Tennis elbow -> it was going so well and then...

Have you ever experienced pain or discomfort in the muscle near the boney part on the outside of the elbow? Sometimes called Tennis elbow, lateral epicondylitis is a condition affecting more than just your avid tennis enthusiast.

There are many things that can predispose you to developing lateral epicondylitis but over the years I’ve found that the condition presents itself in people who have several things in common:

1.  Jobs and hobbies that require repetitive use of the arm eg. Carrying a heavy baby

2.  Tasks that require gripping and holding objects continuously, like your hairdresser or a commercial painter

3.  The use of electric machinery that vibrates when using it, like a tattoo artist

Of all the conditions that are common to see in clinic, the presentation of lateral epicondylitis is one of the most frustrating for patients to deal with. Ask your physio and I’m sure they will tell you about at least one patient who they have treated who was progressing well with therapy and then... things changed... something happened.

Tennis elbow can be temperamental and the condition almost never follows a consistent trajectory of improvement.

Rest assured, if your suffering from this and it doesn’t seem to be improving, there’s a few things you may not have considered doing:

1. Stop irritating it! Avoid gripping, grabbing lifting with the arm. Especially underhand extended arm gripping. Try diligently for 1 week and check on the improvement.

2. Work on your forearm mobility – in particular improving the flexibility and mobility of the muscles on the underside of the arm.

3. Support the irritated arm with a brace when you need to lift and carry something

4. Wear supportive strapping at night to help support your forearm when you’re

   sleeping. See below for video and instructions on this super simple strapping tape.

5. Finally, and most importantly begin loading the forearm so it’s tolerance to activity improves

Super Simple Strapping Tape for Tennis Elbow pain

1. Push down on your fingers with your arm extended. Find the finger that irritates the most. This will be your guide finger to support. Often the 3rd or 4th finger.

2. Take a roll of stretch tape and cut it to length. 1⁄2 way up the forearm from the end of your guide finger.

3. Cut a hole in the tape 4-5cm down from one end. Remember also to round the tape at the cut ends.

4. Place your guide finger in the hole and with your arm, wrist and hand straight. Pull on the tape so it takes up around 60-70% stretch on the tape and place down along the line of the forearm.

5. Add a little cross piece at the top to stop irritation and hold the tape in place.

   To view a detailed video of the taping technique visit our Instagram or Facebook page in the video section.

Note: If you have any skin irritation to tape then this may not be the best treatment for you. Please read through the packaging for any indications against its use on you and if you’re uncertain then best to patch test the tape on a small area of skin first.

Lateral Epicondylitis can be a frustrating condition for both the patient and your therapist to deal with but rest assured it will improve with time and proper care.

As always please consult with your therapist about the best management for you. I wish you well with your recovery and rehabilitation.

See you in clinic,

Andrew