Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylalgia, is often misunderstood as a condition limited to athletes. However, it's far more common than that, and can impact anyone who frequently engages in repetitive wrist and arm activities. So if you are a keyboard warrior, gym enthusiast or indeed a tennis player, let's clear up some misconceptions and explore how PhysioLogix approaches this condition.
What Really Causes Tennis Elbow?
Contrary to popular belief, tennis elbow isn't just about inflammation. It's primarily a condition marked by changes in the tendon's extracellular matrix and the composition of collagen. These alterations lead to a decrease in the tendon's strength and elasticity, making it more susceptible to overload with subsequent pain and injury. This degenerative process is the result of overuse and strain, leading to discomfort and weakness in the arm which if left untreated can persist for far longer than it should.
The Real Deal Behind Tennis Elbow
The essence of tennis elbow lies in the tendon's response to overload. Continuous or repetitive activity leads to a disruption in the tendon's normal structure, affecting the extracellular matrix and altering collagen alignment. This doesn't just inflame the tendon; it fundamentally changes its nature, making it less capable of handling stress and more prone to pain and injury.
How Physiotherapy Offers a Solution
At PhysioLogix, we tackle tennis elbow with a comprehensive approach that goes beyond symptom relief. Through guided exercise rehabilitation, precise load management, and targeted hands-on techniques, we aim to reverse the detrimental changes within the tendon. Our strategies are designed to:
- Strengthen the Tendon: By carefully increasing the load through specific exercises, we encourage the tendon to adapt, enhancing its strength and resilience.
- Realign Collagen Fibers: Targeted exercises help guide your body to realign the collagen fibers within the tendon, restoring its normal structure and function which then in turn allows you to place more pressure on it through your usual day to day or sporting activities.
- Optimise Load Management: Understanding how to manage the load on the tendon is crucial. We guide you on how to gradually increase activity levels without overloading the tendon, preventing further damage.
Starting Your Rehabilitation Journey
Initiating rehabilitation with exercises like wrist extensions and front raises, under the guidance of our physiotherapists, ensures that you're not only addressing the current symptoms but also working towards long-term recovery and prevention. These exercises are selected to target the affected area gently, promoting strength without exacerbating the condition and are an excellent entry point in starting to correct the tendon changes that have occurred.
Choose Expert Care with PhysioLogix
Beginning your recovery journey from tennis elbow with PhysioLogix means you're not just getting treatment; you're getting a tailored recovery plan designed to address the root cause of your condition. Our team is dedicated to providing you with the knowledge, care, and support needed to navigate your path back to health.
If tennis elbow is affecting your quality of life, it's time to seek expert help. Contact us today, and let's work together to restore your strength and flexibility, allowing you to return to the activities you love without pain.