Hayes Hand Center Blog

“Tennis elbow” is a term sometimes associated with elbow pain. The official name for the ailment is Lateral Epicondylitis. This generally occurs after using the arm in a repetitive manner or after lifting with the palm side of the hand facing down. It is actually an irritation of the fibers that attach the muscles extending from the outside of the elbow to the wrist and fingers. Pain is generally felt where those fibers attach to the bone on the outside of the elbow. The pain is usually more noticeable during or after stressful and/or repetitive use of the arm. You don’t have to play tennis to get tennis elbow.

Immediately after you feel the onset of pain it is important to stop the activity and allow the arm to rest. In some cases, ice may ease the pain. A counterforce band placed on the forearm may also help ease the pain. If symptoms don’t subside with rest and restriction of activity, it may be necessary to speak to your doctor about treatment options. Along with anti-inflammatory medications or injections, your doctor may recommend therapy. Therapy for tennis elbow is designed to eliminate or at least reduce the pain so that you can resume your normal activities. However, it may be necessary to modify HOW you do those activities to avoid overstressing the elbow. Knowing what NOT to do is just as important as what TO DO!

A type of soft tissue mobilization that Hayes Hand Center does to treat tennis elbow is ASTYM (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization). We have had good results with this treatment for many of our patients, allowing them to more quickly resume normal activities. It is a non-invasive technique using specially designed tools to encourage the body to heal itself.

If you, or someone you know is suffering from elbow pain, don’t just ignore it. Let us help you get past your pain and start the healing process so that you can return to your life.