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Tennis Elbow & Golfers elbow pain info from Clevedon Osteopaths

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Clevedon Osteopathic Practice : Understanding Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow: Causes, Physiology, and How Osteopathy and Shockwave Therapy Can Help

Elbow pain can be frustrating and limiting, especially when it interferes with daily activities. The most common conditions affecting the elbow are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow—, these conditions can affect anyone, not just athletes. If you’re experiencing persistent elbow discomfort, understanding these conditions and the treatment options available—including osteopathic care and shockwave therapy—can help you recover faster and return to pain-free living.

What Are Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is a condition involving inflammation or micro-tears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the outer part of the elbow). It is often caused by repetitive motions involving gripping and wrist extension, such as typing, painting, or using tools.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow affects the medial epicondyle (the inner part of the elbow). It’s caused by overuse of the wrist flexor muscles and tendons—those responsible for bending the wrist and gripping. It’s commonly seen in golfers, but also affects people who frequently lift, carry, or perform repetitive wrist movements.

 

The Physiology Behind the Pain

Both conditions involve tendinopathy, a disorder of the tendons typically characterised by:

  • Microtrauma from repetitive strain
  • Degeneration of collagen fibres in the tendon
  • Inflammation (more prominent in early stages)
  • Pain and reduced grip strength

Unlike acute injuries, these are often chronic overuse conditions, meaning they develop gradually over time. The pain is typically localised, worsens with activity, and may radiate down the forearm.

 

How Osteopathic Treatment Can Help

Osteopaths take a holistic approach, assessing the entire musculoskeletal system rather than just the site of pain. Treatment for tennis or golfer’s elbow may include:

  • Soft tissue manipulation: To release muscle tension in the forearm and surrounding areas.
  • Joint mobilisation: Especially of the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and upper spine to improve mechanics and reduce strain.
  • Postural correction: Poor posture and biomechanics can contribute to elbow strain—osteopaths help identify and correct these issues.
  • Rehabilitation exercises: Tailored stretches and strengthening routines to prevent recurrence.

Osteopathy not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the underlying mechanical causes, supporting long-term recovery and prevention.

 

Shockwave Therapy: A Modern Solution for Chronic Elbow Pain

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It is especially effective in chronic tendinopathies where healing has stalled.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

  • Promotes neovascularisation (formation of new blood vessels)
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Breaks down calcific deposits (if present)
  • Reduces pain by decreasing substance P (a pain-mediating chemical)

Typically, a course of 3 to 6 weekly sessions is recommended, with each session lasting about 15–20 minutes.

Benefits for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

  • Fast-tracks the healing process
  • Reduces dependence on painkillers
  • Minimal side effects and downtime
  • Works well in conjunction with osteopathic care and exercise therapy

 

Why Combine Osteopathy and Shockwave Therapy?

Together, these therapies address both the symptoms and root causes of tennis and golfer’s elbow. While osteopathy improves joint and muscle function, shockwave therapy accelerates tendon healing at a cellular level. The combination offers a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan that’s both natural and highly effective.

 

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing:

  • Persistent elbow pain lasting more than a few weeks
  • Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or wrist movement
  • Reduced arm strength or mobility

… it’s worth consulting a qualified osteopath or shockwave therapy practitioner.

 

Conclusion

Tennis and golfer’s elbow are more than just sports injuries—they’re common, treatable conditions that can significantly impact quality of life if left unaddressed. Fortunately, with expert osteopathic treatment and cutting-edge shockwave therapy, long-term relief is well within reach.

If you’re ready to tackle your elbow pain, get in touch with our clinic today. Your recovery could be just a few sessions away.

Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain treatment in Clevedon using shockwave therapy

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Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain treatment in Clevedon using shockwave therapy

Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain in the UK.  It affects many different people from athletes, people on their feet all day to dog walkers and joggers.  Having an understanding of this condition can help you prevent or manage it effectively.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This fascia connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to your toes and helps support the arch of your foot, absorbing shock as you walk.

