What does it mean when my elbow hurts when gripping or squeezing? Often time, especially when it is the outer elbow, it will be called “tennis elbow” (or more technically lateral epicondylalgia- meaning lateral elbow pain).

This “tennis elbow” is a common issue facing many individuals, be they someone who does manual labor or even the office worker. Yes, you read that correctly…an office worker can develop this issue just as easily.

But how?

Well, place one hand on a keyboard like going to type and the other with fingers resting across the opposite elbow. Now simulate typing and take note of those muscles you are touching moving. Almost everything we do with our hands results in these forearm muscles working…driving, writing, cooking, cleaning, EVERYTHING.

So it should not be a total shock to reason “tennis elbow” can impact just about anyone.

And now that we know who can be impacted, we want to look at potential solutions.

1. Bracing- believe it or not those tennis elbow straps do actually work in a portion of cases. The strap provides a “counterforce”, thus reducing the strain on where the tendon inserts onto the bone – and thus can ease pain
2. Medication/injection- these are options but they DO NOT SOLVE the problem, only mask it. Data suggests individuals having an injection are likely to experience a short term (6 wk) benefit but in the end do no better than option #3 physical therapy
3. Physical therapy- this option looks to address the primary reason for the elbow actually hurting with gripping or squeezing. This option will look to help restore balance to the forearm muscles, thus reducing the strain at the outer elbow that actually causes the pain. As noted above – after about 6 weeks of appropriate care, a person is likely to feel about the same (or better) as having an injection BUT with the added benefit of addressing the problem, not masking it AND less potential damage to the tissues that can happen with medication or injections.

So…should someone be dealing with elbow pain with gripping or squeezing, good options are present to heal and recover. We know faster care leads to faster results so… No need to wait and see.

If you have questions for what path may be best for you, please click on this link HERE to request a phone call to discuss how to help you achieve your goals.