MUSCLES OF THE ELBOW / ARM AND THEIR ACTIONS:
FLEXORS: biceps, brachialis, brachioradialis
EXTENSORS: triceps, anconeus

ELBOW INJURIES:
Golfers elbow, tennis elbow

COMMENTS: The muscles that move the elbow (flexion and extension) are three flexors brachialis, biceps brachii, and brachioradialis. The two extensors are the triceps and the anconeus. The forearm has 19 muscles, 11 in the extensor compartment, and 8 in the flexor compartment.

INJURY: Tennis elbow caused by tissue fatigue from repetitive gripping, to the wrist extensors. Golfers elbow is similar but affecting the flexors and the pronator teres caused by repetitive wrist flexion and pronation (e.g. golf, throwing gripping). Compression of the median nerve at the wrist is called carpel tunnel syndrome. Caused by overuse of the finger flexors creating inflammation and swelling resulting in a thickening of the transverse carpel ligament. Wrist sprains, following a fall. Bicipital tendonitis at the elbow repetitive throwing and repetitive supination/ pronation are common causes of this condition. Triceps tendonitis at the elbow, caused by repetitive elbow extension as in backhand stroke.

IMBALANCE: Addressed between flexion and extension of the wrist and at the elbow joint. Also between supination and pronation.

ASSESSMENT: Palpation, Biofeedback, using S.E.M.G, muscle testing passive and active range of motion tests

MASSAGE: Release excessive tension in the forearm muscles using stretching combined with Deep Tissue Massage and Muscle Energy Techniques. Soft Tissue Release on both flexors and extensors.

CORRECTIVE EXERCISE/STRETCHING: Strengthening wrist exercises to re-address the balance. Specific stretches to tight muscles. Medicine ball work to retrain the nervous system and to help with grip and finger extension strengthening.