Can Massage Help Treat Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that occurs when the outer part of the elbow becomes painful and tender. It is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, which can lead to small tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outer part of the elbow. 

Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players and can occur in anyone who performs repetitive gripping or twisting motions with their wrist or forearm, such as carpenters, painters, or computer users. 

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The symptoms of tennis elbow can include:

1. Pain on the outer part of the elbow that can radiate down the forearm and wrist
2. Weakness in the forearm and grip strength
3. Stiffness in the elbow joint
4. Tenderness to the touch over the outer elbow
5. Pain when lifting or carrying objects, shaking hands, or twisting the forearm
6. Pain when performing activities that require gripping or twisting, such as turning a doorknob, using a screwdriver, or using a computer mouse.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen over time without proper treatment. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

Can Massage be Used to Treat Tennis Elbow?

Massage can be a helpful component of a comprehensive treatment plan for tennis elbow, but it should be used in conjunction with other treatments such as rest, ice, stretching, and strengthening exercises.

Massage can help to relieve tension and tightness in the muscles and tendons around the elbow, which may reduce pain and improve flexibility. However, it is important to avoid deep tissue massage or any techniques that put excessive pressure on the affected area, as this can worsen the condition.

A qualified massage therapist who is familiar with the treatment of tennis elbow can develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs and goals. It is also important to work closely with a healthcare professional to ensure that massage is safe and appropriate for your condition. In some cases, massage may not be recommended or may need to be modified based on the severity and stage of the condition.

What Techniques do Massage Therapists use when Treating Tennis Elbow?

Massage therapists may use a variety of techniques when treating tennis elbow, depending on the severity and stage of the condition, as well as the individual needs of the patient. Some techniques that may be used include:

• Effleurage: This involves long, sweeping strokes that can help to increase blood flow and reduce tension in the muscles and tendons around the elbow.
• Petrissage: This technique involves kneading, squeezing, and rolling the muscles to release tension and improve circulation.
• Friction: This technique uses pressure and rubbing motions to target specific areas of tension or scar tissue in the muscles and tendons around the elbow.
• Cross-fiber friction: This involves applying pressure to the muscles and tendons in a direction that is perpendicular to the fibers, which can help to break up adhesions and scar tissue.
• Stretching: Massage therapists may also use stretching techniques to improve range of motion and flexibility in the elbow joint.

It is important to work with a qualified massage therapist who has experience treating tennis elbow to determine the most appropriate techniques for your individual needs and condition. The therapist may also recommend other treatments or exercises to help manage your symptoms and improve your overall function.

Self Massage for Tennis Elbow

You may also wish to do tennis elbow massage yourself. There are self-massage techniques that can be helpful in managing the symptoms of tennis elbow. It is important to note, however, that self-massage should be performed carefully and gradually to avoid exacerbating the condition. Here are some self-massage techniques for tennis elbow:

• Forearm self-massage: Use your opposite hand to apply gentle pressure along the length of your forearm muscles, starting from the wrist and moving towards the elbow. Use circular or back-and-forth motions to release tension in the muscles.
• Tennis ball massage: Place a tennis ball or massage ball on a flat surface and use your body weight to roll the ball along the muscles and tendons of your forearm, from the wrist to the elbow. This can help to release tension and improve circulation in the affected area.
• Trigger point self-massage: Use your fingers or a massage tool to apply pressure to specific trigger points in the muscles around the elbow. These trigger points are usually tender or sore to the touch, and applying pressure can help to release tension and reduce pain.
• It is important to start with gentle pressure and gradually increase intensity as tolerated. Self-massage should not cause pain or discomfort. If you experience pain or discomfort during self-massage, stop and consult with a healthcare professional.

It is also important to note that self-massage should be used in conjunction with other treatments and strategies, such as rest, ice or heat therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on appropriate self-massage techniques and other strategies for managing tennis elbow.

Tennis Elbow Trigger Points

Tennis elbow trigger points refer to specific areas of muscle tension and tightness in the forearm and upper arm that can contribute to the development and persistence of tennis elbow. These trigger points can be found in the muscles that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, which is the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow.

When these muscles become tight and contracted, they can cause pain, stiffness, and weakness in the elbow and forearm. Trigger points can also cause referred pain, which means that the pain may be felt in other areas of the body, such as the shoulder, neck, or wrist.

It is important to work with a qualified healthcare professional who can diagnose and treat tennis elbow trigger points, as well as provide guidance on appropriate treatment and prevention strategies.

Athletes and Tennis Elbow

Several famous sports performers have experienced tennis elbow, including:

• Rafael Nadal: The Spanish tennis player has experienced several bouts of tennis elbow throughout his career, which have forced him to withdraw from tournaments and take extended breaks from competition.
• Tiger Woods: The American golfer has experienced elbow pain and inflammation, which he has attributed to overuse and repetitive strain.
• Justin Rose: The English golfer has also dealt with tennis elbow, which he has managed with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments.
• Lebron James: The American basketball player has experienced tennis elbow, which he has managed with rest, physical therapy, and other treatments.

These athletes have worked closely with healthcare professionals to manage their symptoms and develop strategies to prevent future injuries. Tennis elbow can be a challenging condition to manage, but with proper treatment and prevention strategies, athletes can continue to perform at a high level.

Summary

It is important to work with a qualified massage therapist who has experience treating tennis elbow to determine the most appropriate type of massage for your specific needs and condition. The therapist may also use other techniques such as stretching, joint mobilization, and heat or cold therapy to help reduce pain and improve function. You can search the massage therapists on our directory to seek specialist advice and guidance.