New Hope for Elbow Tendonitis

A new study shows

a reduction in inflammation and remodeling
of fascia, the sheath that surrounds tendons

If you’re looking for a solution for the care of the fascia that is easy and effective, there is a groundbreaking study on FasciaBlaster instruments for fascia self-care, that shows safe and effective ways to address it.

According to Cogent Medical Journal, scientists saw ultrasound evidence of fascia (collagen) remodeling, where the health of the fascia was restored. They also saw blood indicators (PICP) markers for collagen production.

FasciaBlasting also increases temporary blood flow to the site of blasting and relieves discomfort related to muscle fatigue, such as repetitive motion.

There is new hope with a host of studies that support that fascia massage or myofascial release has relieved the symptoms of elbow tendonitis, compared to a control group.

A recent study by the National Institute of Health found  “evidence that Myo Facial Release is more effective than a control intervention for LE (lateral epicondylitis) in computer professionals”

This study highlights that repetitive motion comes in all shapes and sizes. It could be sports like tennis or golf that cause repetitive motion, or it could be something as simple as gaming, cooking, or in this case, using the computer.

“Myofascial pain and Myofascial Trigger Points may be part of the Lateral Epicondial etiology. Treatment focusing on the myofascial component seems to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with Lateral Epicondylitis.

To summarize, fascia and myofascial trigger points are being recognized as more or a cause of tennis elbow, and treatments of fascia are becoming more and more recognized as effective. Click here for more on Instrument Assisted Treatments.

There is new hope with a host of studies that support that fascia massage or myofascial release has relieved the symptoms of elbow tendonitis, compared to a control group.

Fascia stiffness and swelling are two of the factors that cause discomfort associated with Elbow tennis elbow.

This study is important because tennis elbow has also been recently linked to the condition of the fascia. Fascia is the connective tissue that runs in long strips throughout the body, including the shoulder, arm, elbow, and wrist connection. This may help explain why people with tennis elbow can experience pain in other areas.

For tutorials on how to use the Fascia Instruments in the study and recommended products, Click here.

What are the most common types?

The Mayo Clinic says, “Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition that occurs when tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. Tennis elbow occurs primarily where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow. Pain can also spread into your forearm and wrist.”

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  Lateral epicondylitis. This is most often known as tennis elbow. It causes pain in the backside of the elbow and forearm, along the thumb side when the arm is alongside the body with the thumb turned away

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  Medial epicondylitis. This is most often known as a golfer's or baseball elbow. It causes pain from the elbow to the wrist on the palm side of the forearm.

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  Rotator cuff tendonitis. This is also known as biceps tendonitis. It’s a shoulder disorder. It causes inflammation of the shoulder capsule and related tendons.

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  DeQuervain's tenosynovitis. This is the most common type of tenosynovitis disorder. It causes swelling in the tendon sheath of the tendons of the thumb.

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  Trigger finger or trigger thumb. This is a type of tenosynovitis. The tendon sheath becomes inflamed and thickened. This makes it hard to extend or flex the finger or thumb. The finger or thumb may lock or "trigger" suddenly.

What are the causes?

According to the National Health Service in the United Kingdom, “Tendonitis is usually caused by sudden, sharp movements or repetitive exercise, such as running, jumping or throwing. It can also be caused by repetitive movements or having poor posture or technique while at work or when playing a sport. This is known as repetitive strain injury (RSI)”

And the Mayo Clinic goes on to point out that tendonitis can occur from our everyday mundane activities that are repetitive “Most people develop tendinitis because their jobs or hobbies involve motions that they repeat, over and over. This puts stress on tendons.”

What are the Traditional Options for Care?

According to WebMD, there are some traditional options for treatment

• Icing the elbow to reduce pain and swelling. Experts recommend doing it for 20 to 30 minutes every 3 to 4 hours for 2 to 3 days or until the pain is gone.

• Using an elbow strap to protect the injured tendon from further strain.

• Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, to help with pain and swelling. However, these drugs can cause side effects, such as bleeding and ulcers. You should only use them occasionally unless your doctor says otherwise since they may delay healing.

• Performing range of motion exercises to reduce stiffness and increase flexibility. Your doctor may recommend that you do them three to five times a day.

• Getting physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles.

• Having injections of steroids or painkillers to temporarily ease some of the swelling and pain around the joint. Studies suggest that steroid injections don't help in the long term.

But are these methods might be archaic in nature? Is exercise, ice, stretching, medications, and injections all we can really do to take an active role in our recovery?