The wrist extensors are a group of muscles located on the back of the forearm. They are primarily responsible for extending the wrist and fingers, and they play a crucial role in many activities that involve grasping, lifting, and manipulating objects. The primary wrist extensors include the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL), and the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU). Tension on the insertion of these wrist extensor muscles, particularly the ECRB, can lead to elbow tendonitis, also known as lateral epicondylitis or "tennis elbow." This condition is characterized by pain and tenderness around the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, where the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles attach to the bone. The tension and repetitive overuse of these muscles can cause microtears in the tendon, leading to inflammation and pain.
Myofascial Release for Elbow Tendonitis Myofascial release is a manual therapy technique that involves applying gentle, sustained pressure into the myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. For elbow tendonitis, myofascial release can help by:
Reducing Muscle Tension: By targeting the wrist extensors and surrounding tissues, myofascial release can help reduce the tension and tightness that contribute to tendon strain and pain.
Improving Blood Flow: The technique can enhance blood circulation to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing inflammation.
Enhancing Mobility: By breaking up fascial adhesions and reducing stiffness, myofascial release can improve the range of motion and flexibility of the forearm and elbow.
Laser Therapy for Elbow Tendonitis Laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with tissue and help accelerate the healing process. It can be beneficial for managing elbow tendonitis in several ways:
Reducing Inflammation: Laser therapy can help reduce inflammation by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, leading to decreased pain and swelling.
Pain Relief: It can directly impact nerve cells that reduce pain signals to the brain, providing relief from discomfort.
Tissue Repair and Cell Growth: Laser therapy can enhance cellular repair and growth by increasing cellular energy (ATP) production, which speeds up the healing process of the damaged tendons.
Vascular Activity: It promotes increased formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue, improving blood circulation and oxygenation, which are crucial for the repair process.
Implementation For individuals suffering from elbow tendonitis due to tension on the wrist extensor insertions, Our comprehensive rehabilitation program that also includes exercises to strengthen and stretch the forearm muscles, modifications of activities to avoid exacerbating factors, and ergonomic adjustments to reduce strain on the affected tendons. We incorporate myofascial release and laser therapy into their treatment plan and have found highly beneficial results.
We are here to help with any Musculoskeletal needs.
J. David Tejada
Chiropractor
David Tejada
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