What Is Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition characterized by pain and tenderness around the elbow joint. These conditions result from overuse or repetitive strain of the tendons attaching to the epicondyles of the humerus, leading to inflammation and microtears.
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we offer a comprehensive approach to managing epicondylitis through physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, shockwave therapy, TECAR therapy, and chiropractic care.
We take a structured, multi-layered approach to tendonitis treatment by combining advanced diagnostics, lifestyle modifications, and progressive therapies to support your mobility and well-being.
Customized Treatment Plans
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we create personalized treatment plans, combining advanced therapies with lifestyle strategies to promote health. Our approach focuses on long-term relief, integrating treatments that fit seamlessly into your daily life. From targeted interventions to posture guidance and ergonomic support, we offer strategies to help improve mobility and reduce the risk of future issues.
Minimally Invasive Procedures
We prioritize non-invasive treatments and may incorporate advanced, minimally invasive techniques designed to ease discomfort and support the body’s natural healing process. These approaches can offer relief with minimal downtime, helping you return to daily activities more comfortably. Throughout your care, we provide ongoing guidance and support to promote positive outcomes.
Comprehensive Care
We take a comprehensive approach to all conditions—going beyond pain relief to support overall function. By combining advanced medical treatments with complementary therapies such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, and mindfulness techniques, we create personalized care plans tailored to your individual needs.
Lasting Relief
Our goal is to support not just immediate relief, but long-term health and sustainable symptom management. By addressing contributing factors behind your condition, we aim to improve function, reduce the risk of future flare-ups, and promote lasting mobility and well-being.
Understanding Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis comes in two common types:
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral epicondylitis affects the outer part of the elbow and is commonly associated with repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation. It involves the extensor tendons, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), leading to pain and tenderness on the lateral aspect of the elbow.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Medial epicondylitis affects the inner part of the elbow and is associated with repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation. It involves the flexor tendons, especially the flexor carpi radialis and ulnaris, leading to pain and tenderness on the medial aspect of the elbow.
Common Symptoms Of Epicondylitis
- Pain And Tenderness: Localized pain on the lateral (tennis elbow) or medial (golfer’s elbow) side of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm.
- Weakness: Reduced grip strength and difficulty with activities requiring wrist and forearm strength.
- Swelling: Mild swelling around the elbow joint.
- Stiffness: Limited range of motion in the elbow joint.
- Pain With Specific Movements: Activities such as shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting objects may exacerbate pain.
What Causes Epicondylitis?
Epicondylitis is primarily caused by repetitive stress and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Specific risk factors include:
Repetitive Movements
Engaging in activities that involve repetitive wrist and arm motions, such as tennis, golf, painting, or assembly line work.
Improper Technique
Using incorrect form during activities, leading to increased strain on the elbow tendons.
Age
Individuals between the ages of 30 and 50 are more commonly affected.
Occupation And Hobbies
Jobs or hobbies that require repetitive arm motions increase the risk of developing epicondylitis.
What Happens If Epicondylitis Is Left Untreated?
If epicondylitis is left untreated, it can lead to:
- Chronic Pain: Persistent discomfort that may interfere with daily activities and quality of life.
- Functional Impairment: Difficulty performing tasks that require grip strength and forearm movement.
- Tendon Degeneration: Progressive damage to the affected tendons, potentially leading to tendon rupture.
Need For Surgical Intervention: In severe cases, conservative treatments may fail, necessitating surgical repair of the damaged tendon.
Our Approach to Epicondylitis
Epicondylitis can affect individuals in different ways, from occasional discomfort to persistent pain that disrupts daily life. As symptoms progress, they may impact mobility, work, hobbies, and even emotional well-being, making everyday tasks more challenging.
At Compass Pain and Wellness, we recognize the importance of personalized care. Our team combines advanced medical treatments with supportive therapies to address multiple aspects of your condition, helping you manage symptoms, support function, and enhance overall quality of life.
How to Diagnose Epicondylitis
Diagnosis of Epicondylitis involves:
- Medical History: Discussion of symptoms, activity levels, and any previous injuries.
- Physical Examination: Palpation of the elbow to identify tenderness and assessment of range of motion.
- Special Tests:
- Cozen’s Test: Resisted wrist extension to assess for lateral epicondylitis.
- Golfer’s Elbow Test: Resisted wrist flexion to assess for medial epicondylitis.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays to rule out other conditions and ultrasound or MRI to assess tendon damage.
Once a diagnosis is made, we work with you to determine the right treatment plan based on your specific symptoms. For Epicondylitis, this can include several conservative therapies, as well as more advanced procedures.
Conservative Treatment Approaches
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy improves strength, flexibility, and mobility while addressing pain from injury or chronic conditions.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture stimulates targeted points on the body to reduce pain, support healing, and restore energy balance.
Massage
Massage therapy eases muscle tension and improves circulation to support pain relief and overall well-being.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care improves spinal alignment and joint function to reduce pain and enhance physical mobility.
Shockwave Therapy
High-energy sound waves are applied to the affected area to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Research indicates that shockwave therapy can be beneficial in treating lateral epicondylitis.
TECAR Therapy
This form of deep tissue therapy uses radiofrequency energy to promote circulation and accelerate tissue repair.
Advanced Treatments
Corticosteroid Injections
Administered to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief. However, repeated use may have side effects, and long-term efficacy is debated.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient's own blood into the affected area to promote healing.
Surgical Intervention
Considered when conservative treatments fail. Procedures may include tendon debridement or repair.
References
- Hsu, C.-Y., Lee, K.-H., Huang, H.-C., Chang, Z.-Y., Chen, H.-Y., & Yang, T.-H. (2016). Manipulation Therapy Relieved Pain More Rapidly Than Acupuncture among Lateral Epicondylalgia (Tennis Elbow) Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial with 8-Week Follow-Up. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2016, 3079247. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/3079247
- Kohia, M., et al. (2024). Comparison of local massage, steroid injection, and extracorporeal shock wave therapy efficacy in the treatment of lateral epicondylitis. Joint Diseases and Related Surgery, 35(2), 1583. https://doi.org/10.5606/ehc.2024.1583
- Lee, H.-S., Park, H. Y., Yoon, J. O., Kim, J. S., Chun, J. M., & Lee, S. H. (2016). Comparison of treatment effects on lateral epicondylitis between acupuncture
Our Providers
Meet our experienced and compassionate team of doctors who specialize in helping you manage your condition. With a patient-centered approach, our doctors work to understand your unique needs and provide compassionate, personalized care. Trust our providers to guide you on your journey to better health and improved well-being.
