
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury caused by a repetitive activity. Although common in racquet sports, it can also be seen in workplace injuries, particularly among painters, carpenters, and plumbers.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, typical signs and symptoms of tennis elbow include pain and burning on the outside of the elbow and weak grip strength.
Symptoms develop over time and may gradually worsen over weeks or months.
The first steps in treating tennis elbow are reducing inflammation and resting the irritated muscles and tendons. Ice and compression may also help reduce inflammation and pain.
Once inflammation subsides, you can begin gentle exercises to strengthen the muscles of the forearm and prevent recurrence. Be sure to check with your doctor or therapist to determine when you are ready to begin therapy exercises.
However, if any flat spots or abnormal shaping are still apparent, some intervention may be required to correct the problem. To be absolutely sure of the normalcy of your baby’s head shape, please consult your physician.
Poor grip strength is a common symptom of tennis elbow. Improving grip strength by building the muscles of the forearm can help improve ability to perform daily activities.
Equipment needed: table and towel
Muscles worked: long flexor tendons of the fingers and thumb.
The supinator muscle is a large muscle of the forearm that attaches into the elbow. It’s responsible for turning the palm upward and is often involved in movements that can cause tennis elbow.
Equipment needed: table and 2-pound dumbbell
Muscles worked: supinator muscle
The wrist extensors are a group of muscles that are responsible for bending the wrist, like during the hand signal for stop. These small muscles that connect into the elbow are often subject to overuse, especially during racquet sports.
Equipment needed: table and 2-pound dumbbell
Muscles worked: wrist extensors
The wrist flexors are a group of muscles that work opposite the wrist extensors. These small muscles that connect into the elbow are also subject to overuse, leading to pain and inflammation.
Equipment needed: table and 2-pound dumbbell
Muscles worked: wrist flexors
Equipment needed: hand towel
Muscles worked: wrist extensors, wrist flexors
Always consult a doctor before starting an exercise program. It’s important to have a full evaluation to rule out serious injuries such as a muscle or tendon tear.
Don’t begin activities until inflammation has subsided, as it may aggravate the condition. If pain returns after activity, rest and ice your elbow and forearm and consult a physical or occupational therapist to ensure you are doing the exercises correctly.Often, changing the way you perform a daily activity can help decrease symptoms and your therapist can help you determine what movements may be causing pain.