Medial Epicondylitis Treatments

When we talk about treatment options for tendonopathies, we have traditional care and alternative care. When I say traditional, it is more targeted towards the typical western medicine/medical world. Alternative care is considered to be chiropractic, acupuncture, massage therapy, etc.

Alternative care has been shown to be beneficial for tendonopathies. Combination of traditional medicine and alternative may show the best response.

Let’s talk for a moment about alternative care that has been beneficial. Being a chiropractor, adjusting the elbow joint as well as the wrist can help reduce pain and restore function. There is also moderate evidence that states adjusting the mid back and neck have helped with short-term and mid-term relief. However, this should be assessed by a chiropractor to determine if it is playing a role in the pain you are experiencing. Performing manual therapy release in the flexor muscles (forearm) can reduce the tension in the tendons and muscles. Strengthening exercises are always a must! It has been shown that doing exercises for 6-12 weeks has been the most beneficial to reduce pain and restore function.

Other things that may be beneficial to reduce the pain as a treatment option is physical therapy, steroid injections, and NSAIDS. Surgery is not common but if conservative care does not help, it may be warranted. With these possible treatment options, you would need to consult your primary physician to see if these options could help you.

Other things you can do at home is use a splint to de-load the tendons. When you wear a splint, it will limit motion and not put stress on those tendons. However, decreasing mobility as a treatment option may lead to other problems but as a short term option that might be useful. For acute tendonitis, ice can help reduce the swelling and inflammation.

Be sure to be assessed by a licensed professional to determine what is the best course of treatment for you!