By Eoin Naughton MISCP – Physiotherapist for the Irish boxing team and Irish International tennis players. Keen tennis player himself.

What is Tennis Elbow.

Tennis elbow is the common term for a condition caused by overuse of the forearm and wrist muscles which results in elbow pain, particularly to the outside of the elbow.

Tennis elbow specifically involves the area where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the outside bony area (called the lateral epicondyle) of the elbow. It is a wear and tear of these tendons and occurs over time of poor technique and overuse.

That is where the medical term for tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis

What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

Symptoms of tennis elbow include:

• Pain slowly increasing around the outside of the elbow. Less often, pain may develop suddenly.
• Pain is worse when shaking hands or squeezing objects.
• Pain on backhand with a tennis or squash swing.
• Pain is made worse by stabilizing or moving the wrist with force. Examples include lifting, using tools, opening jars, or even handling simple utensils such as a  knife and fork.

Who Gets Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow affects 1% to 3% of the population overall and as many as 50% of tennis players during their careers. The highest rates occur between the ages of 30- 50 year olds

Preventing tennis elbow:

• Decrease the amount of playing time if already injured or feeling pain in outside part of the elbow.
• Good technique on swing, it is important to use a straight wrist when hitting the ball.
• Stay in overall good physical shape.
• Strengthen the muscles of the forearm, upper arm and the shoulder. Increased muscular strength increases stability of joints such as the elbow.
• Like other sports, use equipment appropriate to your ability, body size, and muscular strength

Top exercises to prevent Tennis elbow

Eccentric wrist extension 12reps x 3 sets- done 4times a week

Eccentic Shoulder Rotation 12reps x 3 sets- done 4 times a week

Wrist stretch done daily

If you are still experience pain book in online to see one of our chartered physiotherapist or contact us!