Commonly known as “tennis elbow”, lateral epicondylitis is an inflammation of the tendon fibers that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the outside of the elbow. More recently it is believed that tennis elbow is due to the degeneration of the wrist extensor tendons. Either way this affects the muscles that lift the wrist and hand. Pain may be felt where these fibers attach to the bone on the outside of the elbow or along the muscles in the forearm. Overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm and elbow are the most common reasons people develop tennis elbow. Repeating some types of activities over and over again can put too much strain on the elbow tendons. These activities are not necessarily high-level sports competition. Hammering nails, picking up heavy buckets, or pruning shrubs can all cause the pain of tennis elbow. Some patients, however, develop tennis elbow without any specific recognizable activity leading to symptoms.
Tag Archives: Injury Prevention
Aging Gracefully with Physical Therapy
The human body goes through a number of changes as one grows older. A decline in muscle mass and bone density can lead to muscle fatigue and joint pain. There is good news. Seniors can remain physically active and lead happy, healthy and productive lives with the help of physical therapy. Exercise in a safe, controlled environment under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, goes a long way to improving the quality of life. A physical therapist can design exercise programs that help seniors cope with some of the issues associated with aging which include:
ACL Injury Prevention and the Female Athlete
Since the passage of Title IX in 1972, girls’ participation in high school sports has increased more than 900%.1 The speed, power, and intensity displayed by female athletes have dramatically increased over the past decade. The aggressive style of play has led to an increase in musculoskeletal injuries. One of the more common is a sprain or rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This knee injury is the most common cause of permanent disability in female high school basketball players, accounting for up to 91% of season-ending injuries and 94% of injuries requiring surgery.2 In the United States, 20,000 to 80,000 high school female athletes experience ACL injuries each year. There is an incidence rate of 1 out of 100 female high school athletes and 1 in 10 college athletes per season who are injuring their ACLs each year.
Fitness Tips: Starting the Year Off Right
It’s the new year and for many, with it comes the resolution to get into shape. If you haven’t been to the gym or had an exercise routine in a while, we want to make sure you get off of the right foot. The last thing you need is an injury that will prevent you from reaching your goals. The American Council on Exercise surveyed fitness professionals to identify the most common fitness errors. Here are some good tips to avoid these mistakes and get the most out of your exercise routine.