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Tennis Elbow, Golfers Elbow and Proper Biomechanics of the Shoulder Girdle and Elbow

M. Montoya BA BSc

NeuroReformer Publishing

 

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two common musculoskeletal disorders that affect individuals who engage in repetitive movements involving the wrist and elbow joints. Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is characterized by pain and inflammation on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. Both conditions can be debilitating and affect an individual's ability to perform daily activities.

 

The underlying cause of tennis elbow and golfer's elbow is often related to overuse and improper biomechanics of the shoulder and elbow joints during repetitive activities. In order to prevent and overcome these conditions, it is important to focus on proper biomechanics of both the shoulder and elbow.

 

Proper biomechanics of the shoulder joint involve maintaining stability and alignment of the joint during movement. The shoulder joint is a complex ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion. However, this mobility comes at the cost of stability, as the shoulder joint relies heavily on muscles, ligaments, and tendons for support. Improper biomechanics of the shoulder joint can lead to shoulder impingement syndrome, rotator cuff tears, and other shoulder injuries.

 

To prevent shoulder injuries and improve shoulder biomechanics, it is important to focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the shoulder joint. This includes the rotator cuff muscles, which help stabilize the shoulder joint, as well as the muscles of the scapula, which help maintain proper alignment of the shoulder joint during movement. Strengthening these muscles can help improve shoulder stability and reduce the risk of injury.

 

Proper biomechanics of the elbow joint involve maintaining proper alignment of the joint during movement. The elbow joint is a hinge joint that allows for flexion and extension of the forearm. Improper biomechanics of the elbow joint can lead to tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and other elbow injuries.

 

To prevent elbow injuries and improve elbow biomechanics, it is important to focus on proper technique during repetitive activities. This includes maintaining a neutral wrist position during gripping and lifting activities, as well as avoiding excessive pronation or supination of the forearm during movement. Additionally, strengthening the muscles of the forearm can help improve elbow stability and reduce the risk of injury.

 

In conclusion, proper biomechanics of both the shoulder and elbow joints are important in preventing and overcoming tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. By focusing on strengthening the muscles surrounding these joints and maintaining proper alignment during movement, individuals can reduce their risk of injury and improve their overall musculoskeletal health.

 

References:

 

Ahmed El Shourbagy, M., & Khaled, M. (2021). Rehabilitation of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 18(2), 501. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18020501

 

Johnson, B. L., Seitz, A. L., & Kostek, M. C. (2019). Golfers Elbow. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519012/

 

Plancher, K. D., & Halbrecht, J. (2016). The Elbow and Its Disorders. In The Athlete’s Shoulder (pp. 359–371). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-42528-1_22

 

Savin, D. N., & Takahashi, R. (2021). Tennis Elbow. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. http://www.ncbi

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