Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
|
|
Tennis Elbow: More Than Just a Sports Injury
Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, is a painful condition caused by the "fraying" or degeneration of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. While the name suggests an athletic cause, it is most often seen in individuals performing repetitive daily tasks—from office work and typing to carpentry and gardening.
Why It’s So Persistent
The outside of the elbow is a "low-blood-flow" zone. When the common extensor tendon is overloaded, it develops microscopic tears. Because the blood supply to this area is limited, the body often fails to complete the repair process, leading to chronic, nagging pain that can last for months or even years.
Symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis
Shockwave Therapy: The Gold Standard for Recovery
At Granville Physio, we utilize Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to treat Tennis Elbow at the cellular level. This non-invasive technology sends high-energy acoustic pulses into the damaged tendon to "restart" the healing process.
1. Clinical Evidence: Results You Can Trust
We prioritize evidence-based treatments. Research consistently proves that Shockwave is one of the most effective tools for chronic elbow pain:
Lateral Epicondylitis, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, is a painful condition caused by the "fraying" or degeneration of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. While the name suggests an athletic cause, it is most often seen in individuals performing repetitive daily tasks—from office work and typing to carpentry and gardening.
Why It’s So Persistent
The outside of the elbow is a "low-blood-flow" zone. When the common extensor tendon is overloaded, it develops microscopic tears. Because the blood supply to this area is limited, the body often fails to complete the repair process, leading to chronic, nagging pain that can last for months or even years.
Symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis
- Sharp, localized pain on the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
- Weakness in grip strength, making it difficult to turn a doorknob, hold a coffee mug, or shake hands.
- Radiating ache that travels down the forearm into the wrist and hand.
- Morning stiffness or pain that intensifies after a day of repetitive activity.
Shockwave Therapy: The Gold Standard for Recovery
At Granville Physio, we utilize Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) to treat Tennis Elbow at the cellular level. This non-invasive technology sends high-energy acoustic pulses into the damaged tendon to "restart" the healing process.
1. Clinical Evidence: Results You Can Trust
We prioritize evidence-based treatments. Research consistently proves that Shockwave is one of the most effective tools for chronic elbow pain:
- Success in Grip & Pain: A landmark study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation found that patients receiving Shockwave therapy reported a 75% improvement in pain and a 100% recovery of grip strength at the 12-month follow-up.
- Long-Term Resolution: Unlike corticosteroid injections, which often provide only temporary relief followed by a potential "rebound" of pain, Shockwave therapy promotes actual tissue remodelling, leading to long-term structural healing.
2. How it Works: The Biological Reset
Our Comprehensive Approach at Granville PhysioShockwave is a powerful tool, but it works best as part of a complete recovery plan. Your therapist at Granville Physio will design a personalized program including:
- Neovascularization: The shockwaves trigger the formation of new micro-vessels, flooding the "low-flow" tendon with the oxygen and nutrients it needs to heal.
- Collagen Restoration: It stimulates the production of Type I collagen, the essential building block needed to repair "frayed" tendon fibers.
- Immediate Pain Modulation: By overstimulating local nerve endings, shockwave can provide immediate desensitization, helping you move more comfortably between sessions.
Our Comprehensive Approach at Granville PhysioShockwave is a powerful tool, but it works best as part of a complete recovery plan. Your therapist at Granville Physio will design a personalized program including:
- Manual Therapy: To improve joint mobility and reduce muscle tension.
- Targeted Loading Exercises: To strengthen the tendon so it can handle the demands of your daily life.
- Postural & Ergonomic Training: To identify and fix the "root cause" of the strain.
- Supportive Bracing: If needed, to offload the tendon during the initial healing phase.
