How Massage Therapy Can Help with Tennis Elbow | Gold Coast, QLD

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It is most often caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, which can happen from playing tennis or other racquet sports, golfing, or doing repetitive tasks such as typing or using a screwdriver.

This can be a debilitating condition, making it difficult to perform everyday activities such as gripping and lifting objects. However, there are several effective treatments available, including massage therapy in Gold Coast, that can help you.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow become inflamed and irritated. This can happen due to overuse, repetitive movements, or sudden loading of the muscles. The pain is typically felt on the outside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm. Other symptoms of tennis elbow can include:

• Swelling and tenderness around the elbow

• Weakness in the grip

• Pain when gripping or lifting objects

• Pain when extending the wrist or elbow

Tennis Elbow vs Golfer's Elbow: What is the Difference?

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are both common overuse injuries that affect the elbow. However, there are some key differences between the two conditions.

Location

The main difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow is the location of the pain. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow.

Causes

Both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are caused by overuse of the forearm muscles. However, the specific muscles that are affected are different. Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers. Golfer's elbow is caused by overuse of the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers.

How to Prevent Tennis Elbow

There are many things you can do to prevent tennis elbow, including:

• Warm up before activities. Warming up helps to prepare your muscles for exercise and can help to reduce the risk of injury.

• Use proper technique. If you play a sport or do an activity that involves repetitive arm movements, make sure you are using the proper technique. This can help to reduce the amount of stress on your elbow.

• Take breaks. If you are doing an activity that involves repetitive arm movements, take breaks throughout the activity to rest your muscles.

• Strengthen your forearm muscles. Strong forearm muscles can help to reduce the risk of tennis elbow. You can strengthen your forearm muscles by doing exercises such as wrist curls and reverse wrist curls.

• Avoid bending or straightening your arm all the way. This can put extra stress on the tendons in your elbow.

• Use your shoulder and upper arms to take the strain off your elbow. For example, when lifting a heavy object, use your legs to lift the object and your shoulder and upper arms to hold it.

• Listen to your body. If you feel pain in your elbow, stop the activity and rest.

• Get regular massage. Regular massage sessions can help to keep your forearms and elbows healthy and reduce your risk of developing tennis elbow.

How Massage Therapy Can Help with Tennis Elbow

Massage therapy can be an effective treatment for tennis elbow. It can help to:

• Increasing blood flow to the affected area - This helps to bring nutrients and oxygen to the injured tissues, which can promote healing and reduce pain.

• Releasing muscle tension - Muscle tension can contribute to pain and inflammation. Massage can help to release this tension and improve range of motion.

Did you know that adding dry needling to your massage can also be beneficial? Dry needling can help:

• Release myofascial trigger points in the elbow

• Increase microcirculation to the tissues

• Stimulate cellular activity around the site of injury

• Improve the healing process in extensor tendons

The Best Massage Therapy Clinic in Gold Coast for Tennis Elbow

If you're looking for a massage therapist in Gold Coast who can help you treat tennis elbow, we’ve got you covered.

Holism Remedial Massage offers a variety of massage services, including dry needling, deep tissue massage, and sports massage. Our experienced and certified massage therapists will work with you to create a personalised massage treatment that meets your individual needs.

Book an appointment with us today!