The shooting pain of tennis elbow is sure to take a little something off of your serve, but it can also interrupt other, regular, daily functions. Getting tennis elbow relief is something that you would get to sooner rather than later. Let’s look at what causes tennis elbow before we move on to the 15 proven home remedies.
Tennis elbow is a type of repetitive motion and overuse injury that tends to affect the tendons and joints of the forearm and elbow. Though the pain is mostly in the elbow and forearm, tennis elbow also affects the use of your wrists and hands due to the radiating pain. Inflammation and symptoms often develop slowly over a period of months before their most painful onset strikes.
These 15 proven home remedies for tennis elbow relief can help, but they’re not all inclusive. In severe cases, it is best to consult your healthcare provider.
Pushing through the pain won’t bring you tennis elbow relief; it will just make it worse.
What to do:
How it works:Rest your arm and reduce its stress and fatigue early on. By taking a break occasionally, you can lessen the effects of tennis elbow, especially the inflammation of the area.
Consider the use of the Egoscue method to promote tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:The Egoscue method focuses on posture and alignment control, which can help take stress of off the affected areas and bring relief to the pain and inflammation.
Contrast hydrotherapy can also bring tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:Alternating between hot and cold allows the heat to increase blood circulation and reduce pain, while the cold reduces inflammation.
The muscle relaxing and anti-inflammatory properties of Epsom salt can also achieve tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:The magnesium content in Epsom salt can help reduce tension and fatigue in the affected area while the salt acts to draw out the excess fluids from the inflammation.
Reducing or eliminating muscle tension and fatigue are major factors in bringing about tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:Besides reducing muscle tension and fatigue, as we mentioned above, magnesium also aids in increased nerve function.
Our first reaction to inflammation and pain is to reach for a prescription or over-the-counter pain reliever. You can achieve the same results without the risks by using turmeric to bring tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric is equally effective at reducing pain and inflammation as commercial pain relievers without damaging your liver.
Compression through the use of an elastic bandage can also bring tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:Compression with an elastic bandage provides support for the joint, holds the tendons in place while they heal and helps reduce inflammation.
Tennis elbow relief can also be accomplished through the use of acupressure or acupuncture.
What to do:
How it works:Both acupuncture and acupressure have been used for centuries in Chinese medicine to relieve pain, restore balance and reduce inflammation.
Our tastiest tennis elbow relief remedy comes from pineapple.
What to do:
How it works:Pineapple has an easily digested enzyme known as bromelain, which is one of the most effective natural cures for inflammation.
Another highly potent anti-inflammatory herb that can bring tennis elbow relief is devil’s claw.
What to do:
Note: Those prone to peptic ulcers or who are on blood-thinning medications should not use devil’s claw.
How it works:Devil’s claw contains harpagoside, which helps encourage the production of nitric oxide in the blood. Increased nitric oxide reduces inflammation.
Tennis elbow relief can also come from fenugreek.
What to do:
How it works:Fenugreek is another anti-inflammatory remedy that helps reduce swelling and pain.
Garlic is one of the most commonly found tennis elbow relief remedies found in the home.
What to do:
How it works:The sulfur and selenium in garlic help to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
Turmeric’s cousin, ginger, can also bring you tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:Ginger is another substance with strong anti-inflammatory properties.
Comfrey leaves can also help you achieve tennis elbow relief.
What to do:
How it works:Certain chemicals in comfrey leaves act as pain killers and also encourage the healing of tissues.
Finally, tennis elbow relief can come from a special blend of essential oils which can be applied to the affected areas.
What to do:
How it works:The combined properties of these oils penetrate into the tendons and joint involved in the injury promoting circulation, healing and reducing inflammation.
There is a misconception connected to tennis elbow. It is a frequent assumption that tennis elbow only comes through playing tennis. Though this is a huge reason, hence the name, there are many other things that can cause it as well. It is good to know what these are if you are prone to tennis elbow issues and are wondering why you, a non tennis player, have it.
For musicians, tennis elbow is always close at hand. Any repeated movements with the elbow will cause this. This is a similar situation to writers. Carpal tunnel is something they have to think about frequently, so it is with those who move their elbows instead of their hands. Violinists, pianists, celloisnts, you name it. Some things you can do to avoid getting tennis elbow as a musician is by getting trained in better technique so you can use your elbow properly or less.
You can also purchase lighter or smaller instruments that will ultimately take less of a toll on your elbows. Lastly, use your arm less. If you are not playing your instrument, decide you will try to create less movements. Save the strain for playing only. This means you may have to choose between sports and music.
Gardening is great for you and the environment, but it can take a toll on your elbows. All the Pulling pushing, prying, cutting, and planting can really cause strain and eventually tennis elbow. A good way to garden and avoid this ailment is by cutting down how long you are out in the garden. It can be hard to stay away when you love nurturing your plants so, but it is best to do it in moderation as to keep your body healthy and unhurt!
A good solution to this other than cutting down on time is by wearing a splint! You can apply this solution to any activity that involves your elbow to be used a ton. Another good solution for anyone who uses their elbow is doing exercises to create stronger elbows.
Left untreated, tennis elbow can become a serious enough issue for surgical correction. Avoid going to that extreme by treating it early with these 15 proven home remedies for tennis elbow relief. Comment below if you have used any of these treatments or would like to suggest others that aren’t on the list.
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