Elbow
Tennis elbow and osteopathy
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylalgia, is an overuse pain on the outside of the elbow. It typically hurts when you grip, lift or twist – for example when lifting a coffee cup or using a computer mouse.
Despite the name, it is most common in people who do not play tennis. It is often caused by repetitive strain such as screen work, renovation work or racket sports. Osteopathic treatment and well-dosed exercises help the elbow recover.
Help for tennis elbow from osteopathy
Treatment works on the forearm extensor muscles and improves the mobility of the elbow, wrist and shoulder. I also examine your neck and upper back, as they can affect symptoms in the arm.
The core of rehabilitation is adjusting the load and progressive strength training that improves how much load the tendon can tolerate. I coach you through suitable exercises and advise you on how to reduce strain in daily life.
We also go through the ergonomics of your workstation, tools and grips.
Treatment
How treatment works
I find out what kind of load makes the problem worse and examine how your elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck work. At the same time, other causes of elbow pain are ruled out.
To support treatment, you first do light exercises at home within the limits of pain, and the load is increased gradually. Complete rest does not usually help – the tendon needs the right amount of load.
Tennis elbow often heals slowly, and recovery can take months. Consistent training helps you recover.
Safety
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if:
- the elbow is swollen, red and hot or you have a fever
- the pain started after a fall or a blow
- your fingers become numb, tingly or weak
- the elbow won’t straighten or it locks
- the pain does not ease at all despite a few months of exercises
Read more
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about tennis elbow
Answers to the most common questions about tennis elbow.
Repeated strain on the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers, beyond what the tendon can tolerate. Typical causes are using a mouse and keyboard, renovation and garden work, and racket sports.
Recovery often takes several months, sometimes longer. Adjusting the load and progressive training help you recover.
Complete rest does not usually speed up healing. It is a good idea to reduce activities that clearly make the pain worse, but you can and should use your arm within the limits of pain.
A forearm strap can reduce pain in straining situations. It is an aid that does not replace exercise.
No. Tennis elbow is felt on the outside of the elbow and golfer’s elbow on the inside. The principles of treatment are similar.
Osteopathy in Helsinki – services and prices
Osteopathy
60 min
€94 / hour
Personal trainer
PT / programming
€99 / hour
You can also pay with ePassi and Edenred sports benefits.
Booking
Book an appointment online
Choose a suitable time from the calendar. If you can’t find a time that suits you, you can ask about other available times, for example evening appointments, by calling or texting +358 40 557 3874.
You can also pay with ePassi and Edenred sports benefits.
You’re warmly welcome to my clinic at Läkkisepäntie 11 A in Metsälä, Helsinki!
Clinic
How to find us
Osteopath Jerry Ketola
Läkkisepäntie 11 A
00620 Helsinki
The clinic is conveniently located near major junctions in Metsälä, alongside Tuusulantie and close to Käpylä station. It’s about a 15–20 minute drive from both Tikkurila and Leppävaara. My osteopathy practice is situated inside the R5 Athletics & Health gym and wellness facilities. Follow the R5 signs to find the entrance and head to the second floor.
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