Massage
techniques As
with traditional approaches for epicondylitis, rest from the offending
activity is key to successful healing. Initially, compressive
effleurage and general sweeping cross-fiber helps reduce tension
and enhance tissue mobility. After this, deep compression broadening
to the wrist-extensor muscles is beneficial (see Figure 1). Compression
broadening techniques enhance the ability of the fibers to spread
and broaden as they go into concentric contraction.
The
tissue’s ability to elongate should also be improved. This
is done with deep longitudinal stripping methods (see Figure 2).
Deep longitudinal stripping is effective for identifying myofascial
trigger points that later can be neutralized with static compression
techniques.
Further
into the rehabilitation stage - as the tendons become less sensitive
- the effects of pressure and movement are enhanced through active
engagement techniques for the wrist extensors. It may be helpful
to use some form of resistance, like rubber tubing or elastic
resistance bands. Compression broadening techniques will be performed
during the concentric phase of contraction of the wrist extensors
(see Figure 3). This is then followed by the eccentric or elongation
phase, which uses longitudinal stripping performed during the
lengthening process (see Figure 4).
In addition to reducing tension on the associated muscles, it
is important to address the
primary tissue problem: collagen degeneration in the tendon fibers.
This is effectively performed with deep-friction massage, which
stimulates collagen production in the damaged tendon tissue. Deep-friction
treatment to the extensor tendons can be performed with the thumb
or fingers (see Figure 5). It is often advocated that the tendons
be held on some degree of stretch during the friction applications.
This is done by holding the wrist in flexion as friction is applied.
As
with traditional approaches for epicondylitis, rest from the offending
activity is key to successful healing. Initially, compressive
effleurage and general sweeping cross-fiber helps reduce tension
and enhance tissue mobility. After this, deep compression broadening
to the wrist-extensor muscles is beneficial (see Figure 1). Compression
broadening techniques enhance the ability of the fibers to spread
and broaden as they go into concentric contraction.
The
tissue’s ability to elongate should also be improved. This
is done with deep longitudinal stripping methods (see Figure 2).
Deep longitudinal stripping is effective for identifying myofascial
trigger points that later can be neutralized with static compression
techniques.
Further
into the rehabilitation stage - as the tendons become less sensitive
- the effects of pressure and movement are enhanced through active
engagement techniques for the wrist extensors. It may be helpful
to use some form of resistance, like rubber tubing or 
elastic
resistance bands. Compression broadening techniques will be performed
during the concentric phase of contraction of the wrist extensors
(see Figure 3). This is then followed by the eccentric or elongation
phase, which uses longitudinal stripping performed during the
lengthening process (see Figure 4).
he
primary tissue problem: collagen degeneration in the tendon fibers.
This is effectively performed with deep-friction massage, which
stimulates collagen production in the damaged tendon tissue. Deep-friction
treatment to the extensor tendons can be performed with the thumb
or fingers (see Figure 5). It is often advocated that the tendons
be held on some degree of stretch during the friction applications.
This is done by holding the wrist in flexion as friction is applied.