Can Massage Help Tennis Elbow? Let’s Figure It Out!
You know, that darn tennis elbow, it’s a real pain in the… well, in the elbow! Lots of folks get it, not just tennis players, you know. Heard tell it can make your arm hurt somethin’ fierce. So, can a massage make it better? Let’s see what the fuss is all about.
What is This Tennis Elbow Anyways?
First off, gotta know what we’re dealing with, right? Tennis elbow, it ain’t got nothin’ to do with tennis for some of us. It’s when them muscles and tendons in your elbow get all sore and inflamed. Makes it hard to lift a jug of milk, or even shake hands sometimes. Doctors, they call it lateral epicondylitis, but that’s just fancy talk. All I know is, it hurts!
Can Massaging it Help?
Now, some folks say rubbin’ on it helps. And you know what? I reckon they might be right. I ain’t no doctor, but I heard tell that massage can do a few things for that sore elbow.
- Easing the Pain: When you rub on somethin’ that hurts, it kinda distracts the pain, don’t it? Massage does somethin’ similar. It can make the hurt go away for a bit.
- Getting the Blood Flowing: You know how when you get cold, you rub your hands to warm ’em up? Massage does somethin’ like that too. It gets the blood moving around, and that can help things heal faster.
- Loosening Up Them Tight Muscles: When your elbow hurts, them muscles around it get all tight and knotted up. Massage can help loosen them up, like untying a knot in a rope.
Different Ways to Rub That Elbow
Now, there’s more than one way to skin a cat, and there’s more than one way to massage an elbow. Here’s a few I heard about:
Deep Tissue Massage: This one’s like kneadin’ dough, but on your arm. Them massage folks, they push real hard, gettin’ deep into them muscles. It might hurt a bit, but it can really help loosen things up.
Trigger Point Massage: Sometimes, you get these little knots in your muscles, they call ’em trigger points. This kinda massage focuses on pressin’ on them knots to make the pain go away.
Cross-Friction Massage: This one’s kinda like rubbin’ back and forth across the sore spot. It’s supposed to help break up scar tissue and get things movin’ again.
Can You Do it Yourself?
Sure, you can rub your own elbow, why not? But gettin’ a massage from a professional, well, that’s a whole different story. They know what they’re doin’, you know? They know just where to push and how hard. But if you can’t get to a pro, rubbin’ it yourself is better than nothin’. Heard tell there are some videos out there showin’ you how to do it. Bob and Brad, some fellers say they’re good.
Other Things That Might Help
Massage ain’t the only thing you can do for that achin’ elbow. Here’s what else I’ve heard:
- Hot and Cold Packs: Put a warm cloth or an ice pack on it, whichever feels better. It can help with the swelling and the pain.
- Pills: Them over-the-counter pain pills, like ibuprofen or that paracetamol stuff, they can help take the edge off the pain.
- Rest: Sometimes, the best thing you can do is just give your arm a rest. Don’t be liftin’ heavy stuff or doin’ anything that makes it hurt worse.
How Long ‘Til It Gets Better?
Well now, that’s the million-dollar question, ain’t it? Some folks get better quick, others it takes longer. Heard tell it can even take a couple of years for some poor souls. But don’t you go losin’ hope. Most folks get better with time and a little bit of care. And massage, well, it might just help speed things along.
The Elbow Point
There’s this special point on your elbow, right at the bend, some folks call it LI11 or Quchi. They say pressing on that point can really help with the pain and swelling. Might be worth a try, huh?
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
If you got a tennis elbow, massage might just be the ticket. It can help with the pain, get the blood flowin’, and loosen up them tight muscles. Ain’t a cure-all, mind you, but it’s a good place to start. And if you ain’t sure, talk to your doctor. They’ll know what’s best for ya. But from what I hear, rubbin’ on that sore elbow can’t hurt, and it might just make you feel a whole lot better.
