Understanding Tennis Elbow: Why It's More Than Just an Elbow Issue

Lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, is more than just an inconvenience for those affected. It’s a condition that troubles many individuals, particularly those who engage in repetitive arm movements. Imagine the nagging pain that arises every time you pick up a coffee cup or shake hands. This condition stems from irritation at the point where the wrist extensor muscles attach to the outer part of the elbow. While athletes, such as tennis players, commonly face this issue, it also affects carpenters, manual laborers, and even politicians. Recognizing the comprehensive nature of tennis elbow is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is defined by pain and discomfort located on the outer part of the elbow. This pain typically results from overuse, causing inflammation of the tendons that link the forearm muscles to the elbow. Studies have shown that nearly 50% of individuals with tennis elbow report pain that is significant enough to affect their daily activities. The condition is aggravated by repetitive motions, such as swinging a racket or lifting heavy objects. However, it's essential to understand that tennis elbow is not merely an elbow issue; it often indicates problems throughout the entire kinetic chain of the body.

The Kinetic Chain and Its Importance

The body functions as an interconnected system. Movement at one joint influences the others. With tennis elbow, the elbow isn't necessarily weak; instead, it suffers from overload due to dysfunction in the surrounding areas. For example, if the shoulder or wrist isn't working correctly, it can lead to excessive stress on the elbow during activities such as playing tennis. Recent research highlights that 80% of tennis elbow cases show contributing factors in the shoulder or wrist.

The One-Handed Tennis Backhand: A Case Study

Let's explore the complexity of tennis elbow through the example of a one-handed backhand in tennis. This stroke involves a careful arrangement of movements across various joints:

1. Subtalar Joint Pronation and Ankle Dorsiflexion: For a right-handed player, stabilizing the left foot is essential. Stability here can enhance power and control, with proper foot positioning impacting shot accuracy by up to 30%.

   
   

2. Hip Motion: The posterior hip muscles significantly contribute to the stroke. Optimizing hip internal rotation is crucial for transferring energy efficiently from the lower to the upper body, which in turn affects swing speed.

   
   

3. Thoracic Rotation: Proper thoracic rotation to the left is needed when preparing for the ball. This movement requires coordination from other joints based on the incoming ball’s height and angle.

   
   

4. Cervical Rotation: Tracking the ball involves cervical rotation to the right, a crucial yet often overlooked part of maintaining body balance. Proper head positioning can enhance visual control, which is critical for timing and accuracy.

   
   

The Role of Applied Functional Science

Traditional treatment often focuses solely on the elbow joint, neglecting the broader context. Meanwhile, Applied Functional Science practitioners emphasize assessing and treating dysfunctions in various body areas contributing to tennis elbow. By addressing these broader issues, it’s possible to uncover the root causes of the condition and craft a more effective treatment plan.

Assessing the Problem

Evaluating the factors that contribute to tennis elbow may seem challenging. Addressing all joints involved in the backhand stroke is necessary, with a focus on identifying dysfunctions that strain the elbow.

Finding the Cause to Create the Cure

Effectively treating tennis elbow hinges on understanding that it extends beyond the elbow. Identifying the underlying causes of overload allows practitioners to create targeted interventions that address the entire kinetic chain. These may include:

• Strengthening Exercises: Restoring the body's ability to decelerate its own mass and momentum and its ability to use gravity and ground reaction.

• Flexibility Enhancements: Improve the range of motion in your body by restoring your body's Chain Reaction

  
  

Such targeted actions can boost your recovery rate and help prevent future problems.

Final Thoughts

Tennis elbow is more than just a simple elbow issue. By acknowledging how the body works together and adopting a holistic approach to treatment, individuals can alleviate their symptoms and ward off recurrences. If you are experiencing tennis elbow or wish to understand how to tackle the underlying problems, don’t hesitate to seek professional advice.

A tennis racket resting on a court surface

Understanding the mechanics behind tennis elbow can empower you to take control of your health. Remember, the body functions as a chain, and by addressing the entire system, you can find relief and return to your favorite activities.