How We Treat Tennis Elbow Pain At Severn Clinics
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Our service is for people who want to be truly free from chronic pain & injuries. This involves healing the real causes of pain and injury susceptibility, deep in the body and nervous system. It also means moving beyond outdated ‘symptom based’ approaches to pain.
We combine cutting edge technology, hands on methods, tailored rehab programs and stress management. This enables us to manage everything from fresh ankle sprains; to the chronic pains associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, disc bulges and PTSD.
We provide transformative healthcare in a welcoming and friendly environment. For us, genuine care and authentic communication are not bonus features. They are healthcare fundamentals.
Successful management and relief of stubborn back pain can be surprisingly straight forward. Yet in other instances a systematic, focused, and persistent approach may be required to get your back pain under control.
We specialise in providing flexible ‘multidisciplinary’ pain relief – using a wide range of tools and techniques. This ensures we have the best possible chance to help everyone: from the most easy straightforward cases right through to the most treatment resistant forms of back pain.
Find The Cause
Hands On Pain Relief
Rehabilitation And Prevention
Getting to the bottom of your back pain means finding out where exactly the pain is coming from – and exactly what is causing it.
Back pain can come from muscle, tendons, discs, joints, ligaments, nerves, bones, fascia (connective tissue) or even an internal organ. Establishing clearly which tissue is creating the pain is the first step towards relief. But we don’t stop there because we want to know WHY you are suffering.
Some back pains are caused by damaged or degenerated tissue. Some back pains are caused by weakness deep in the core and hip. Some back pains are caused by psychological stress. Some back pains are caused by scar tissue from old injuries. Some back pains are caused by the nature of a person’s job. Some back pains can even be caused by having flat feet or a rotated pelvis.
Finding out why you have back pain is essential if you want longer term relief from pain. Which is why we place great importance on this step. We have a wide range of technologies and tests at our disposal, in order to identify the source of back pain. If you need an X Ray or MRI to diagnose your pain we’ll organise a referral for the relevant imaging for you on the spot.
In most cases of back pain, it’s necessary to work with a team who combine a variety of technologies and hands-on methods to ease your back pain. So that’s exactly what we do.
Most people who require treatment for stubborn back pain don’t respond particularly well to just being given home exercises. Much in the same way that most people with toothache don’t respond too well to just being sent home with some dental floss. When toothache is bad you need a filling, when back pain is bad you need treatments and technologies that ease your pain.
If you have chronic back pain you almost certainly need hands on treatments with professionals who are trained to physically relieve pain. We use some of the most advanced pain technology available anywhere, combined with a wide range of skill based manual techniques.
Successful prevention of back pain in the longer term often requires more than just the right ‘treatments’.
For many patients, back pain treatments that bring some blessed relief are often just the start point. Core exercises, custom orthotics, glute strengthening, stress management, postural correction, lifestyle tweaks, workstation tweaks and even dietary tweaks are often necessary. Muscle weakness deep in the core is often thekey issue.
Most cases of back pain are either caused by something that we are doing wrong or something that the body needs help with like core strength or alignment. Making necessary adjustments to your lifestyle and the wellbeing of your body may be necessary for longer term success. Coaching for these important changes in those who wish to make them is a part of what we do
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tobias@severnclinics.co.nz
There are a wide range of therapeutic options for golfers elbow and tennis elbow. Broadly speaking there are the classical medical approaches ie. drugs and surgery. There are the classical hand therapist approaches like braces and hand exercises. And there are the more physical tissue healing interventions favored by European style physical therapists.
At Severn we tend to lean towards the European ‘tissue healing’ style of treatment at first, then later encourage our patients to work on gentle forearm strengthening. We only opt for drug and surgical options as a last resort, unless of course anti-inflammatories are needed in the short term, prior to our treatments taking effect.
ESWT utilizes shock waves to directly target and stimulate the healing process within the affected tendon, providing a non-invasive and effective alternative for treating both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
Numerous studies suggest that ESWT should be considered as an initial treatment for epicondylitis, especially for chronic patients with calcified lesions, as it has shown effectiveness for newly diagnosed cases. Let’s delve into how ESWT works to improve and alleviate symptoms of both lateral and medial epicondylitis.
