any advice for tennis elbow?

[mtemm]

I finally have figured out what is wrong with my arm, and am wondering if anyone has any advice/tips/words of encouragement.

I've been advised to stop the activities I do that obviously irritate it. very sad to give up body pump for a while! was told 6 weeks...does that sound normal? or have those of you with tennis elbow just waited till the pain is gone then given banned activities a go?

I'm trying to see it as an opportunity to concentrate on cardio, abs, and lower body work, but I hate the idea of giving up something I love and losing so much ground on my upper body. of course, the pain is such that I also completely understand it is something I have to do right now.

ugh.

any input is appreciated.

 

[TinklednPants]

Play tennis with your other arm.

 

[shortbun]

ice, rest, compression(support of some kind-rubber band or slide on cuff) and a little later some massage to bring blood to the tendons and muscles for healing.

 

[chell]

A brace was great for me. Biofreeze is my best friend. They now make it in a spray. I would follow what the doctor says and give it the fully 6 weeks. You don't want to push it and start using it too soon. You want to give it time to fully heal so you don't have issues again any time soon.

My brace was made by Procare (I just found the box). If you want to ask your doctor for something similar I have the Armband-Univ For The Support of the Arm Ref #79-97000.

If you take any pain meds take Ibuprofen or Alieve over Tylenol. Ibuprofen & Alieve are anti-inflammatories and will help the tissue swelling to decrease.

 

[jlima]

Cortisone shot . . . in your elbow.

Plus use a Velcro strap that goes on your forearm, a few inches below your elbow:

http://www.walgreens.com/store/cata...prod3543901&navCount=0&navAction=push-product

 

[MushyMushy]

I suffered from horrible pain with tennis elbow for at least two years. It was so bad I couldn't brush my hair or lift a glass of water to my mouth! I got a cortisone shot that helped it for about six months, but the doctor prescribed an elbow brace and I swear that cured me of it. This is the one he prescribed: http://www.amazon.com/Band-Elbow-Su...e=UTF8&s=sporting-goods&qid=1255281218&sr=8-1

Definitely stop any type of repetitive movement for a while. Oh and I agree with the biofreeze. If you can find it, get the spray on kind. You don't have to rub it in and it works just as well as the gel!

 

[mtemm]

thank you all so much! I appreciate it.

 

[chell]

How did I leave out the shot? They aren't near as bad as some people make them out to be IF you get it from a doctor who gives them on a daily basis.