When this tissue becomes inflamed or overstretched, small tears can develop, leading to pain and inflammation. The condition can range from mild discomfort to severe, stabbing pain that affects mobility and quality of life.  Plantar fasciitis pain can last for years sometimes if left untreated.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is generally the result of repetitive stress or excessive load on the foot. Some of the most common contributing factors include:

  • Overuse: Activities that place a lot of pressure on the feet—such as running, dancing, or prolonged standing—can cause strain.
  • Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can affect weight distribution, putting extra tension on the fascia.
  • Improper footwear: Shoes that lack proper support, particularly those with thin soles or poor arch support, increase the risk.
  • Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old, likely due to changes in tissue elasticity and foot structure over time.
  • Weight gain: Extra body weight increases the pressure on the plantar fascia during standing and walking.
  • Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon: Limited ankle flexibility can shift the mechanical load to the plantar fascia.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Free Foot Reflexology Reflex Foot Sigmoid photo and picture

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel or instep.

  • Sharp heel pain: Especially noticeable with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
  • Pain after exercise: Typically, the discomfort worsens after activity, not during.
  • Stiffness: Many people report a tight or stiff feeling in the arch of the foot or heel.
  • Pain when climbing stairs or standing on tiptoe: These movements put more strain on the fascia.

The pain often develops gradually and might be mistaken for general soreness or a minor strain, especially in the early stages.  I have often seen patients develop plantar fasciitis after long days on their feet, especially when in bad footwear.  A classic is wearing flipflops while on holiday and walking lots on hard pavements.  Some people will develop it after starting new activities such as jogging or dog walking.  It has the nickname of ‘policeman’s heel’ as often people who walk a lot in their work can develop heel pain.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis, heel pain and foot pain.

Osteopaths can treat these types of pain very effectively with hands on manual treatment to help stretch muscles and improve the function of the foot, ankle and leg.  We also advise on the best rehab exercises to help maximise recovery.  At Clevedon Osteopaths we also use Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) which is a proven treatment for plantar fasciitis as recommended by NICE.  Coupled with rehab exercises shockwave therapy has over a 90% success rate.  Take a look at our website for more information or call the practice to speak to someone.  Tel: 01275 877339  www.clevedonosteopaths.com

FAQ No. 2 Do Osteopaths only treat bad backs?

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No!  Top to toe!  Osteopaths might be well known for treating back and neck pain, but we also regularly help people with many other problems.  Generally, if it hurts, we can often help!

Headaches can be helped if they’re caused by neck tension or jaw problems.  Shoulder pain and movement problems are common things we treat.  Hips and knees, sports injuries, arthritic changes, sprained ankles, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, tendonitis…  The list goes on.  We’re always happy to have a chat on the phone if you want to find out if we can help you.

The Scope of Osteopathic Practice in the UK: What Osteopaths Can Treat

Osteopathy is a holistic, patient-centred approach to healthcare that focuses on diagnosing, treating, and preventing a wide range of health issues by restoring balance and function to the body. In the UK, osteopaths are highly trained, regulated healthcare professionals who use a combination of hands-on techniques, lifestyle advice, and clinical expertise to address musculoskeletal and systemic health concerns. This article explores the scope of osteopathic practice in the UK and highlights the conditions osteopaths can treat.

What is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is built on the principle that the body’s structure (bones, muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues) and function are intrinsically linked. By ensuring optimal alignment and mobility, osteopaths believe the body can heal itself more effectively. Treatments are tailored to each patient, taking into account their overall health, lifestyle, and goals.

Scope of Practice for Osteopaths

In the UK, osteopaths are trained to:

  1. Assess and Diagnose: Osteopaths undergo rigorous training in anatomy, physiology, pathology, and clinical reasoning, allowing them to assess and diagnose a range of health conditions.
  2. Provide Manual Therapy: Osteopathic treatment involves hands-on techniques, including joint manipulation, soft tissue massage, stretching, and mobilization.
  3. Offer Holistic Care: Osteopaths consider lifestyle, ergonomics, and nutrition as part of their approach to improving health.
  4. Work in Collaboration: They often work alongside GPs, physiotherapists, and other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Osteopaths are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC), ensuring they meet high standards of practice, ethics, and ongoing professional development.

