Occupational Therapy - Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) can be treated with occupational therapy, but it may require temporarily stopping or limiting the activities that cause pain. In some cases, a forearm band is issued to help protect the injured muscles as they heal, or a hand splint can be made for the same purpose.
Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) will initially need rest in the affected area, to prevent further injury and help healing begin. A wrist splint can be made to help limit stress on the elbow, and icing can help decrease inflammation and pain. Treatments can also include ultrasound, phonophoresis (ultrasound that increases the diffusion of a medication into the skin), hot/cold packs, iontophoresis (an electric current sent to the tissues to create a therapeutic effect), and therapy to help decrease muscle tension.