| This condition occurs from time to time but the cases | | | | The following orthopaedic tests will be helpful in |
| seem to go up in the summer time when more people | | | | diagnosing a Tennis Elbow; |
| are outside playing, or even learning, tennis. The | | | | Mills test, Cozen's test, Book test and joint play. In fact |
| following is a brief description of Lateral Epicondylitis, | | | | Cozen's test is also sometimes called; the "Tennis |
| also known as "Tennis Elbow". The following is a brief | | | | Elbow" test. |
| discussion on the history, diagnosis, treatment and | | | | Treatment: |
| prognosis of Tennis Elbow. | | | | Bear in mind that Tennis elbow is a condition that can |
| Description: Lateral Epicondylitis (LE) or "Tennis Elbow" | | | | be slow to respond to treatment. For treatment |
| Tennis Elbow is described as pain in the lateral elbow | | | | patients can seek the care of a Chiropractor, |
| (outsides of the elbow if arm is straight with palms up) | | | | Physiotherapist, Physical Therapist, massage therapist |
| due to tendinitis at the muscle-tendon-bone junction of | | | | or family doctor (however, going to the family doctor |
| the common extensor tendon and lateral epicondyle of | | | | will probably get you a referral to the previous 4 |
| the humerus bone. | | | | therapist or prescription for anti-inflammatories). |
| LE is very common in tennis players; | | | | In the acute phase, reducing the inflammation will help |
| About 45% of players who play daily and 25% of | | | | considerably. A course of Rest, Ice and Compression |
| players who play twice a week will have symptoms | | | | with tape or splint can help. |
| of Tennis Elbow at least some of the time. Just to give | | | | (What can a Chiropractor do for tennis elbow?) |
| you an idea of how common it is. | | | | (After a Chiropractor helps the patient to bring down |
| However , Tennis elbow is not exclusive to tennis | | | | and reduce inflammation in the joint, he will work to |
| players. Carpenters, plumbers, mechanics, office | | | | restore and maintain function in the entire kinetic chain. |
| workers, bowlers and cashiers are examples of other | | | | What I would do is not only address the elbow but |
| people who may suffer from Tennis Elbow. | | | | also look at the hands/wrist, shoulder and thoracic |
| Tennis Elbow is commonly due to overuse, or | | | | spine of the patient. From my experience, patients with |
| repetitive motions that causes inflammation. (This of | | | | tennis elbow will start playing or using their arm |
| course is the hallmark of a right handed tennis player | | | | differently in hopes of reducing the pain. This, of course |
| during their backhand stroke) | | | | may start affecting other areas of the body. It is |
| Diagnosis: | | | | important that a doctor/therapist take a more |
| Diagnosis will begin with a thorough history of the | | | | comprehensive approach to care so that the patient |
| patient and their activities. Often patients will report | | | | can have the most complete recovery possible) |
| morning stiffness in the affected elbow. Also reports | | | | Patients should also stretch and exercise the muscles |
| of weakness with simple activities like lifting groceries | | | | in the forearm and hand/wrist after the inflammation |
| or turning a doorknob may also be reported. | | | | has subsided. Concurrent treatments such as; |
| Patients should seek the care of a qualified | | | | massage, TENS, Trigger point therapy and ultrasound |
| Chiropractor or therapist for correct diagnosis a (if | | | | can help. Treatment, recovery and rehabilitation of |
| they specialize in sports injuries the better off you | | | | Tennis Elbow can last from 4-12 weeks most times. |
| should be). Including range of motion, physical and | | | | Other helpful tips would be; for a tennis player to |
| strength tests, other specialized orthopaedic tests | | | | practice a two-handed back hand, wearing an elbow |
| should be performed. | | | | brace or support, using aspirin, and rest. |