Tennis elbow other therapies
|
Tennis elbow Microchapters |
|
Diagnosis |
|---|
|
Treatment |
|
Case Studies |
|
Tennis elbow other therapies On the Web |
|
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Tennis elbow other therapies |
|
Risk calculators and risk factors for Tennis elbow other therapies |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Other Therapies
Applying heat and ice in combination works extremely well, as ice controls swelling and heat heals and promotes blood flow and also relieves the tightness and pain. http://www.fitlinxx.com/Article.htm?id=365
Although not founded in clinical research[1], the tennis player's treatment of choice is frequent icing and compression (Cold compression therapy) for inflammation, and taking anti-inflammatory pain-killers, such as ibuprofen. In general the evidence base for intervention measures is poor.[2]
A brace might also be recommended by a doctor to reduce the range of movement in the elbow and thus reduce the use and pain. Also, ergonomic considerations are important to help with the successful relief of lateral elbow pain. There are conflicting trials about best approaches to bracing: wrist extension splints may[3] or may not[4] be better than a counterforce forearm strap brace.
Initial measures
Rest, ice, and compression are the treatments of choice. There are many excellent cold compression therapy products available. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may reduce pain, and inflammation.
Exercises and stretches
Stretches and progressive strengthening exercises are essential to prevent re-irritation of the tendon[5]. Progressive strengthening for this condition involves using weights or elastic theraband to increase pain free grip strength and forearm strength. Racquet sport players also are commonly advised to strengthen their shoulder rotator cuff, scapulothoracic and abdominal muscles by Physiotherapists to help reduce any overcompensation in the wrist extensors during gross shoulder and arm movements.
Physiotherapy
With physiotherapy, ultrasound can be used to reduce the inflammation and promote collagen production although the current evidence for its efficacy is inconclusive. Manual therapy (a form of physiotherapy) is an important part of the treatment; and can take the form of elbow joint mobilisations/manipulations and/or extensor muscle tissue mobilisations. Nerve mobilisation can also be helpful if the Physiotherapist finds a positive nerve tension test in their assessment. The most common upper limb nerve found to be sensitive is the radial nerve for this condition. Elbow clasps are also found to give temporary relief of symptoms.
Alternative treatments
Laser Therapy
The Use of Laser Therapy (Low Power or Low Intensity Laser Therapy) is a currently used treatment. The approach was spun off of research on how light affects cells. The findings, that light stimulates and accelerates normal healing, sparked the creation of several devices. The dosage often determines the extent of the success with this treatment, so it is generally recommended that experienced clinicians apply the therapy with a device that can be 'customized.' Professional athletes have used the therapy, and it has gained attention in the media lately, on shows like the Canadian health program "Balance" on CTV.However studies evaluating the efficacy of laser therapy for tennis elbow are currently contradictory.
Acupuncture has also been proven to be beneficial but evaluation studies are also inconclusive.[6]
References
- ↑ Manias P, Stasinopoulos D (2006). "A controlled clinical pilot trial to study the effectiveness of ice as a supplement to the exercise programme for the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy". Br J Sports Med. 40 (1): 81–5. PMID 16371498 abstract.
- ↑ Bisset L, Paungmali A, Vicenzino B, Beller E (2005). "A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia". Br J Sports Med. 39 (7): 411–22, discussion 411-22. PMID 15976161 abstract.
- ↑ Garg R, Adamson GJ, Dawson PA, Shankwiler JA, Pink MM (2010). "A prospective randomized study comparing a forearm strap brace versus a wrist splint for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis". J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 19 (4): 508–12. doi:10.1016/j.jse.2009.12.015. PMID 20363158.
- ↑ Van De Streek MD, Van Der Schans CP, De Greef MH, Postema K (2004). "The effect of a forearm/hand splint compared with an elbow band as a treatment for lateral epicondylitis". Prosthet Orthot Int. 28 (2): 183–9. doi:10.1080/03093640408726703. PMID 15382812.
- ↑ Stasinopoulos D, Stasinopoulou K, Johnson MI (2005). "An exercise programme for the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy". Br J Sports Med. 39 (12): 944–7. PMID 16306504 abstract.
- ↑ Jiang ZY, Li CD, Guo JH, Li JC, Gao L (2005). "Controlled observation on electroacupuncture combined with cake-separated moxibustion for treatment of tennis elbow". Zhongguo Zhen Jiu. 25 (11): 763–4. PMID 16335198.