Relief from Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis

Great at home and in-office treatments that get you back in the game.

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylosis) is reported to affect over 50% of regular tennis players at some point during their career. Oddly enough, the majority of people who suffer from this condition are not even tennis players. Tennis players only make up 5% of people suffering from this condition. Another oddity is that it is called lateral epicodylitis, suggesting inflammation as the cause, yet studies under the microscope do not show any classic inflammatory changes in the area. Instead what is seen is microscopic tears of the tendon. The constant repetition of an offending motion inhibits the tissue from healing, leaving the person in pain.

The person suffering from this will usually have sharp, achy or burning pain in the outer elbow, and pressure in the area may feel extremely tender. Patients will report acute pain after repetitive motions like scouring pots, playing tennis, or swinging a hammer. The pain may start a day or two after the activity, usually is exacerbated by grabbing and lifting things and is sometimes accompanied with sudden painful twinges. Patients complain of discomfort after playing sports or occupational activities involving repetition, holding up arms for extended periods of time or swinging of tools.

With the appropriate Naturopathic Treatments this can repair rapidly. The most conservative treatment methods that may potentially resolve early tendonitis is by applying frictional massage to affected areas, and/or a dry-needling technique utilizing an acupuncture needle. Both will mildly stimulate fibroblastic activity with careful needle manipulation. Offending activities need to be arrested and replaced with a therapeutic exercise regime involving strengthening the flexor/extensor musculature of the forearm. Strengthening of the arm flexors and extensors should also be encouraged.

Dr. John's favourite techniques, i.e. the ones that have given the best changes are the following:

Pain Neutralization Technique (PNT) is rapid way of getting immediate relief. You will notice change in the first session but most people need multiple treatments to get full cure of the condition. It is a hands on treatment that seeks to immediately change the pain. We find a pain spot and then find a reflex point that takes it away.

Restorative Injection Techniques (RIT) bring about lasting relief of this condition as well as many others, without the use of cortisone or other toxic drugs. We use a small needle to stimulate fibroblastic activity which begins to heal the tendon. Further work-up or evaluation of injection technique is needed if the patient is unresponsive after 3 treatments.

Myofascial release technique is a way of releasing fascial and muscular tensions that pull on the tendons and create the tearing. This loosens the area and allows for less tension with repetitive movements, thus decreasing the likelihood of the microtears.

Home therapeutic massage can be performed after applying moist heat to the elbow for 10 minutes. The opposite thumb or blunt object can be moved along direct of the extensor muscle fibers. Application of castor oil or capsicum cream over the affected area may facilitate the treatment. A supplement prescription to aid healing may include protease enzymes.

This article was compiled from Dr. David Tallman's article listed below. To see the full article click here[www.ndnrarticle.com]

Edwards, S. Autologous Blood Injections for Refractory Lateral Epicondylitis. The Journal of Hand Surgery Vol. 28A No. 2 March 2003

Song L. Fifty cases of external humeral epicondylitis treated by moxibustion and point-injection. J Tradit Chin Med. 2004 Sep; 24(3):194-5.

Tallman, D. Treatment for tennis elbow including autologous blood injection therapy. ND News and Review Aug 17, 2005 07:15