Patient:

44 year old gentleman – landscape gardener

 

History:

5 month history of lateral elbow pain, stopped tennis 3 months ago due to pain. Tried medicine with no positive effect so consulted GP to try physiotherapy. After initial soreness has subsided, pain remains the same. Pain in the forearm diagnosed by GP as tendinitis.

 

Treatment:

On examination, visible increase in forearm muscle belly, lacked full range of movement of the elbow, reduced wrist muscle strength. Treatment consisted of soft tissue techniques to muscle belly and insertion point home stretches, advice on self massage and heat therapy and exercises to address the muscle imbalance course of the condition. On completion of treatment this gentleman was back to his gardening but had a band to support his elbow and had regular stretches and strength work to perform. 3 months down the line, the patient remains pain-free unless overdoing it, but can self massage.

 

To enquire about an appointment please fill in our Enquiry Form and we will be in touch or alternatively call us today on
020 8542 7788

 

Electrotherapy is used by physiotherapists to provide pain relief and promote healing for problems of the bone and /or muscle. The main methods of electrotherapy used at Wimbledon Physiotherapy to complement our manual approach are as follows:

Ultrasound

This is high frequency sound waves which are used to treat injuries to muscles, tendons and soft tissues. The sound waves pass through the skin causing the tissues in the affected area to vibrate. This helps to improve blood flow to the injured site and increase the breakdown of scar tissue. In this way, Ultrasound helps to decrease pain and encourage the healing process.

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

This is a very safe method of electrotherapy which we use both in the clinic and loan for home. It provides pain relief by blocking nerve signals carrying pain messages to the brain. TENS also stimulates the production of endorphins – our natural pain relieving hormones.

Interferential Therapy

This involves the passing of two currents through the tissues. Where the currents intersect a new current is set up. These currents can activate the pain gate mechanism to help relieve pain or can work directly on nerve fibres causing endorphin release. If you are suffering from severe pain we may use this type of electrotherapy to be able to achieve the maximum benefits from our manual therapy. These currents can also cause muscle contraction which in turn will cause a local increase in fluid flow and exchange.

Heat

We use heat pads if we want to stimulate an increase in blood flow. Heat is also used in combination with manual therapy to reduce joint stiffness and enhance relaxation.

Ice Therapy

Ice is applied to very acute injuries to help decrease bleeding and minimise swelling and thus in turn reduce pain and help us to be able to start rehabilitation.