Help: Anyone else with tennis elblow? (lateral epicondylitis)

[Smellybum]

Howdy ye'all,

I've been diagnosed with the above (not a major loss to the guitar world I know...) However I am determined to keepl playing - despite the pain.

Just wondered if any of my fellow knuckleheads have had this in the past or living with it now, mine is brought in by playing (Sitting on standing)

I've been recomended Penetrex - although Dr's inthe UK are against it,

Thanks in advance for any replies.


(BP/Mods) -this is ball releated, especially as I have a BP AL and reflex on my 2010 ordersheet! -

[dstockden]

Yep Ive had it, i had that and carpel tunnel at the same time.
right around the time i recorded my first CD. Hence some of it was played with just my right hand!
I had to rest it for aggggggggggggggeeeeeeeeeeeesssssssssssssss and i wore a support i got from Boots.
Basically it all came down to rest in the end i'm afraid.

[cjl5150]

I have tightness in my left forearm and wrist with numbness and tingling in my fingers. I don't know if that's what you're referring to or not. I was told by a chiropractor that it wasn't carpal tunnel but something in my elbow. It drives me crazy and affects my playing. I really don't know what to do. Can't afford a doctor right now...

[beej]

Bummer man- that sucks.

Haven't had it, but I did have 8 months where playing hurt like a bitch after I damaged my rotator cuff (was boxing, threw a mean hook out went the shoulder).

In my case, time off and it got better. Though never the same.

[batyak]

I've also got problems with tingling in the fingers, mainly the ring and pinkie! It's called cubital tunnel syndrome. It's to do with the ulnar nerve that starts at the neck, goes down your arm through the elbow and effects the pinkie, ring finger and side of the hand. Massaging the neck and shoulders does it the world of good, as odes trying to sleep with your arm straight. But it still needs to be rested as much as posible, which sucks big time!

[tornandfrayed]

Smelly, i've got tennis elbow...between guitar and golf its hurts almost all the time...i have had shots of cortizone and a chiropractic treatmeants...nothing seems to help for long!

[travs]

My left "funny bone" flairs up with pain on and off all year. riding my Ducati and playing my Albert are worth the pain. I am cutting back on the 'sauce' in 2010.

[batyak]

Heat before you play and ice after works a treat for dodgy joints!

[metalmarty]

Golden standard for treating epicondylitis lateralis:

1. fysiotherapy
2. injections with corticosteroids
3. surgical release of the extensor-origo. Relatively simple for a good orthopedic surgeon.

Playing doesn't slow down recovery, so keep at it .

[browndog]

I haven’t had tennis elbow but I’ve had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 25. In my upper body it effects the hands, the wrist, the elbow and shoulder. All of which makes it impossible to play when I have a flare up.

Over the past couple of years with the advancements in new drugs I’ve been able to keep flare ups to a minimum but somedays when I least expect it. It comes back and reminds me who’s boss. Its a terrible debilitating disease.

[Sweat]

Mike,

Suffering from it right now, have made a few comments before about it, it is my left elbow, i ignored it at first but this summer became to much and I started losing feeling in my fingers.
Went to the Doc and got the steriod shot, helped but I did not listen to her and rest it week later worse than ever, thought about giving it up at that point.

Went back to the Doc got anoher shot and this time listened to her, rest rest rest!

I also decided to make changes in my guitars and playing style to help but the biggest thing is something my wife discovered, it really works,

100% Pure Emu Oil!! Started using it back in October and have been mostly pain free since and able to do things I thought I would not be able to any longer, it really does work, i use it on the elbow once or twice a day.

stuffs not cheap but worth it.

[ScoobySteve]

I know how you feel smelly

I play guitar, play competitive tennis, throw American football, and box.

MURDER on the arm.

Just rest well and make sure you stretch!

[azazael]

Smelly if you use emu oil just be sure not to adjust you're satellite dish on the roof.

[guitfiddle]

I've got tennis elbow in my left arm as well. Just started about 6 months ago. Not bad enough to keep me from playing YET, but plenty painful. Makes it hard to lift things, even just my arm, in certain directions as well. Sucks getting old.

[colinboy]

Mike you,ll have to learn how to play with no tension in your hands,arms and overall body.this is what happens when the muscles tense up too much over along period of time,try and practice new material and existing stuff very slow with your hands and arms especially as relaxed as you can and work up the speed slowley with minimal tension.