As warm, sunny weather arrives, we begin to emerge from our homes to finally get some much-needed time outdoors. Getting back to our favorite outdoor activities can feel rejuvenating after a long Ohio winter. But what can you do when your hobbies suddenly become a source of pain? If you play tennis, or participate in other activities which involve repetitive movement, you may find yourself experiencing the unpleasant effects of tendonitis—commonly known as tennis elbow.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons, resulting in pain and sometimes swelling in the joints. It can be caused by a sudden injury but is more commonly the result of an activity that requires repetitive bending and straightening of a joint. This condition, therefore, is commonly seen in tennis players—hence the name--since they are often performing the same racquet movements over and over. In fact, 50% of tennis players will experience tendonitis at some point.
But tennis (and other racquet sports) isn’t the only cause for this ache in your elbow. Tendonitis is also commonly seen in those that play basketball, baseball and volleyball. Adults who work in construction, plumbing and on computers also can suffer from it. Even activities around the house such as painting, gardening, even knitting can bring this on. There are many causes for this painful ailment.
How to Help Ease the Pain of Tendonitis
Tennis Elbow can derail your summer plans of hitting the court, but it doesn’t have to. If you find yourself suffering from Tennis Elbow, there are many modalities that can help.
Cryo T-Shock therapy can support your healing process and help relieve you of the stress of chronic pain. It is non-invasive and painless for localized treatment. This technique delivers alternating cold and warm treatments to encourage faster healing. Cryo (cold) therapy has been proven to reduce inflammation while thermal (heat) treatments stimulate circulation, speeding up the body’s natural healing process. Infrared sauna is another effective way to increase circulation and can be used along with your Cryo T-shock treatments.
Sessions with the FDA cleared Nuefit Neubie can not only calm an injury area but can also strengthen surrounding muscles to prevent injury. The Neubie device applies direct current to the surrounding muscles resolving the actions your body takes to compensate for injury and protect the tendon. If your muscles are strong enough for the activities you enjoy, the activities have less ability to impact your tendons.
One of the most important components of a tendonitis recovery protocol is encouraging lymphatic drainage from the area. Drainage of the lymph allows waste products to be carried away from the injured area so the body can heal efficiently. Cryo T-shock has been shown to increase lymphatic drainage. Whole body vibration therapy is specifically designed to get your lymph system working and massage is another great way to encourage efficient lymphatic drainage. Pairing Cryo T-shock therapy with a massage chair session or a whole body vibration session can promote to even faster healing.
If left untreated, Tennis Elbow can become chronic, so it important to seek treatment quickly. The Reset Lounge offers a variety of Cryo T-shock treatment options. Click here for a deep dive into Cryo T-shock therapy, or book your appointment here.