During the procedure, high-energy shock waves are precisely directed to the affected tendons, triggering a series of biological responses that promote healing and tissue regeneration. These shock waves penetrate deep into the tendons, prompting the release of growth factors and encouraging the formation of new blood vessels, a process known as neovascularization. This surge in blood flow enhances the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the damaged tissues, expediting the healing process.
Furthermore, ESWT disrupts abnormal tissue within the tendons, breaking down scar tissue and stimulating the production of collagen, which strengthens and repairs the tendons. Additionally, ESWT offers an analgesic effect, easing the pain and inflammation associated with both lateral and medial epicondylitis. By directly targeting the root cause of both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, ESWT provides a non-invasive and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with these conditions.
We offer focused shockwave therapy (FSWT) as an alternative to radial shockwave for lateral or medial epicondylitis for those who do not experience improvement from radial shockwave therapy. FSWT is specifically designed to target deeper structures within the affected elbow joint, delivering high-intensity shockwaves directly to the source of pain and inflammation. This focused approach allows for greater penetration and precision in treating stubborn cases of tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Our compassionate and experienced team understands the physical and emotional toll that chronic elbow pain can take on individuals. That’s why we prioritize patient comfort and support throughout the entire treatment process.
We specialize in offering cutting-edge Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) as a highly effective treatment for lateral or medial epicondylitis. Utilizing specific light wavelengths, LLLT penetrates deep into tissues, initiating cellular repair processes and mitigating inflammation. This non-invasive therapy is renowned for its ability to expedite tissue healing and provide substantial pain relief, akin to receiving a steroid shot but without any side effects. LLLT works by stimulating the release of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) in the soft tissue, thereby increasing tissue metabolism and promoting cellular repair. Through LLLT, individuals receive targeted and impactful treatment, facilitating accelerated recovery and allowing them to swiftly return to their daily activities with improved comfort and mobility.
Our therapists specialize in manual release techniques, including cross-friction massage and ischemic compression techniques. These alleviate muscle tension and fascial adhesions commonly associated with tennis and golfer’s elbow. By targeting areas of repetitive stress and unresolved injuries in the adjacent soft tissue surrounding the elbow joint, these techniques aim to break down scar tissue and promote tissue healing. Cross-friction massage and Ischemic compression help stimulate blood flow and oxygen delivery to the affected tissues, reducing inflammation and pain.
Additionally, manual therapy techniques help improve joint mobility and restore proper biomechanics, relieving strain on the elbow tendons. Through personalized care and skilled hands-on therapy, we empower patients to overcome tennis and golfers elbow pain and regain optimal arm function.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is an integral part of our treatment approach for lateral or medial epicondylitis. This technique effectively breaks down scar tissue and stimulates tissue healing, promoting faster recovery and improved outcomes for our patients. With IASTM, we target the underlying issues contributing to epicondylitis, promoting tissue regeneration and restoring function. Our skilled therapists utilize advanced tools and techniques to deliver targeted care and support optimal recovery for our patients.
Dry needling is a technique used to address stubborn pain associated with tennis or golfer’s elbow by targeting trigger points, adhesions, and scar tissue in the affected muscles. During the procedure, thin needles are inserted into specific areas of the muscles to stimulate a healing response. This process helps release tight knots of muscle fibers and break down adhesions, allowing for improved blood flow and tissue healing. By targeting these trigger points and adhesions directly, dry needling can effectively relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore mobility in the elbow joint. This non-invasive approach offers a valuable option for individuals seeking relief from persistent elbow pain and dysfunction.
