Am I Suffering From Tennis Elbow?
Have you been dealing with pain or tenderness around the bend of your elbow? Do you feel pain when lifting your arm or trying to grip a pen? If yes, you may be suffering from tennis elbow. To know for sure, it’s best to visit a professional like Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness. Otherwise, if left untreated, tennis elbow could advance into a more severe injury that requires surgery.
Tennis elbow may feel like:
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Burning sensation in the arm/elbow
- Weakness in the elbow/forearm
Below, we’ll discuss what you should know about tennis elbow and the treatment options available in Manhattan, New York.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is an overuse injury resulting from repeated strain when loading, gripping, or extending the wrist. This repetitive strain injury results from overusing the tendons, which are tough tissue cords connecting your forearm muscles to your elbow. The tendons swell or tear from repeatedly performing the same motion, leading to the discomfort associated with tennis elbow.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
The symptoms associated with tennis elbow are difficult to ignore. Many of the patients who’ve come to us with this condition complain of the following:
- Pain (particularly on the outside of the elbow) that occasionally radiates to the forearm and wrist
- Sharp pain that worsens when you twist or bend your arm
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- A weakened grip
Most people notice these symptoms anywhere from 1 to 3 days after the initial incident that caused this injury. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned, you should consult with an expert provider in Manhattan, NYC. It’s crucial to intervene as soon as possible to shorten the duration of pain and discomfort.
Tennis Elbow Cause and Risk Factors
Hence, its name, tennis elbow, is often caused by repeated stress on the elbow tendons from playing a sport like tennis. However, playing sports isn’t the only way to get this condition. It may also occur from repetitive movements like painting or working a chainsaw.
There are even certain occupations where tennis elbow is more common. For instance, dentists, carpenters, and autoworkers have to do repeated hand motions in their work.
Certain risk factors may increase one’s likelihood of developing this condition, too, such as:
- Obesity
- Smoking
- Repetitive movement for at least two hours every day
- Managing large physical loads of more than 45 pounds regularly
- Age – usually diagnosed in individuals between 30 and 50
Treating Tennis Elbow in Manhattan, NYC
The first line of treatment for tennis elbow often involves taking a break from the activity that caused it. Non-surgical tennis elbow treatment options in Manhattan can also help. Surgery is considered a last resort, so let the experts at Prestige Health and Wellness assist you with one or more of the following treatment options:
Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow
Acupuncture therapy involves using thin needles to rebalance your body’s energy to relieve health issues and reduce pain. A meta-analysis found that acupuncture therapy may be more effective than drug or blocking therapy for managing tennis elbow.
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy
Both physical and occupational therapy can help with various muscle pains associated with tennis elbow. Research suggests that stretching and strengthening of the extensor tendon may be beneficial.
Massage Therapy
One study found that deep friction massage is an effective treatment for tennis elbow, with participants exhibiting improved grip strength and reduced pain. Our team of Manhattan massage therapists will assess the troublesome area and focus on techniques that decrease pain, improve flexibility, and more.
Chiropractic Care
A case report revealed how chiropractic care helped a patient with tennis elbow achieve decreased pain and functional restoration. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team of Manhattan chiropractors can help you achieve similar results.
Get Tennis Elbow Relief in Manhattan
Are you looking for tennis elbow relief in Manhattan? Contact the experts at Prestige Health and Wellness. Our goal is to provide patients with relief from painful conditions.
Book an appointment for tennis elbow treatment in Manhattan, or if our treatment options are right for you, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 212-393-4673.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC: