One of the positives to lockdown, is the opportunity to do some more DIY and gardening. Those little jobs that we put off for weeks or months, finally can happen. Whether that is re-decorating the living room, chopping down the over-grown ivy, growing your own tomatoes or pruning your wisteria, it is these repetitive movements that can leave you feeling pain or soreness in the wrist, hand, elbow and shoulder.
One of the common problems is lateral epicondylitis, which is more commonly known as tennis elbow. Holding the paint brush or secateurs can put your wrist into altered positions and if we continue these movements for longer than normal, we can overload the tendons that run from the attachment in the elbow and run down to the wrist and hand.
Once these symptoms appear, they can be extremely painful and even lifting the kettle can become problematic.
There are many options on treatment of this problem depending on whether it is the first time this problem has happened or it is a chronic recurring problem. This is where seeing a physiotherapist is invaluable because different stages of tendon problems require a different approach. The three stages are reactive, degenerative and disrepair.
If this problem is new to you, the main aim is to reduce the pain. This can include rest and massage and less pain can improve function. Once the pain has reduced, then a set of specific exercises can commence. It is also important to choose the right exercises at the right time.
If this problem has happened before and you’ve had a flare up due to getting a little too engrossed in getting your project finished, or there is a constant discomfort there, the way to treat this is very different.
A really interesting read is: J L Cook, J.L., Rio, E., Purdam, C.R., Docking, S.I. 2017. Revisiting the continuum model of tendon pathology: what is its merit in clinical practice and research? British Journal of Sports Medicine. 50 pp 1187–1191
For further details and a bespoke rehabilitation programme for you, in the comfort of your own home, please contact the Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic. We are offering free initial 20-minute online or telephone consultations with Vicky Annis, lead Physiotherapist. Consultations are open to all.
To book, please email: physio@kent.ac.uk. Find out more about Kent Sport Physiotherapy Clinic please visit our website www.kent.ac.uk/sports/physio and to stay up to date Like us on Facebook. Please consider showing your support by donating to the NHS charities.