Astym treatment is a therapy aimed at regenerating healthy soft tissues in muscles and tendons while reducing or eliminating unwanted scar tissue that can cause pain or limit movement. Certified therapists perform this treatment by running instruments firmly along the skin, following the direction of the muscle, tendon, or ligament. You might feel bumps as the instrument moves along, which are actually areas of defective soft tissue. Astym treatment for tennis elbow is highly praised because it addresses the root cause of soft tissue problems like tennis elbow, rather than just temporarily alleviating symptoms.
Tennis elbow is caused by small tears in the tendons that connect the forearm to the outside of the elbow. Though it’s not necessarily linked to tennis, it often affects tennis players due to repetitive muscle use. This condition results from inflammation of the tendons linking forearm muscles to the elbow, typically causing pain on the outside of the elbow, forearm, or wrist, especially when lifting or bending the arm or during simple tasks like writing or holding objects. While rest and over-the-counter painkillers can help, Astym treatment is also an effective option.
Tennis elbow isn’t just about “inflammation” of tendons; it’s considered a degenerative process resulting from repetitive use. This occurs when tears in the elbow tendon don’t completely heal. People who perform repetitive tasks with their hands, such as plumbers, painters, gardeners, and carpenters, are at higher risk. Even sports players are vulnerable. Occasionally, a direct blow to the elbow can cause tendon swelling, leading to degeneration and increased susceptibility to overuse injuries.
You can assess for tennis elbow by standing behind a chair, placing your hands on the back with palms facing down and elbows straight, and trying to lift the chair. Pain on the outside of the elbow during this movement may indicate tennis elbow.
A recent study on Astym treatment for tennis elbow showed promising results, with 78.3% of patients reporting resolved symptoms. Sometimes, inflammation accompanying tennis elbow struggles to heal, leading to ongoing pain, reduced strength, swelling, and scar tissue development. This can restrict movement at the elbow, wrist, or hand, impacting normal activities. Astym treatment for tennis elbow promotes a healing response by stimulating cell turnover, scar tissue resorption, and regeneration of dysfunctional tissues. Patients often report quick improvements with this non-invasive technique.
One patient shared her journey with Astym treatment for tennis elbow, experiencing increased mobility and significant pain reduction after initially facing limitations and sharp pains. Directed to Astym treatment by an orthopedic surgeon after seeing a chiropractor, she noted discomfort during the therapy but eventually regained full use of her arm.
Doctors may recommend Astym treatment for tennis elbow due to its effectiveness, especially when other methods fail. Although more research is warranted, peer-reviewed journals increasingly support Astym therapy’s success with stubborn cases of tennis elbow.
Other treatments include ice massages, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle stimulation techniques. Steroid injections might be considered if the pain is severe and hinders movement. A brace or band worn over the forearm muscles can lessen tendon tension, aiding healing. In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tendon parts and alleviate pain.
Astym treatment offers a non-invasive solution for those seeking to trigger a healing response. It encourages cellular regeneration and resorption of scar tissue in the affected elbow tendon.
