What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common overuse injuries caused by repetitive motions, often seen in athletes but also in individuals engaging in activities that strain the arm and elbow muscles. While tennis elbow affects the outer part of the elbow, golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside. Both conditions result from tiny tears in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow.
Symptoms include pain, weakness, and stiffness, and they can significantly impact daily activities or athletic performance. Traditional treatments often include rest, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, surgery. However, Photobiomodulation (PBM) is emerging as a non-invasive, effective therapy to help manage and accelerate recovery from these conditions.
How PBM Works for Tennis and Golfer's Elbow
Reduces Inflammation:PBM has been shown to decrease inflammation at the cellular level by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This is particularly important for tennis and golfer’s elbow, as inflammation plays a key role in the pain and discomfort associated with these injuries.
Accelerates Healing:PBM stimulates the production of ATP, which fuels cellular activity and tissue repair. For tendon injuries like tennis and golfer’s elbow, this means faster regeneration of damaged tendons and reduced downtime for athletes or individuals recovering from overuse injuries.
Relieves Pain:The light therapy encourages the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. This can provide immediate pain relief in the affected area, helping patients manage their condition without relying on pain medications.
Improves Blood Circulation:PBM increases microcirculation, bringing more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. This enhanced circulation is key for reducing swelling and providing the tissue with the materials it needs to repair itself.
How to Use PBM for Tennis and Golfer's Elbow
To effectively use PBM for these conditions, here are some guidelines:
Device Placement:Place the PBM device directly over the affected area (outer elbow for tennis elbow, inner elbow for golfer’s elbow). Make sure the light penetrates deep into the tissues for maximum effectiveness.
Treatment Duration:Sessions typically last between 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the severity of the injury. Using the therapy 3 to 5 times a week is recommended for optimal results. You may begin to see improvements after the first few sessions, but sustained treatment is key to long-term healing.
Wavelength Selection:Most studies suggest that wavelengths between 600 nm to 1000 nm (red and near-infrared light) are most effective for soft tissue injuries like tennis and golfer’s elbow. Near-infrared light penetrates deeper into the tissue, making it especially beneficial for tendon repair.
Why PBM Is a Game-Changer for Elbow Injuries
Tennis and golfer's elbow are often slow to heal due to the poor blood supply in the tendons. PBM not only stimulates blood flow to these areas but also directly promotes the cellular repair process, making it one of the most effective treatments available. Unlike medications or invasive procedures, PBM offers a non-invasive, pain-free approach to healing that can be done in the comfort of your home or clinic, with minimal side effects.
Additionally, PBM can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as physiotherapy or stretching exercises to further accelerate recovery.
Sources
Chung, H., Dai, T., Sharma, S. K., Huang, Y. Y., Carroll, J. D., & Hamblin, M. R. (2012). The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy. Annals of Biomedical Engineering, 40(2), 516-533.Source
Bjordal, J. M., Johnson, M. I., Iversen, V., Aimbire, F., & Lopes-Martins, R. A. B. (2006). Photoradiation in acute pain: A systematic review of possible mechanisms of action and clinical effects in randomized placebo-controlled trials. Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, 24(2), 158-164.Source
Dabbs, T. H., & Arndt, V. (2015). Photobiomodulation (PBM) for musculoskeletal injuries: An overview of the clinical and scientific literature. Journal of Athletic Training, 50(3), 314-316.Source
Hamblin, M. R. (2017). Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophysics, 4(3), 337-361.Source
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