Part of any comprehensive strategy to treat tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow should be aimed at restoring function and optimal strength at the elbow ,forearm and wrist to prevent relapse. Personalized stretching, strengthening, and functional training protocols target the root causes of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
Stretching exercises improve flexibility in the forearm, wrist, and elbow, reducing muscle tension and promoting tissue healing. Strengthening protocols address muscular imbalances and weaknesses, providing stability and support to the affected tendons. Additionally, functional training focuses on modifying movement patterns to reduce stress on the medial tendons, facilitating a safe return to daily activities. By combining these strategies, we provide individuals with the tools they need to overcome tennis and golfer’s elbow, restoring function and improving quality of life.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis. These medications help reduce pain and swelling, allowing individuals to perform daily activities with greater comfort. However, NSAIDs should be used with caution and under medical supervision due to potential side effects. While effective in providing short-term relief, they are often part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes other modalities such as physical therapy and rest. And due to the inherent risks of long term medication use they should be considered a non-preferred option for long term management of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
Braces or bandages worn around the elbow or forearm can help alleviate strain on the muscles and tendons, providing support and stability during daily activities. These supportive devices reduce excessive movement of the elbow joint, allowing injured tissues to heal properly and minimizing discomfort associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis. Short term tennis elbow / golfers elbow symptom relief can be achieved in this manner.
There is a very definite risk with the prolonged use of braces for issues like tennis elbow / golfers elbow. Prolonged use of artificial support can easily cause muscle wasting and further tightening of tissues. Best practice guidelines indicate that sparing use of braces and supports should be heavily supported by rehab work like that outlined in some of the other tennis elbow treatment options on this list.
Regularly applying ice packs or cold therapy to the affected elbow can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with lateral or medial epicondylitis. Cold therapy constricts blood vessels, numbs the area, and reduces swelling, providing temporary relief from symptoms and promoting healing in the affected tissues.
Cold therapy is an excellent, safe and non-toxic way to reduce your pain during the rehabilitation process. It can also be good for settling down treatment reactions. Longer term most people find that interventions like cold therapy offer good symptom relief from tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow but ultimately do not ‘fix’ the issue.
Steroid injections are often administered to individuals with severe or persistent symptoms of lateral or medial epicondylitis. These injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the affected area, providing immediate relief from pain and swelling. However, steroid injections are typically reserved for short-term symptom management and may not address the underlying cause of the condition. In addition to steroid injections, other substances such as Botox, hyaluronic acid, or autologous blood (the body’s own blood) may be injected into the elbow joint to alleviate pain and inflammation in individuals with lateral or medial epicondylitis. These injections aim to provide symptomatic relief and improve joint function.
Steroid injections are extremely bad for the body’s soft tissues which is why your surgeon will only give you 2 per body part in your entire lifetime. Theory should absolutely be considered a last resort to managing tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
In severe cases of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow that do not respond to conservative treatments, surgical intervention may be recommended. Surgical approaches may involve detaching parts of the forearm muscles or separating and destroying nerves that carry pain signals from the affected area. Surgery aims to alleviate pain, improve function, and promote long-term healing in individuals with chronic or debilitating lateral or medial epicondylitis.
Happily surgery is seldom required in tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow treatment, and it should always be a last resort due the inherent risks.
Hands On Treatments
We are in the business of helping you get out of pain. The heart of our clinical process is a committed and very hands on approach to getting you out of pain as quickly, painlessly and safely as possible. We are willing to use a wide range of tools and also to work tirelessly in our efforts to get you out of pain.
Flexible Treatment Approach
Even among professionals there is little agreement on the best ways to treat pain. If there is one thing that we know for certain about pain management though, it’s that a flexible multidisciplinary treatment approach to back pain is best. This is why we take such great care to provide the most diverse range of pain relief tools possible under one roof.
Get To The Bottom Of It
The human body seldom if ever generates pain for no reason. Pain is a highly organised and intelligent form of feedback that we have evolved over millions of years. In other words if you have pain it will be for a good reason. We always strive to find the deepest possible explanation for your pain so that you have the best possible chance of preventing it in the longer term.
Excellent Communication
Unlike a one-off filling at the dentist, successfully managing back pain is a process. A process that often requires commitment, trust and clear communication. We believe that clear and open communication combined with genuine rapport are fundamental within our arsenal of pain management tools.
Assume Nothing
Just because a treatment has worked for us a thousand times before; doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to work on you! Pain management is not a ‘1 size fits all’ moment in life. We monitor our patients’ response to treatment very closely. This approach enables us to make agile treatment protocols that can be altered in real time should we find that you aren’t responding to the methods that we expect to work for you.
Our team offers a wide range of treatments, helping you to achieve your recovery goals.
Please utilise our booking system for Wellington appointments by clicking the button below. For Wairarapa appointments, kindly use the appointment request form.