Lecture 13, Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

Question 1

Lateral elbow tendinopathy

Answer 1

overuse injury involving origin of common extensor tendon resulting in tendinosis and/or inflammation. Primarily of the ECRB

tennis players

Question 2

Most common cause of lateral elbow tendinopathy

Answer 2

repetitive pronation/supination with elbow in extension

Question 3

Wrist in flexion…

Answer 3

higher risk of pain b/c wrist is loaded at high force position already

Question 4

Risk factors for lateral elbow tendinopathy

Answer 4

repetitive manual tasks
handling of heavy tools
repetitive elbow/wrist flex/ex for more than 2 hours
repetitive forearm twisting/rotating/screwing motions
low job control, low social support

Question 5

Pathoanatomy of lateral elbow tendinopathy

Answer 5

typically begins as a microtear of the origin of ECRB
may also involve microtears of ECRL and ECU

Question 6

What might the pt complain of?

Answer 6

pain with gripping
pain with resisted wrist extension
decreased grip strength
point tenderness at ECRB insertion at lateral epicondyle

Question 7

What are the recommendations for PT’s when treating this?

Answer 7

therapeutic resisted wrist extension strengthening
manual therapy
joint manipulation or mobilization techniques
maybe steroid injection

Question 8

What do you use as a comparable sign when doing mobilization of elbow?

Answer 8

grip strength

Question 9

MWM with lateral elbow

Answer 9

increasing intensity –>
extend wrist
isometric grip
grip with extension

use for short term pain relief in early stages of therapy

Question 10

What kinds of exercises can you do?

Answer 10

strengthing wrist extensors
stretching wrist extensors
stretching wrist flexors
strengthening wrist flexors
pulling motions
elbow extension
elbow flexion