Exercises Could Relieve Tennis Elbow

Tennis is a great way to get and stay in shape but it can also be really hard on your body.  Even the pros end up skipping tournaments due to injuries.  One common issue is “tennis elbow” which apparently affects three percent of the population – and you don’t even have to play tennis to get it!

The main symptoms are pain in the elbow and/or arm and, as a sufferer, I can tell you that it can get pretty uncomfortable.

A study at the Nicholas Institute of Sports Medicine and Athletic Trauma in New York tested 21 patients with the ailment in two groups.  Both received the wrist extensor stretching, ultrasound, cross-friction massage, heat and ice for treatment. Three sets of 15 repetitions were performed daily as part of a home program with intensity increased progressively during the treatment period.

One of the co-authors of the study, Timothy F. Tyler said:  "Our study illustrated that a novel exercise, using an inexpensive rubber bar, may provide a practical and effective means of adding isolated wrist strengthening exercises to a treatment plan.  Compared to other treatments for tennis elbow such as cortisone injections or topical nitric oxide which require direct medical supervision and often side effects, this treatment is not only cost effective but dosage is not limited by the patient having to come to a clinic.”

Hopefully, they will release some sort of rubber bar (I’m trying to imagine what it looks like!) along with instructions on how to get relief.  I know that I would buy it!

image: Zuma Press