Tennis Elbow Not Healing? A PT's BEST strategies | MAKE PROGRESS

Focus Physical Therapy

27 Nov 202113:45

EducationalLearning

32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRPhysical therapist Burke shares top tips for healing chronic elbow tendonitis in this informative video. He addresses common pitfalls, such as overuse, sensitivity, and improper loading, and offers practical advice like gentle massage, applying pressure, and adjusting activities to stimulate tendon regrowth. Burke also discusses the importance of patience and the potential need for medical treatments like steroid injections or surgeries, emphasizing that rehabilitation can lead to progress, even if it takes time.

Takeaways

🤕 Elbow tendonitis is a common overuse injury that can be persistent and confusing to manage due to mixed information available.
🔍 Chronic elbow problems require a tailored approach, focusing on aspects not typically found in online searches for treatment.
👩‍⚕️ As a physical therapist, the speaker emphasizes the importance of treating sensitivity and pain perception in the elbow separately from the tendon itself.
💆‍♂️ Gentle massage and touch can help reduce sensitivity and discomfort associated with elbow tendonitis.
🕰 Patience is crucial as the pain onset may not mark the beginning of the injury, indicating a longer healing process.
🏋️‍♂️ Proper loading of the tendon through gradual and progressive force is essential for tendon regrowth and healing.
🚫 Be cautious of overworking the elbow, as too much force or repetitive motion can hinder recovery.
🤏 Over-gripping during activities can exacerbate elbow issues, so it's important to monitor and adjust grip strength.
🛌 Arm positioning during rest, like sleeping, can impact recovery, so aim for a mid-range to slightly extended elbow position.
🏋️‍♀️ Rehabilitation exercises should be done in moderation to avoid overworking the elbow and delaying healing.
🦴 The speaker will address controversial treatments like bracing, steroid injections, and surgeries in a separate video, emphasizing the importance of movement, exercise, and recovery in managing elbow tendonitis.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?
-The main focus of the video script is to provide tips and tricks for healing a stubborn elbow problem, particularly for those who have been dealing with it for more than six weeks.
What is the first tip given for treating elbow sensitivity?
-The first tip for treating elbow sensitivity is to gently rub and massage the elbow, touching and stroking the muscles, as sensitivity is as much about contact and touch as it is about the tissues themselves.
Why is it important to consider the point at which pain began when dealing with an overuse elbow injury?
-It's important to consider the point at which pain began because an overuse injury is a result of repetitive motion over time, and the pain is often a sign that the problem has been developing for a while. This helps in understanding the healing timeline and being patient with the recovery process.
What is the role of tendons in the body and why is loading them important for healing?
-Tendons are designed to withstand pull when muscles contract, which causes motion. Loading the tendons through appropriate exercises and activities is crucial for stimulating the right kind of tendon regrowth and healing.
Why might someone be underloading their elbow during recovery?
-Someone might be underloading their elbow during recovery because they instinctively reduce or stop the activities that caused the injury, leading to insufficient force being applied to the tendon to stimulate healing.
What is the potential issue with over-gripping during activities that involve the use of hands?
-Over-gripping can lead to increased force feeding into the elbow, which might prolong the recovery process as it adds unnecessary stress on the elbow joint.
How does the positioning of the arm during rest affect the healing process of the elbow?
-The positioning of the arm during rest, such as sleeping or relaxing, can affect the healing process because static positions, especially with the elbow bent, can cause irritation and sensitivity in the tissues, potentially delaying recovery.
What is the potential risk of overworking the elbow during the recovery process?
-Overworking the elbow, such as through constant deep massage, hard exercises, or overstretching, can lead to slower progress as it might cause additional stress on the tissues that need time to heal.
Why is bracing a topic that requires a separate discussion according to the script?
-Bracing is a common treatment for elbow issues, but it can cause problems if used incorrectly. Therefore, it is significant enough to warrant a separate discussion to ensure proper understanding and application.
What is the general advice given for dealing with stubborn elbow problems in terms of treatment techniques and lifestyle modifications?
-The general advice includes treating sensitivity with gentle massage and pressure, being patient with the healing timeline, gradually increasing load on the tendon, avoiding overuse of the activities that caused the problem, managing grip force, and being mindful of arm positioning during rest. It also emphasizes the importance of not overworking the elbow during recovery.

Outlines

00:00

💪 Tips for Overcoming Stubborn Elbow Problems

The speaker addresses individuals who have been dealing with elbow issues for more than six weeks. They promise to share top tips and tricks to help kick-start the healing process for those who feel stuck or frustrated with their progress. The emphasis is on lesser-known physical therapy techniques rather than common online advice.

05:00

⏳ Patience in Healing Chronic Elbow Pain

The speaker explains that elbow pain often results from overuse and may not coincide with the onset of pain. Therefore, patients must be patient, as the healing process takes time. Understanding the timeline of activities leading to the pain can help set realistic expectations for recovery.

10:01

🏋️‍♀️ Balancing Load for Tendon Healing

Tendons need to be loaded gradually to stimulate healing. The speaker highlights the common issue of underloading, where people avoid using the affected tendon due to pain, leading to prolonged recovery. They suggest gradually increasing the load to encourage tendon regrowth and improve recovery within a few weeks.

⚖️ The Dangers of Overloading the Elbow

Some individuals may overload their elbow by continuing the activities that caused the injury. The speaker advises that while it may be difficult to avoid these activities, it's crucial to manage load carefully. In cases where it's impossible to stop, other treatment techniques may become more important.

