Most elbow injuries are due to overuse or repetitive strain. In "tennis elbow" (not always caused by playing tennis) there is an overuse/overstrain of the muscles and ligaments that attach at the lateral part (outside) of the elbow. In "golfers' elbow" (not always caused by playing golf), the pain is in the muscles and ligaments on the medial part (inside) of the elbow.
A thorough examination including orthopedic testing will help to determine your exact diagnosis and individualized treatment plan. Once a diagnosis has been reached, reducing the level of pain and inflammation around the elbow is of initial concern. Care consisting of ice, joint manipulation, physiotherapy (electrical stimulation/ultrasound), massage, and acupuncture may be used to accomplish this goal. therapeutic exercises will be also be given to rehabilitate the injured, weakened tissues and overly tight muscles. Massage therapy & myofascial release techniques may also be used in conjunction with these other therapies in order to get the best results. Often a specialized brace will be given to prevent recurrent injury to the elbow during the healing process. Not always thought of as a "chiropractic" condition by patients, chiropractic's conservative approach to elbow pain is often very effective, avoiding more invasive, risky treatment options. For example, repetitive cortisone injection should be avoided as it has been well documented to cause tendon disruption, and places you at risk of further injury for 2 to 6 weeks following injection. However, if after examination we conclude that your case cannot be helped with conservative care, a prompt referral will be made.
PROGRESSIVE HEALTH & WELLNESS BLOG: SELF TREATMENT ADVICE ON THE PROPER USE OF HEAT & ICE : Many people are not sure when to use heat and when to use ice in the self-treatment of pain and injuries. As a rule, any treatment should be individualized to the unique needs of the patient. That said, the advice that follows will serve as useful genergeneral guidelines on the proper use of heat & ice. This advice is given with the recommendation that you also seek out care from your chiropractor or other qualified health care provider. If you are having pain as the result of an identifiable injury (from a fall, or a blow, or a sprain, strain, sports injury, car accident, etc.) then it is usually best to use an ice pack for the first 24-48 hours. Apply the ice pack for 10-20 minutes (not longer), and repeat at least three times per day, or up to once every hour if pain is severe. The ice will reduce pain, muscle spasm, inflammation and decrease tissue damage. If your pain is not the direct result of an actual injury, or if the pain has persisted for more than 48 hours, it is usually best to alternate heat & ice. The best way to do this is to apply moist heat for 5 minutes, followed by an ice pack for 1 minute. Just one single repetition of this therapy (6 minutes total), performed 1-3 times per day (depending upon the severity of your symptoms) is usually all you need to do. The heat needs to be moist – not dry. Read More |