Osteopaths are trained to work with muscles. If required, they can use manipulation, myofascial  osteopathy or soft tissue massage. Since I wrote this article many months ago there has been many enquiries about why does tennis elbow return even after the “magical injection of corticosteriod injections and exercises.  I attended the first ever sports and exercise Course Sponsored by the European Professional Golf Tour which was held November 2011 near Harrogate.  This must be one of the best Sports Medicine Courses for Golf and the Elite Golfer that I have ever attended in over 30 years of attending courses .

So here is the website and the current research which will explain when research if followed up on injections of corticosteriods  the normal end of the research is after 6 weeks only.  HOWEVER, IN MANY CASES THE PAIN RETURNS and as corticosteriods weakens the strength of the ligaments because is delays or stops the healing and repair of collagen fibres corticosteriods injections are not given as a general protocol to the professional athletics as it is considered old fashioned.

As the golfers are prone to elbow pain the PGA Medical Team are of course keeping up to date with current research and developing better, stronger and long lasting management plans for elbow pain Click Here Please to read further 

Here are the eccentric exercises which you need to strengthen carefully after you have had treatment with your osteopath, physiotherapist or chiropractor.Click Here  

Osteopaths often work with tennis elbow. Currently I am treating several patients with this condition. Below is a good image of muscles and tendons associated with tennis elbow.
Pain from this condition can be treated with a corticosteriod injection. However a side effect from this is the slowing down or cessation of healing of the collagen fibres. See diagram.

The injection only removes pain- it does not help the torn tendon to heal. What can help is for the osteopath to work up and down the extensor muscles of the forearm. This elongates the forearm muscles which shorten and by traction make micro tears in the extensor tendon.

I use the deep flexmatic trigger head which doesn’t cause pain but loosens off the shortened hardened forearm muscles to aid healing and good quality collagen fibres. After that I give some sports massage and then apply an effective dose of ultrasound which stimulates a better quality mending of the tear.

I advise patients to do normal gentle pain-free stretches and some massage at home to keep stimulating the healing of those micro tears.

Helen How
Registered Osteopath
!4 Craighall Gardens
Edinburgh EH6 4RJ

0131 551 1044
07889304762
£35.00 for one hour / simple follow up treatments £20 for 30 mins