Massage Therapy & Bodywork	Aromatherapy & Essential Oils	A-Z of Sports Injuries	Massage Article Archive

Tennis Elbow

This condition, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is the most common problem affecting the forearm. The pain can be excruciating and may radiate up into the shoulder and down the whole arm and hand. Even attempting a small task such as picking up a cup or plate, opening a car door or shaking hands can induce intense pain.

'Tennis elbow' is not found only in those playing tennis, squash and other racket sports that involve repetitive arm movements, although studies reveal that 2.5 per cent of athletes who play once a week have suffered from it. Occupations such as typing, plastering and carpentry and leisure pursuits such as gardening, needlework and knitting can also result in this debilitating condition.

If you do play a racket sport, ensure that your racket is the right weight and size. Try to warm up and stretch your arm muscles before a game. Massage your own arms before and after playing to prevent tension from building up in the forearm. Hold your racket in your non-playing hand whenever possible.

Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis elbow requires rest but responds well to massage particularly if treatment is started before the condition has become chronic. Hot and cold therapy is also effective. Elevation and compression bandaging are not required as swelling is not a problem.

Effleurage the whole arm paying particualr attention to the muscles of the forearm. The primary aim of the treatment is to improve the circualtion and to release adhesions and tension in the extensor muscles. Perform deep longitudinal effleurage and friction movements from the wrist to the elbow along the extensor muscles of the forearm.

It is imperative to begin treatment at the first sign of stiffness. Tennis elbow has a tendency to develop into a chronic problem, which will require anti-inflammatory medication and local steroid injections. It can even result in surgery if calcification has occurred.