Suffering from annoying elbow pain? The kind that comes on sharp and goes down to being dull and achy?
Not stopping you from doing anything but sure does slow you down because you feel like you need to take breaks? Keep reading if this has happened to you as you may require a tennis elbow treatment in Miami.
What you can do to get started
Elbow pain is one of those things that begin, go away when you rest, and come back. It’s not from any ONE thing that you did, but rather an accumulation of use over time. I mean, we use our arms for everything and sometimes they hurt.
Most people tell me that elbow pain is more a “discomfort” than a “pain.” It can become more painful over time, but it tends to be achy and annoying and slows you down more than stopping you. Most people just live with it and power through. It’s not the same as if you fell and broke the bones of your elbow and had to have surgery.
Here are a few things that you can do if you think you have tennis elbow. These are a few of my favorite tips given to my clients. They can help you get started and to help it NOT get worse.
- Stretch it often!
I know when people have arm pain, one of the things they do it clench their fist or pump it open and shut. Honestly, everything we do requires our arms so make sure to stretch the WHOLE arm – from the hands all the way to the shoulders. Hold it for 10-15 seconds. That can be very helpful to reducing your pain. Did you know that when your elbow hurts, it could be something from your shoulder or from your wrist?
- Use ice
If you have had pain for some time now and you’re not sure what it is, but you want to get started doing something, anything, to help while you decide what you can do next, using heat or cold can help your elbow feel better in the short term. But make it cold. Ice both the outside and inside parts of your elbow and forearm. The inside of your elbow is more sensitive, but you can do it. It may be uncomfortable at first, but as it gets numb, you won’t feel a thing. And ice has the benefit of lasting for up to two hours after you take it off. I’m asked, “Why not heat?” My answer is heat if you are feeling stiff and just because it feels good. But its effects are not as long-lasting and effective as ice when it comes to tendinitis.
- Massage around the area of pain
Massage on that bone bump. And massage ABOVE and BELOW. Get to those tight and sometimes painful muscles! They just need a little love and tender care.
Follow these tips to ease some of your elbow discomfort or pain. I hope these tips help you start feeling better and help you decide how to have a more active and pain-free way of living. You may ask, WHY do I need to slow down or take frequent breaks for my elbow or why can’t I do certain things because I know that it will hurt me? The answer is there. There’s help for people suffering with elbow problems. I have more free tips in my “The Hands-on Approach” book available for purchase on Amazon or grab our free Elbow Pain Guide from our website.
Written by Hoang Tran
About the author – Hoang Tran
Hoang Tran is a hand therapist in Miami, the owner of Hands-on Therapy Services and author of the book “The Hands-On Approach”. She loves helping people with hand and arm problems, because she knows how bad and debilitating they can get if not addressed and treated properly (once and for all!).
The aim of her practice is to bring their patients back to full functionality, without pills, injections or surgery. If you would like more information about the services, visit handsots.com or schedule an appointment here. In these difficult times, we are here to help. Telehealth and online sessions are available!
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
