The Injury
Elbow problems are divided into two groups: those that can be tied to a specific event or activity and those that cannot.
Unexplained pain the elbow that is not relieved with rest, has worsened over time and has an irregular pattern of symptoms needs assessment by your family physician. Although conditions. for example, as a bone tumor or ankylosing spondylitis are uncommon, you would be wise to have your condition screened. If
you do not have a family physician and need a referral, we will be
happy to help you locate a sports medicine or family physician.
The most common causes of elbow pain in active, athletic people are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow. These two conditions share a common tissue problem: tendonitis. Direct blows to or falls on the the elbow typically cause a sprain of the ligaments. Overhead athletes (baseball, tennis, volleyball) may also sprain the ligaments from repetitive over use. We will help you identify the nature of your tissue injury if you do
not know and explain in detail what it means to you and what to do
about it.
Biomechanics
We first need to know if your elbow is stable. A
stable elbow coordinates all of its three connections or joints into
smooth, quick motion. An injury (a fall, blow to the
arm or sudden jerking of the arm) or repetitive use of the arm
overhead (baseball, swimming, tennis) often causes instability. Signs
of elbow instability include pain with specific movements especially straightening your arm quickly, pain when you throw or move suddenly and / or pain
when you lift heavy objects. Instability can provoke or prolong
tissue damage. It is important that you address both your tissue injury
and your biomechanics. We will tell you if your elbow is stable or
not from our biomechanical examination. Instability can often be
corrected using Sports Center's exclusive upper extremity stabilizing drills
to improve muscular support and timing.
Attitude
Beating an elbow injury or surgery requires a winning frame of mind. But to win, you first need to know what's wrong and what to do about it.
Until you do, your mind will be filled with wonder and worry. Will I
always hurt? Will I ever be able to throw? Can I lift weights again?
You have to have a game plan and you must focus on what's important
today. We'll help you formulate a plan, execute the plan and celebrate
your successes along the way.
Sports Center uses a consistent approach, Target Tissue Training, to
solve all musculoskeletal problems. Target Tissue Training involves
three primary components: tissue injury, biomechanics and attitude. If
you are ready to learn more about your injury, call 512-206-0433 today to schedule your Sports Center consult.
Make today count.
Doug Kelsey
Author. Teacher. Therapist
