Tennis elbow, otherwise known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and discomfort on the outside of one's elbow. This overuse injury causes straining of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow, thus causing inflammation or degeneration of those same tissues. Sports massage is one of the most workable treatments in which the symptoms of tennis elbow can be relieved. The given blog outlines how resorting to the best techniques in sports massage could finally help for tennis elbow treatment not just faster from the condition but also avoid experiencing its painful instances repeatedly.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a type of tendinitis that originates from inflammation of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. This is the bony bump on the outside elbow. While it is most definitely associated with tennis players, the condition can affect anyone involved in repeated wrist extension or gripping activities.
Muscles Involved
- Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus Muscle
- Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis Muscle
- Extensor Digitorum Muscle
- Extensor Digiti Minimi Muscle
- Extensor Carpi Ulnaris Muscle
These muscles account for the extension of the wrist and fingers. Other minor contributors to elbow mechanics include the Anconeus Muscle, which participates in elbow extension, and the Supinator Muscle, accounting for forearm supination.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Although related to tennis, tennis elbow can be caused by a variety of activities. Most times, it is due to the overloading of forearm muscles and tendons that results in pain and inflammation on the lateral side of the elbow. Common causes include the following:
- Racquet sports: tennis, squash, and badminton
- Weightlifting: especially with heavy dumbbells or kettlebells
- Manual labor: carpentry, plumbing, and painting
- Daily activities: Even activities such as typing, knitting, and gardening might cause a tennis elbow.
How Sports Massage Can Help
Sports massage is one of the most effective methods to manage muscle and tendon injuries; thus, in the case of tennis elbow, specific sports massage treatment will help reduce inflammation and tension in the muscles, adding to overall recovery.
Benefit of Sports Massage on Tennis Elbow
- Relaxes Muscle Spasm: Sports massage releases the tightness of the forearm muscles that in turn decreases tension on the tendons.
- Increases Flexibility of Tendon: The therapy relaxes the tendons and avoids further straining on the tendons, helping in elbow pain treatment.
- Promotes Blood Circulation: Increased blood circulation mediates the necessary nutrients to hasten the healing process.
- Promotes Waste Elimination: Massage of the affected part removes the waste products like lactic acid, thereby decreasing inflammation.
- Improves Mobility: Sports massage also restores natural movement of the wrist and elbow.
- Prevents Recurrence: The use of regular sports massage in keeping muscles and tendons flexible and healthy reduces the chances of occurrence of a future episode.
Techniques for Best Results in Premier Sports Massage for Tennis Elbow
Various deeper sports massage techniques may prove particularly beneficial for tennis elbow. The aim here is to provide a general focus on the various muscles involved in elbow biomechanics. Focus particularly on the muscles attached to the lateral epicondyle.
Deep Tissue Massage
This is quite an effective technique in the treatment of tennis elbow since it attends to both superficial and deep layers of the forearm muscles. The therapist applies pressure to the affected muscles and tendons; this allows releasing of the muscle tension and reduction of inflammation. This technique thus enhances the relaxation of the muscles and flexibility.
Trigger Point Therapy
Overuse can lead to the development of trigger points, or "knots," within the muscle. Trigger point therapy is a component of remedial massage and is directed toward the provision of relief from these points of tension. The therapist will apply concentrated pressure on such points for the treatment of pain associated with the tennis elbow and to restore normal function of the muscle.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
IASTM is also very good for chronic tennis elbows that might have calcification of the tendons or adhesions of the tissues. The therapist utilizes a set of special instruments to break such adhesions and encourage healthy regeneration of tissues. This modality proves quite handy in professional athletes having long-standing tennis elbows.
Nutritional Steps to Incorporate Sports Massage into Your Tennis Elbow Treatment
Key points to consider in maximizing gain from sports massage therapy for tennis elbow treatment include the following.
- Seek a Consultation with a Sports Therapist: Treatment will always start with consultation; that is, the assessment of the condition of a patient by a sports therapist will determine what techniques of massage are most necessary.
- Frequency: This is where consistency comes in. Regular sports massage will help manage pains and improve flexibility, thereby ultimately hastening the process of recovery.
- Supplement with Strengthening Exercises: As great a treatment as sports massage is, it does need supplementation through exercises that strengthen the forearm muscles and tendons. A wholesome approach ensures long-term recovery in this way.
- Rest and Recover: Avoid activities that would stress your elbow until your therapist clears you. Rest is essential to heal well.
- Monitor Your Progress: Chart your pain level and range of motion. If you feel significant improvement, you can try to resume, gradually, any potentially irritating activities, but ONLY with the guidance of your therapist.
Other Non-Surgical Tennis Elbow Treatments to Consider
As effective as sports massage may prove, other nonsurgical solutions may augment your healing process. Consider the following alternatives:
- Physical Therapy: Certain exercises can be added to your regimen to strengthen the muscles around your elbow terminus.
- Anti-Inflammatory Medication: Your physician may recommend a medication to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Bracing: You may wear a counterforce brace to relieve tension from the injured tendons.
- Ultrasound Therapy: This is a treatment in which high-frequency sound waves are employed to stimulate the tissues' healing process.
Conclusion
Elbow pain treatment may be pretty complex, with sports massage therapy right at the center of such rehabilitation. Massage therapy helps in the reduction of inflammation and relieving pain by targeting specific muscles and tendons involved in the injury site; thus, it encourages quick recovery. Whether an athlete or one who is very often involved in some kind of repetitive activity, a sports massage can surely help you get into full form and help prevent further injuries. It will be better to consult a qualified sports therapist who will work out a treatment plan tailored for you.
Fortunately, tennis elbow is curable; it just takes a little time. So, with regular massage therapy and other ancillary treatments, your injury should heal and you can return to activities pain-free.
