Clinic include.;

• X-ray – taken in two projections – AP and lateral. Preferably of both elbow joints in order to determine whether there was any trauma there in the past, and to check for calcifications, degenerative changes, and free bodies in the joint attachment of the extensor muscles that press on the nerves,
• Ultrasound – allows to quickly and painlessly diagnose the condition of the entire elbow joint including all soft tissues. What is also important – it is an excellent tool for monitoring the effects of physiotherapy treatment. Compared to other imaging methods, it can be performed at short intervals without any risk.

At Medi Horizon Clinic, treatment of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus is provided by experienced Orthopedic Specialists.

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Summary

Treatment of tennis elbow in Warsaw

Treatment of lateral epicondylitis of the humerus at Medi Horizion is based on several basic elements. The first stage involves reducing and possibly eliminating all movements that aggravate the pain. Special bands and orthoses worn on the elbow joint are helpful in this regard. They are designed to stabilize and relieve pressure on joint and muscle structures. Orthopedic aids should fit properly and be made of lightweight breathable materials. Our doctor may also recommend lubricating the injured area with anti-inflammatory and analgesic ointments and taking NSAIDs for about two weeks. One of the most important steps in the treatment of tennis elbow is physiotherapy, which involves the combined action of many therapeutic methods and tools within orthopedic rehabilitation. Medi Horizon Clinic employs qualified physiotherapists who are constantly improving their skills. When working with patients, they focus not only on eliminating symptoms, but also on finding the cause of the tennis elbow problem and restoring full activity and function. The goal of rehabilitation is to reduce pain, improve mobility of the entire shoulder girdle and cervical spine, and prevent recurrence. Among the treatments used that give the best therapeutic results are:

• shock wave – although it is a relatively painful treatment, it gives great results after just 2-3 sessions. The treatment uses a mechanical wave, the pressure of which rises to high values in a very short time. It is a non-invasive method of treating fresh and chronic inflammation of soft tissues ,
• Kinesiotaping – its purpose is to restore normal body function by properly applying a special patch on the body, which, when properly applied, works to normalize muscle tension. Kinesiotaping aids motor control, prevents further injury, reduces inflammation, removes lymphatic stasis and has an analgesic effect,
• Transverse massage – this form of treatment is ideal for treating tennis elbow. The massage involves pressing the muscle, moving it across, and then relaxing it. The session lasts about 20-30 minutes. The therapy, combined with appropriate exercises, guarantees muscle regeneration, improved mobility and reduced pain,
• Exercises – understanding instruction and showing the patient the correct technique is a guarantee of success. Rehabilitation is based on a combination of stretching and strengthening exercises for the extensor muscles of the wrist joint.