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Everyone may seem to be playing tennis lately, but that’s not the reason why we all know the term tennis elbow. Part of that is how catchy the name is. You scarcely hear it referred to by its scientific name – lateral epicondylitis – outside of a doctor’s office.
Yes, tennis is very popular, but tennis elbow is almost even more ‘popular’, considering how prevalent the condition is across age groups. Despite its name, it’s not limited to only tennis. In fact, only 10% of cases of tennis elbow are in actual tennis players.
In truth, it’s actually an injury that can strike anyone playing any sport or non-sportspeople that requires a repetitive swinging motion while maintaining a solid grip. That means badminton and squash players, and golfers are all at risk of tennis elbow. Even playing the increasingly popular recreational sport, pickleball, can lead to a case of tennis elbow, no less severe even though some tennis players may reserve their own criticisms of the sport.
Since the injury has such a high rate of occurrence in athletes across sports, naturally, there are a range of solutions to manage the condition. Physiotherapists offer a whole menu of options, each with their benefits for handling this tricky tendon injury. While modern technology has many benefits, there’s no harm in considering the most straightforward and one of the oldest healing techniques in the book: the simple massage. You may be wondering, “Will a massage help tennis elbow?” The answer is yes. We’ll go through how and why that’s the case.
Just What Is Tennis Elbow Anyway?
We throw the term around plenty, but it’s important to be clear on what exactly tennis elbow is. The best way to do that is to start basic. Our elbow is a major joint from which our arm can bend and move. Tendons connect each end of that bone to the muscle.
If someone repeatedly swings their arm while holding something like a racket or golf club, the tendon at the elbow is put under stress to maintain that grip through the motion. With overuse, the tendons start to degenerate, getting torn or ruptured at a rate faster than they can repair. The tendon becomes inflamed, causing pain and discomfort. That, in simple terms, is what tennis elbow really is.
Now that we know that, we can discuss how a deep tissue massage can help.
Deep Tissue Massage vs. Tennis Elbow: Who Wins?
A major part of tennis elbow is the scar tissue that accrues across the tendon, causing inflammation and discomfort. Deep tissue massage is so effective in tackling tennis elbow because it can accomplish a wide range of things with a pair of strong, firm hands.
Trained hands can locate the scar tissue, apply pressure, and break it down, allowing the elbow to restore itself. That’s the main power of deep tissue massage. It will enable your body to resume its natural function: healing. Similarly, it increases blood circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the tendon to aid in the repair process.
Deep tissue massages also release the tension that can make tennis elbow uncomfortable. By releasing the tension through targeted pressure, the tight muscles return to their optimal length, reducing the strain on the elbow. It doesn’t just offer immediate symptom relief; it provides a strong foundation for recovery.
Deep tissue massages are especially inviting because they complement the aforementioned high-technology treatments. No rule states that you can only pick one course of action for your tennis elbow. The best strategy combines techniques to alleviate your tennis elbow’s symptoms and discomfort.
Some options include EMTT® (Extracorporeal Magnetic Transduction Therapy), Shockwave Therapy, INDIBA® radiotherapy, and Red Light Therapy. These different modern technologies attack the afflicted tissue via different means: EMTT® uses magnetic pulses, Shockwave Therapy uses acoustic waves, INDIBA® utilizes radiofrequency waves, and Red Light Therapy uses a special wavelength of light. These non-invasive options go directly to the tissue, reducing pain and promoting healing. When coupled with a well-trained pair of hands able to tackle your tennis elbow with deep tissue massage, you have a recipe for success.
If you’re still wondering what the benefits of a deep tissue massage are for tennis elbow, call HelloPhysio today and make your appointment to feel its effects first-hand. Our trained physiotherapists will be able to assess your condition and offer you a tailored strategy to get you back out there and swinging.
