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
At Wimbledon Physiotherapy Clinic we use these techniques to mobilise tissue. In particular, we use passive stretching of contractile tissues, myofascial release and massage.
All of the above techniques help with the following:
• In acute injuries they assist healing which helps prevent chronicity
• Assists older injuries to heal by breaking down adhesions and therefore restoring mobility
• Reduces muscle spasm leading to restoration of normal movement
• Helps prevent muscle injuries and reduces build-ups form frequent training
Deep tissue massage also helps relieve tension and prepares the area for further manual therapy techniques, which we find very useful, especially in the neck and shoulders.
In more painful conditions, often very tender areas develop known as trigger points, which can lead to muscle contraction. Deep tissue techniques can concentrate on these areas and restore normal tissue extensibility and blood supply.