Tennis elbow, commonly known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful ailment affecting the elbow tendons.
While traditional therapies focus on pain management and physical therapy, Ayurvedic remedies take a more comprehensive approach to tennis elbow repair by addressing the underlying cause of the issue.
In this post, we’ll look at some Ayurvedic therapies and natural healing methods that can help you get rid of tennis elbow symptoms and get back on your feet.
Understanding Causes:
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful ailment that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
Tennis elbow can occur in people who do not play tennis, despite its name.
It is a frequent overuse injury caused by repetitive actions and tension on the forearm muscles and tendons.
Understanding the causes of tennis elbow can aid in the prevention and management of the condition.
Common causes
· Repetitive Motions : How repetitive motions contribute to the condition
Repetitive actions that strain the forearm muscles and tendons are one of the primary causes of tennis elbow. It can develop from activities that involve repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting motions.
Tennis players are predisposed to this illness as a result of the frequent racquet swings involved. Painting, woodworking, typing, gardening, and playing musical instruments, on the other hand, can all contribute to the development of it.
· Tendon Overuse and Strain in Tennis Elbow:
Engaging in repetitive actions without adequate rest and recovery might result in tendon overuse and strain. The continual stress on the tendons can cause microscopic rips and inflammation over time.
Overuse and strain can occur in both professional athletes and those going about their daily lives.
· Age and Degeneration factor in Tennis Elbow:
It can also occur due to age-related changes in the tendons. As we age, the tendons become less flexible and more prone to degeneration. The weakened tendons are more susceptible to injury and inflammation, even with less intense or repetitive activities.
• Improper Technique or Equipment role in Tennis Elbow :
Using incorrect technique or equipment while participating in sports or activities can increase the chance of developing it. Inadequate form or technique can put too much strain on the tendons, resulting in overuse and damage.
Similarly, utilising improperly fitting or adjusted equipment, such as racquets or tools, might lead to the development of it.
• Other Factors:
There are other things that can make you more likely to get victim of it. A history of previous arm or elbow injuries, obesity, poor training, and certain vocations that require repetitive arm motions are also examples.
What is tennis elbow?
Understanding the causes of tennis elbow can help individuals take preventive measures and make necessary lifestyle adjustments to reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Implementing proper technique, using appropriate equipment, taking regular breaks, and engaging in exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles can all contribute to preventing it.
In cases where this problem has already developed, understanding the causes can aid in choosing appropriate treatment options and making necessary modifications to avoid further aggravation of the condition.
- Tennis elbow: A clinical review article1: This article discusses the current thinking on optimum treatment modalities for it, based on a literature review and specialist opinions.
- Tennis elbow: A clinical review article – ResearchGate2: This article provides a PDF version of the previous article, with additional content uploaded by the authors.
Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness around the common extensor origin of the elbow. It is estimated to affect 1-3% of the adult population each year and is more common in the dominant arm.
It is generally regarded as an overuse injury involving repeated wrist extension against resistance, although it can occur as an acute injury (trauma to the lateral elbow).
It can affect up to 50% of all tennis players due to various factors including poor swing technique and the use of heavy racquet. It can also affect labourers who utilise heavy tools or engage in repetitive gripping or lifting task.
There are many existing literature and researches on the ailment and its treatment modalities.
You can find some of them here: – **Tennis elbow: A clinical review article**: This article discusses the current thinking on optimum treatment modalities for tennis elbow, based on a literature review and specialist opinions. – **Tennis elbow: A clinical review article –
ResearchGate**: This article provides a PDF version of the previous article, with additional content uploaded by the authors.