🖐️ The Impact of Over-Gripping on Elbow Recovery

Over-gripping, often overlooked, can significantly affect elbow recovery. The speaker urges patients to consider the force they exert while gripping during various activities, as this can prolong recovery. Reducing grip force may help alleviate elbow pain.

😴 The Importance of Elbow Positioning During Rest

Static positions, especially during rest or sleep, can exacerbate elbow problems. The speaker recommends avoiding positions that overly bend the elbow, such as tucking hands close to the body while sleeping. They suggest regularly varying elbow positions and keeping the elbow in a mid to slightly extended range to reduce sensitivity.

🚫 Avoid Overworking the Elbow During Recovery

Overworking the elbow through constant deep massage, aggressive stretching, or frequent rehab exercises can slow down recovery. The speaker advises moderation and stresses the importance of balancing stress and rest to promote healing.

🐘 Addressing Common Misconceptions: Bracing and Invasive Treatments

The speaker plans to address the use of bracing in a separate video due to its significance and potential for causing problems if used incorrectly. They briefly mention other invasive treatments like steroid injections or surgeries, emphasizing that while rehab can be effective, the decision to escalate treatment is personal.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Elbow Tendonitis

Elbow Tendonitis refers to the inflammation or irritation of the tendons around the elbow joint, often resulting from overuse. In the video, it is the primary condition being discussed, with the speaker aiming to provide tips for healing chronic elbow issues. The video emphasizes the commonality of this condition and the confusion surrounding its management.

💡Healing Process

The healing process in the context of the video refers to the steps and methods one can take to recover from an elbow injury or condition like tendonitis. The script discusses various tips and tricks to kick-start this process, especially for those whose healing has stalled or who are dealing with chronic issues.

💡Sensitivity

Sensitivity, as mentioned in the script, is a significant factor in the healing of the elbow. It is not just the physical state of the tissues but also the body's perception of pain and threat. The video suggests that treating sensitivity is a unique part of the problem, separate from the treatment of the tendon itself.

💡Overuse Injury

An overuse injury is a condition that develops from repetitive motions or stress over time, leading to micro trauma in the affected tissues. The script explains that the pain one feels may not be when the problem started, indicating that the injury has been developing over a longer period, which is important to consider for healing.

💡Tendon

Tendons are strong connective tissues that link muscles to bones, allowing for movement. The video emphasizes the importance of loading the tendon through appropriate exercises to stimulate healing. It also discusses the potential issue of under-loading, where not enough force is applied through the tendon to promote regrowth.

💡Loading

In the context of the video, loading refers to the application of force or stress on the tendon through movement or exercise. It is a critical aspect of the healing process, as it helps stimulate the right kind of tendon regrowth. The script advises increasing the load gradually and progressively to aid in recovery.

💡Under Griping

Under gripping is a concept that suggests not gripping objects too tightly, as excessive force in the grip can affect the elbow and potentially prolong recovery. The video points out that the force of one's grip during activities can be a significant factor in elbow problems.

💡Positioning

Positioning in the video refers to how one's arm is placed during rest or inactivity, such as sleeping or driving. Static positions, especially with the elbow bent, can cause irritation. The script recommends examining and varying these positions to promote healing and reduce sensitivity.

💡Overworking

Overworking, in the context of the video, means applying too much stress to the elbow through activities like deep massage, hard exercises, or over stretching. This can potentially lead to slower progress in healing. The script advises moderation in these activities to allow for proper recovery.

💡Bracing

Bracing is a treatment method mentioned in the video that involves using a supportive device to help manage the condition. However, the script warns that bracing can cause problems if used incorrectly and suggests that it is significant enough to warrant a separate discussion in another video.

💡Rehabilitation Exercises

Rehabilitation exercises are physical activities designed to help recover from an injury. The video mentions these exercises as part of the healing process but also cautions against overdoing them, as too much stress can delay recovery. The exercises should be performed discreetly and with rest periods to allow for tissue healing.

Highlights

Elbow tendonitis is a common issue that can be managed with proper treatment.

Chronic elbow problems require a different approach than acute injuries.

Pain is a powerful educator and can be disproportionate to the injury in the elbow.

Treating sensitivity as a unique part of the problem is crucial for healing.

Gentle massage and pressure can help manage elbow sensitivity.

The point of pain might not be the start of an overuse injury.

Patience is necessary as healing time can be influenced by the duration of repetitive motions.

Tendons require loading to stimulate the right kind of regrowth.

Underloading the tendon can delay healing progress.

Avoiding the activity that caused the problem is essential for recovery.

Overgripping can exacerbate elbow issues and prolong recovery.

Positioning the arm during rest can affect the healing process.

Static positions, especially with the elbow bent, can cause irritation.

Overworking the elbow with aggressive exercises or deep massage can hinder progress.

Bracing is a common treatment method but should be used correctly to avoid complications.

Steroid injections, platelet injections, and surgeries are advanced treatments that should be considered carefully.

Rehabilitation can be effective for elbow tendonitis with time and proper activity modification.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

10 Things TOXIC PARENTS Say

James Burke – Internet Knowledge

The 3 DAILY HACKS To Lose Weight & Prevent Disease! (TRY THIS TODAY) | Dr. Jason Fung

How to handle intrusive thoughts | Tips from a therapist #intrusivethought #anxiety #mentalhealth

Medical Coding for Pressure Ulcers - CPT and ICD-10-CM with case example

How To Lower Your Blood Pressure (Cardiologist Explains)