9 Treatments for Tennis Elbow

“the most effective and common treatments for tennis elbow:

1. Cryotherapy:

Cryotherapy is proving to be one of the best tennis elbow treatments available. Using cryotherapy to treat tennis elbow involves wearing a special cuff over the elbow.  The cuff applies a cold compress to the elbow in a controlled manner to minimize pain and swelling. When a person is injured, blood vessels rupture and blood cells and other fluids tend to seep under the skin, resulting in bruising and swelling. Cryotherapy decreases these symptoms and eliminates inflammation in the affected area.

2. Counterforce Brace

This type of brace is a strap worn around the patient’s forearm just below the elbow. This brace may spread pressure throughout the arm instead of putting it all on the tendon, which can help alleviate pain caused by grasping or twisting arm movements. These braces are not a substitute for rehab exercises.

3. Changing Movement

Sometimes, changing the way you move your arm or improving your tennis form can alleviate stress on the affected tendons. You may need to follow a specific training schedule and perform low-impact exercise in order to recover quickly, rather than cause further injury.

4. Acupuncture

An alternative treatment method, acupuncture may be helpful for tennis elbow; and a few studies have shown that it helps relieve pain symptoms in some patients. Many claim that this ancient Chinese medical art form does wonders for their injury.

5. Turmeric

The spice turmeric may not be a conventional treatment option, but it does show potential as a natural treatment for inflammation. In one study, discussed in Science Daily, researcher Dr Ali Mobasheri said, “Our research is not suggesting that curry, turmeric or curcumin are cures for inflammatory conditions such as tendonitis and arthritis. However, we believe that it could offer scientists an important new lead in the treatment of these painful conditions through nutrition.”

6. Cortisone Injections

Corticosteroids are a type of medication that contain man-made versions of the hormone cortisol. Corticosteroid injections are sometimes used to treat particularly painful musculoskeletal problems. However, there is limited clinical evidence to support their use as an effective treatment for tennis elbow. Corticosteroid injections may help reduce the pain of tennis elbow in the short term, but their long-term effectiveness has been shown to be poor. The injection is made directly into the painful area around the elbow. Before the injection, local anaesthetic may be given to numb the area to reduce the pain.

7. Physiotherapy

A doctor may refer the patient to a physiotherapist if the tennis elbow is causing more severe or persistent pain. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who use a variety of methods to restore movement to injured areas of the body. A physiotherapist may use manual therapy techniques, such as massage and manipulation, to relieve pain and stiffness, and encourage blood flow to the arm. They can also teach exercises to keep the arm mobile and strengthen the forearm muscles.

8. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

These medicines include Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen. They can help to reduce pain and inflammation. NSAIDs come in either pill form or as a cream to rub over the sore area. Be safe with medicines; read and follow all instructions on the label. Acetaminophen can also help with pain.

9. Surgery

Tennis elbow usually gets better using the treatments listed above. But, if after six months to two years it hasn’t got better, doctors may suggest surgery to repair or remove the damaged part of your tendon.