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Many of the patients seeking relief from conditions like tennis elbow have never heard of muscle scraping — let alone realize that it’s an effective treatment option. However, the medical professionals at ChiroCare of Florida use instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) or muscle scraping to treat a number of conditions, including tendonitis, muscle strains, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, and more.
IASTM is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves using a specially shaped tool, applying pressure to a targeted muscle, and moving it along the muscle or scraping it. This non-invasive treatment helps break up scar tissue, increase blood flow, and improve flexibility. Patients who suffer from tennis elbow have significantly benefited from IASTM, along with other treatments offered at ChiroCare of Florida. Whether you suffer from tennis elbow or you are curious about the numerous benefits of muscle scraping, you’ll find this article beneficial. However, if you do have tennis elbow, don’t delay treatment. Schedule an appointment immediately.
Lateral epicondylitis — more commonly referred to as “Tennis Elbow” — occurs when tendons around the forearm are overworked. While the condition is common among tennis players, it’s not really an injury that’s specific to the sport. Any athletic activity that involves repetitive use of the forearm can trigger lateral epicondylitis. By the same token, repetitive motions, like swinging a hammer, turning a screwdriver, or painting, create this condition.
There are numerous activities that can cause tennis elbow, but the results are similar on a musculoskeletal level. The lateral epicondyle is the bone on the outside of the elbow. The tendons that attach to it allow you to extend your fingers and pull your hand backward (as in when you make a “halt” motion or show the palms of your hand to someone in front of you). These tendons are particularly susceptible to microscopic tears in the collagen fibers. Your body will usually repair these tears during periods of rest. However, if you participate in a repetitive activity, you may be creating microtears faster than your body can heal. The result is tennis elbow.
There are several symptoms that indicate tennis elbow, but there are other injuries and conditions that can mimic these symptoms, which is why proper diagnosis is essential. Common tennis elbow symptoms include pain, swelling, grip weakness, soreness, and difficulty extending the arm. The pain may not be localized to the elbow and can radiate toward the arm or wrist. Certain activities may become more difficult: turning a door knob, shaking hands, turning a lightbulb, etc.
From a diagnosis standpoint, medical professionals will look for the following symptoms:
Now that you have a good idea of the causes and symptoms of tennis elbow, we will discuss how muscle scraping can help. One of the primary functions of muscle scraping is to improve blood flow. With any repetitive stress injury (like tennis elbow), scar tissue and adhesions begin to build. This can block or pinch blood vessels. The scraping actions break up the scar tissue and adhesions, allowing for a greater flow of blood.
In addition, IASTM pushes blood through the vessels toward the affected area, carrying oxygen and vital nutrients to the damaged tissue. In cases where there is still swelling, muscle scraping induces a localized inflammatory response, which assists with healing and reduces swelling. Muscle scraping can also provide immediate pain relief. Tennis elbow pain is the result of nociceptors in the soft tissue. The brain recognizes the scraping and shifts away emphasis on the nerve endings that are signaling the tennis elbow pain.
Your chiropractor or therapist may recommend muscle scraping in conjunction with manual adjustments, soft tissue therapy, ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and electrical stimulation (TENS unit). In addition, they may recommend some stretches and tendon-strengthening exercises. While muscle scraping is a viable therapeutic, it is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
When it comes to muscle scraping for tennis elbow, the procedure is relatively simple. After your assessment, the therapist will apply lubricant to your elbow. They will instruct you to bend your elbow and rest your forearm on a flat surface. The therapist will then use a muscle-scraping tool that’s shaped for this specific purpose and use it to apply pressure to the affected area. They will then move the implement in the direction of the muscle fibers.
The benefits of this ancient medical technique are numerous.
As long as a trained medical professional administers the treatment, the risk of additional injury or pain is relatively low. Even if the treatment is ineffective, it’s unlikely that it will do additional harm.
This is a highly effective therapeutic technique. While it may not entirely eliminate tennis elbow, it is often a critical part of patient treatment plans.
Although the term “muscle scraping” evokes the image of literally scraping the muscles below the skin, the procedure is non-invasive. The therapist scrapes the muscles through the skin.
Most patients see an immediate improvement in the range of motion of their elbow, wrist, and fingers. In addition, they can accomplish routine motions without pain.
The process tricks the brain into ignoring pain signals from the affected area. The process itself is not painful, so there’s no need for local anesthetic.
Because muscle scraping improves blood flow, the tissue around the elbow is able to heal more rapidly.
These are some of the most common questions our doctors receive about tennis elbow. For answers to your questions, contact Chirocare of Florida.
While it’s less likely that you would develop tennis elbow without engaging in a routine activity, it is possible. There are other conditions that could produce similar symptoms, which is why we advise against self-diagnosis.
There may be some mild discomfort as we manipulate the tissue in the affected area. Most patients find the pain tolerable, and the pain relief afterward is worth the few minutes that it requires.
If you believe you have tennis elbow, contact Chirocare of Florida and schedule an appointment. We have helped thousands of patients recover from similar conditions, and we can help you. Call today!
