Tennis Elbow
WHAT? An overuse injury of the muscles that extend the wrist. It usually develops gradually as a result of multiple micro tears and scar tissue at the muscle attachment with pain felt at the outer side of the elbow.
Risk Factors
- Faulty technique
- Taking your stroke late
- Poor body position with the elbow leading the racket
- 'Wristy' impact
- Heavy, old or wet balls
- Poor strength & control of muscles at elbow & shoulder
Top Tips: Stage 1
- Stop play, rest, and apply ice
- Settle the pain. Ask your physio about...
- localised treatment to help healing
- dynamic taping
- specific strengthening exercises
- regaining full muscle / tendon flexibility
- using a correctly fitted epicondylitis clasp
Top Tips: Stage 2
ONLY RETURN TO PLAY WHEN PAIN HAS SETTLED
- Get your technique checked
- Structure your return to play
- Reduce ball-racquet impact
- string your racket less tightly
- use a flexible racket with a large sweet spot
- ensure correct grip size
- consider a two-handed backhands
If symptoms persist, seek advice!
Contact me for all your physio needs
NEXT MONTH: SHOULDER INJURIES
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