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Tennis elbow and golfers elbow are caused by damage of specific tendons in the forearm. Golfers elbow affects the flexor tendon (the tendon of the muscles that flex the wrist) whilst tennis elbow affects the extensor tendon (the tendon of the muscles that extend the wrist.)
The main symptoms of both golfers and tennis elbow is acute elbow pain and tightness when gripping or lifting. In golfers elbow the pain occurs on the inside of the elbow, in tennis elbow the pain is on the outer aspect. In more severe cases patients may also have elbow pain at rest.
Tendon damage in both tennis elbow and golfers elbow is largely a result of chronic tendon strain and overload. This occurs for 2 primary reasons:
Other factors, such as nutrition, have also been shown to play a role in tendon injuries. Pro-inflammatory diets (those high in simple sugars and refined oils and low in fruit and vegetables) reduce tendon resilience.
There is a range of manual treatments that are beneficial for treating the local tendon injury in golfers or tennis elbow. These include techniques such as dry needling, deep tissue massage and instrument assisted soft tissue release.
However, for long-standing relief, any underlying factors must also be addressed. Commonly, movement dysfunction is the root cause of chronic tendon strain. By addressing dysfunctional movement, strain on the tendon can be reduced and pain improved.
Introducing nutrients that are important for connective tissue and muscle repair (such as protein, vitamins C and D and magnesium) in the form of foods or supplements is also vital for long term tendon health.
Pain in the arm is not always a result of an arm problem. Dysfunctional muscles, joints or nerves in the neck and shoulder often cause referred pain in the arm and hand.
Referred pain can mimic various local arm injuries and, in many cases, it is difficult for the patient to know where the pain is actually
coming from. A thorough examination is therefore essential so that the true origin of pain can be established and effectively addressed.
Find out how Treatment at Dynamic Health could help.
I have been suffering with elbow and forearm pain for a number of years now and It was beginning to effect my work and training. I had previously tried other forms of therapy but nothing had worked for me. After the first few sessions with Steffen I could notice a difference and the pain was significantly less. I am now able to go about my daily routine with relatively no pain. I would definitely recommend visiting Steffen if you are suffering with pain.
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