Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, can significantly impact your grip strength and daily activities. Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive and effective approach to manage pain, promote healing, and restore full function to your elbow. Here’s what you can expect during physiotherapy treatment for medial epicondylitis.
Phase 1: Reduce Inflammation and Pain
The initial focus is on managing inflammation and pain. Your physiotherapist might employ various techniques like:
- Cryotherapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Manual therapy: Gentle massage techniques can improve blood flow, promote healing, and reduce muscle tension around the elbow joint.
- Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound or laser therapy might be used to further reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Phase 2: Enhance Flexibility and Mobility
As the pain subsides, your physiotherapist will introduce exercises to improve flexibility and mobility in your elbow, wrist, and forearm. These exercises might include:
- Passive stretching: Gentle stretches target the forearm muscles that attach to the injured tendon, improving flexibility and range of motion.
- Active-assisted stretching: This involves using straps or your other hand to gently stretch the affected muscles beyond their passive range, promoting improved flexibility.
Phase 3: Strengthen the Forearm
Once flexibility improves, strengthening exercises become crucial for a complete recovery. Your physiotherapist will design a program that progressively strengthens the forearm muscles that flex your wrist and grip. These exercises might include:
- Isometric exercises: These involve tensing specific muscles without moving the joint, building strength without stressing the injured tendon.
- Resistance exercises: These exercises gradually increase the challenge using weights, bands, or therapy putty, strengthening the muscles to handle everyday activities.
Additional Techniques:
- Taping: Kinesio taping might be used to provide support to the elbow joint, improve proprioception (body awareness), and reduce pain.
- Bracing: In some cases, a splint or brace might be recommended to restrict wrist movement and protect the injured tendon during activities.
The Road to Recovery
Physiotherapy treatment for medial epicondylitis is typically progressive, taking 4-6 weeks or longer depending on the severity of the condition. Your physiotherapist at Capital Physiotherapy will diligently monitor your progress and adjust the program as needed.
Home Exercises and Prevention
Following your physiotherapy sessions, a personalized home exercise program becomes crucial for long-term recovery. These exercises will help maintain strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of re-injury. Your physiotherapist will also provide guidance on modifying activities and proper technique to prevent future problems.
By working closely with our trusted and friendly physiotherapist at Capital Physiotherapy, you can effectively manage medial epicondylitis and regain full use of your elbow. Remember, early intervention and consistent physiotherapy are key to a successful recovery.
Visit us on our website
Medial epicondylitis, also known as golfer’s elbow, can significantly impact your grip strength and daily activities. Physiotherapy offers a non-invasive and effective approach to manage pain, promote healing, and restore full function to your elbow. Here’s what you can expect during physiotherapy treatment for medial epicondylitis.
Phase 1: Reduce Inflammation and Pain
The initial focus is on managing inflammation and pain. Your physiotherapist might employ various techniques like:
- Cryotherapy: Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day, can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Manual therapy: Gentle massage techniques can improve blood flow, promote healing, and reduce muscle tension around the elbow joint.
- Modalities: Techniques like ultrasound or laser therapy might be used to further reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair.
Phase 2: Enhance Flexibility and Mobility
As the pain subsides, your physiotherapist will introduce exercises to improve flexibility and mobility in your elbow, wrist, and forearm. These exercises might include:
- Passive stretching: Gentle stretches target the forearm muscles that attach to the injured tendon, improving flexibility and range of motion.
- Active-assisted stretching: This involves using straps or your other hand to gently stretch the affected muscles beyond their passive range, promoting improved flexibility.
Phase 3: Strengthen the Forearm
Once flexibility improves, strengthening exercises become crucial for a complete recovery. Your physiotherapist will design a program that progressively strengthens the forearm muscles that flex your wrist and grip. These exercises might include:
- Isometric exercises: These involve tensing specific muscles without moving the joint, building strength without stressing the injured tendon.
- Resistance exercises: These exercises gradually increase the challenge using weights, bands, or therapy putty, strengthening the muscles to handle everyday activities.
Additional Techniques:
- Taping: Kinesio taping might be used to provide support to the elbow joint, improve proprioception (body awareness), and reduce pain.
- Bracing: In some cases, a splint or brace might be recommended to restrict wrist movement and protect the injured tendon during activities.
The Road to Recovery
Physiotherapy treatment for medial epicondylitis is typically progressive, taking 4-6 weeks or longer depending on the severity of the condition. Your physiotherapist at Capital Physiotherapy will diligently monitor your progress and adjust the program as needed.
Home Exercises and Prevention
Following your physiotherapy sessions, a personalized home exercise program becomes crucial for long-term recovery. These exercises will help maintain strength and flexibility, reducing the risk of re-injury. Your physiotherapist will also provide guidance on modifying activities and proper technique to prevent future problems.
By working closely with our trusted and friendly physiotherapist at Capital Physiotherapy, you can effectively manage medial epicondylitis and regain full use of your elbow. Remember, early intervention and consistent physiotherapy are key to a successful recovery.
Visit us on our website at: www.capitalphysiotherapy.com.au or call us at 0434 720 730