Tennis Elbow

Valued Health Osteopathy, Bentleigh East

Osteopath Bentleigh East

If you have pain on the outside of your elbow, there are a few conditions that may be occurring, however a common cause is tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).³ Tennis elbow is a painful condition affecting the tendinous tissue of the wrist extensor muscles at the lateral epicondyle near the elbow joint.¹ 

Tennis elbow is thought to result from overuse or repeated pressure on the tendons near the elbow joint, specifically the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum (ED) muscles.^{1, 2} A patient affected by tennis elbow may have pain around the lateral elbow, reduced forearm strength (i.e. weak grip, difficulty grasping/picking up objects), a dull ache at rest, and pain with using the wrist, hand and elbow during normal daily activities or sporting activities.^{1, 2}

At Valued Health Osteopathy in Bentleigh East our skilled Osteopaths treat a wide range of injuries including elbow pain. Osteopathic management of tennis elbow is aimed at reducing pain, increasing muscle strength and improving the quality of life of the patient.¹ Avoiding actions that cause significant pain to the elbow is required initially, but complete inactivity or immobilisation should be avoided, as this might lead to muscle wasting, which compromises later rehabilitation.¹ The Royal Australia College of General Practitioners also suggest that you remain active but avoid aggravating factors.³

Our Osteopaths use a hands-on approach for the treatment of elbow pain using techniques such as manipulation, soft tissue mobilisation, massage, stretching and specific strengthening exercises. Our Osteopaths may use taping or even braces in conjunction with your treatment plan. Further advice will also be given to you regarding ergonomic measures in the workplace, strengthening exercises for rehabilitation, and other helpful preventive advice to reduce the risk of elbow pain. 

So if you are experiencing elbow pain, make an appointment with one of our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy by booking online HERE or call (03) 9570 9061. 

All our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy are university trained allied health professionals who have completed a minimum of five years of university training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medical diagnosis and osteopathic techniques. It is also a requirement that all our Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy are registered with the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and Osteopathy Australia (OA).

You do not need a referral to see one of our friendly Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy. We have a very good relationship with many surrounding doctors, other health practitioners and personal trainers in the local community in Bentleigh East and surrounding suburbs.

1. Lateral epicondylitis in tennis: update on aetiology, biomechanics and treatment, Thomas De Smedt, Andy de Jong, Wim Van Leemput, Dossche Lieven, Francis Van Glabbeek, Br J Sports Med. 2007 Nov; 41(11): 816–819, Published online 2007 July 6.
2. Better Health Channel, Elbow pain, La Trobe University, Last updated August 2014. https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/elbow-pain

3. Health Direct, Tennis elbow, last updated February 2017, https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tennis-elbow