Orthopedics-Online

Stretching exercises for a tennis elbow

Synonyms

Stretching exercises
Extension exercises

introduction

The therapy for tennis elbow differs from person to person and is mainly based on the severity of the disease and the individual suffering of those affected.
In almost all cases, however, it makes sense to include stretching exercises in the therapy plan, as these not only promote the healing process and relieve pain, but also effectively prevent relapse.
In highly active phases of the tennis elbow, stretching exercises can be counterproductive, as the damaged tendon attachment is negatively affected by the additional pull.

Note

Stretching exercises should only be done under the guidance of a physiotherapist / physiotherapist the first time, as correct execution is important in order to achieve success and not possibly cause even more damage to the arm.
Please also note our very detailed topic: Physiotherapy for tennis elbow

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As a former performance-oriented tennis player, I specialized early on in the conservative treatment of chronic tennis elbow.
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Performing stretching exercises on tennis elbow

The stretch most commonly used as part of tennis elbow treatment is the following:
The arm is fully extended at the elbow joint and the forearm is turned inwards. The hand is then pushed to the side with the fingers pointing outwards. Hold the tension in this position for about 15 seconds and then release it again.
In the acute phase of tennis elbow, this exercise should only be done very carefully up to three times a day.
Other stretching exercises include, for example, stretching your arm out in front of your body, again with your elbow pushed in. Then the hand in the wrist is bent towards the center of the body and held by the other hand for a few seconds.

Stretching exercises after the operation

In an operation on tennis elbow, the affected tendon and muscle attachments are usually separated from the protruding bone. After immobilization for 1-2 weeks, the arm should be moved again. Careful stretching exercises are also part of the physiotherapeutic follow-up treatment after an operation on a tennis elbow. These can prevent the tendon from growing again on the elbow and thus prevent the tennis elbow from recurring. The intensity of the exercises can be determined together with the treating physiotherapist and can also be carried out independently at home.

Please also read our topic: Operation of a tennis elbow

Pain While Stretching - Carry On?

It often happens that pain occurs during stretching exercises and exercises with the Theraband. At the beginning of the therapy, a slight pain should initiate the end of the respective stretching exercise. Over time, stretching can be done just beyond the pain threshold. Whenever the stretching exercises can be performed painlessly again, the repetition of the exercises during the day can be increased.However, this should be done in consultation with the attending physician or the supervising physiotherapist.

Please also read our topic: Tennis elbow pain

Stretching exercises in the chronic phase

stretching However, one is particularly important in the chronic phase of tennis elbow (duration of illness longer than 6 months) Tennis elbow important.
When the same movement is regularly performed in the forearm that puts a very one-sided strain on the muscles, as is the case with the tennis- or Playing golf, but also when working on the computer for a long time, it makes sense to use the Musculature to stretch for prevention. However, under these circumstances, it is enough to do the exercises once a day. In addition, you should make sure that you stretch the corresponding muscles before all sporting activities and the exertion of unusual loads.

The purpose of all of these stretching exercises is to do that Forearm muscles, which is often cramped or even shortened in tennis elbow, to loosen up, lengthen and make it supple. This will reduce existing pain and reduce the risk of yourself Torn hamstringincidence of inflammation or other injuries is reduced.

Figure tennis elbow

Spoke shaft -
Corpus radii
Ellschaft - Corpus ulnae
Upper arm shaft -
Corpus humeri
Long spoke side
Hand straightener -
Extensor muscle
carpi radialis longus
Shorter spoke side
Hand straightener -
Extensor muscle
carpi radialis brevis
Long thumb spreader -
Abductor pollicis longus muscle
Short thumb stretcher -
M. extensor pollicis brevis
Long thumb stretcher -
M. extensor pollicis longus
Elbow - Olecranon
Knobby Muscle - M. anconeus
Elbow side hand extensor -
M. extensor carpi ulnaris
Finger extensor -
Extensor digitorum muscle
Little finger extensor -
M. extensor digiti minimi
Extensor tendon strap -
Retinaculum musculorum extensorum

You can find an overview of all Dr-Gumpert images at: medical illustrations

Is it useful in the acute phase?

In the acute phase of the tennis elbow is the Inflamed tendon attachment of the muscle to the bone. This inflammation causes the Tendon fibers damaged become. This damage is caused by a Storage of fats, one Fiberization and Tears in the tendon fibers caused.
In the acute phase is the inflamed tendon very sensitive and the affected muscle tense and hardened. Stretching exercises would release and improve the tension in the muscles, but they are good for the inflamed tendons harmful. The stretching exercises for tennis elbow can small cracks cause in the tendon and thus the Worsen inflammation and the Delay healing.

Stretching the tennis elbow during the acute phase reduces the inflammation do not come to rest in the tendon and worsens the prognosis the disease, therefore, the stretching exercises should be in the acute phase very reserved and careful run only a few times a day.

Does it make sense in the healing phase?

Is the acute phase of the tennis elbow over and the inflammation on lower but chronic level have decreased regular stretching exercises make sense.
The stretching exercises loosen tension in the affected muscles and hold them movable and with regular use are able to possibly to lengthen shortened muscles and thus the painful train towards the chronically inflamed tendon insertion reduce. A lesser move means one decreasing inflammatory activity and less pain. Regular, correctly performed stretching exercises in the chronic phase or in the healing phase of tennis elbow are therefore very usefulto improve symptoms and a faster healing to achieve.

Is it useful as a prevention?

Even if the Tendon attachment not yet inflamed is is a regular stretching usefulto the To prevent tennis elbow. Especially people who regularly perform activities that often lead to tennis elbow should Stretch the extensor muscles of the forearm. This of course includes Tennis playerthat before exercising on a adequate warm-up and stretching the muscles should pay attention. But also people who a lot on the computer can work through regular stretching, for example once a day is carried out to prevent inflammation of the tendon attachment in tennis elbow.