Herbal Remedies for Tennis Elbow:
- Turmeric: Nature’s anti-inflammatory powerhouse
- Ashwagandha: Reducing pain and inflammation
- Guggulu: Promoting joint health and healing
- Shallaki: Alleviating pain and improving mobility
Ayurvedic Treatments and Therapies:
- Abhyanga: The healing power of Ayurvedic massage
- Panchakarma: Detoxifying the body and reducing inflammation
- Janu Basti: Nurturing the affected area with warm herbal oil
- Patra Pinda Sweda: Herbal heat therapy for pain relief
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations:
- Anti-inflammatory foods to support healing
- The importance of balanced nutrition
- Incorporating gentle exercises for joint mobility
- Stress management and relaxation techniques
Ayurvedic Home Remedies:
- Hot and cold therapy: Soothing pain and reducing inflammation
- Herbal poultices and compresses: Natural pain relief
- Ayurvedic oils for self-massage: Enhancing circulation and reducing stiffness
Yoga and Pranayama for Tennis Elbow:
- Beneficial yoga asanas for elbow strength and flexibility
- Pranayama techniques for stress reduction and overall well-being
- Yoga precautions for individuals with tennis elbow
Incorporating Ayurvedic concepts and remedies into your tennis elbow rehabilitation regimen can provide significant pain relief, reduce inflammation, and encourage natural healing. Before beginning any new therapies or remedies, see an Ayurvedic practitioner.
You can not only recover from tennis elbow but also restore balance and harmony to your general well-being by taking a holistic approach to treatment.
Comparing Allopathy, Ayurveda, and Homoeopathy for Tennis Elbow Treatment
Tennis elbow, a disorder characterised by pain and inflammation in the elbow tendons, can be treated in a variety of ways.
Allopathy, Ayurveda, and Homoeopathy are three popular medical systems that provide unique viewpoints and treatments for a variety of health concerns, including tennis elbow. To better comprehend these three approaches, let us compare them.Allopathy:
Allopathy, also known as Western or conventional medicine, is widely practiced and accepted globally.
It focuses on symptom management, pain relief, and providing immediate relief through medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroid injections.
Allopathic treatments for tennis elbow may also involve physical therapy, which aims to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility. In severe cases, surgical intervention might be recommended.
Allopathy offers quick relief from symptoms, but it may not address the underlying causes or provide long-term solutions.
Ayurveda:
Ayurveda, an ancient Indian holistic system of medicine, takes a comprehensive approach to treating tennis elbow. It focuses on balancing the body’s energies (doshas) and enhancing the body’s innate healing abilities.
Ayurvedic treatments for tennis elbow often include herbal remedies, such as turmeric, ashwagandha, and guggulu, which possess anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Ayurvedic therapies like Abhyanga (Ayurvedic massage), Panchakarma (detoxification), and Janu Basti (localized oil treatment) are also used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.
Ayurveda aims to address the root cause of the condition and provides long-term relief while improving overall well-being.
Homeopathy:
Homeopathy is a natural system of medicine based on the principle of “like cures like.” Homeopathic remedies for tennis elbow are selected based on individual symptoms and characteristics. These remedies are highly diluted substances derived from plants, minerals, and animals.
Homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s vital force to initiate the healing process. In the case of tennis elbow, homeopathic remedies may include Rhus tox, Bryonia, or Arnica, depending on the symptoms and individualized assessment.
Homeopathy offers a gentle and non-invasive approach to treatment, focusing on individualization, but it may take longer to show significant results.
Choosing the Right Therapy:
The choice of therapy depends on individual preferences, the severity of the condition, and the desired outcome. Here are some factors to consider:
Severity:
In severe cases, allopathic treatments or surgical intervention might be necessary for immediate relief and structural repair.
Holistic Approach:
If you prefer a holistic approach that addresses the root cause and aims for long-term relief, Ayurveda might be a suitable choice.
Individualised Treatment:
Because homoeopathy focuses on individualized treatment based on symptoms, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking for personalized care.
Although It is vital to realize that each therapy has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Consulting with healthcare professionals in each discipline can help you determine which therapy best fits your tastes and health goals.
Additionally, In some circumstances, combining multiple therapies under the supervision of experienced practitioners may provide more thorough care and greater results.
Finally, the effectiveness of any therapy is determined by the individual’s response and the practitioner’s expertise. It is best to speak with experts in each sector to choose the best treatment option for your unique problem.