What Can Osteopaths Treat?

Osteopathy is commonly associated with musculoskeletal issues, but its scope extends to a wide range of conditions. Here’s an overview:

  1. Musculoskeletal Conditions

Osteopaths are particularly skilled in treating conditions affecting the muscles, joints, and bones, including:

  • Back Pain: Acute or chronic back pain, sciatica, and disc-related issues.
  • Neck Pain: Including tension, stiffness, and whiplash injuries.
  • Joint Pain: Osteoarthritis, shoulder pain, knee pain, and hip discomfort.
  • Postural Problems: Often due to prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, or sports-related issues.
  • Tendon and Ligament Issues: Tendinitis, sprains, and strains.
  1. Sports Injuries

Osteopaths can help manage and prevent sports injuries through tailored treatment and advice. They assist with:

  • Enhancing recovery from injuries like muscle tears or ligament damage.
  • Improving flexibility, strength, and performance.
  • Advising on injury prevention and safe exercise practices.
  1. Headaches and Migraines

Certain types of headaches, particularly those stemming from tension or neck-related issues, can be alleviated through osteopathic treatment. Techniques may include soft tissue therapy and posture correction.

  1. Pregnancy-Related Discomfort

Osteopaths can provide safe and effective care for pregnant individuals experiencing:

  • Lower back pain.
  • Pelvic girdle pain.
  • Postural changes and related discomfort.
  • Advice on posture and exercises during pregnancy.
  1. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation

Osteopathy can aid in recovery after surgery by:

  • Reducing stiffness and scar tissue formation.
  • Improving mobility and strength.
  • Supporting overall healing processes.
  1. Stress and Well-Being

Osteopathic treatments, particularly those involving soft tissue massage and cranial techniques, can help reduce stress and promote relaxation.

Who Can See an Osteopath?

Osteopathy is suitable for individuals of all ages, including:

  • Babies and Children: (using gentle cranial osteopathy).
  • Adults:
  • Seniors:
  • Pregnant Individuals:

When Should You See an Osteopath?

You might consider visiting an osteopath if you:

  • Experience persistent or recurring musculoskeletal pain.
  • Have postural concerns related to work or daily activities.
  • Are recovering from an injury or surgery.
  • Want to improve physical performance or prevent future injuries.

Limitations of Osteopathy

While osteopathy is highly versatile, it is not a substitute for medical care in cases of serious or systemic illnesses like infections, fractures, or cancer. Osteopaths are trained to recognize when a condition falls outside their scope and will refer patients to appropriate healthcare providers if necessary.

Conclusion

The scope of osteopathic practice in the UK is broad, with osteopaths playing a vital role in managing musculoskeletal health, enhancing recovery, and promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re dealing with back pain, sports injuries, or pregnancy-related discomfort, osteopathy offers a patient-centred, holistic approach to healthcare. By addressing the root cause of issues and supporting the body’s natural healing processes, osteopaths can help you live a healthier, more balanced life.

If you’re considering osteopathic treatment, always ensure your practitioner is registered with the General Osteopathic Council to guarantee professional care and expertise.

FAQ No. 1  “What’s the difference between an Osteopath, Chiropractor and a Physio?

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FAQ No. 1  “What’s the difference between an Osteopath, Chiropractor and a Physio?

In the UK, osteopathy, chiropractic, and physiotherapy are distinct healthcare professions that focus on diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions. While they share some similarities, they differ in their underlying principles, training, techniques, and regulatory frameworks.

From a patient’s point of view there are a few differences you might find.  All use hands on treatment and will all see a similar type of problem.  Typically, Osteopathic appointments are 30 mins long, similar with a physio and shorter 5-10 minutes with a chiropractor.

Each profession tends to use different ways of working (techniques) to help their patients.  Osteopaths use combinations of soft tissue massage, joints manipulation and stretching and some gentle light touch techniques (e.g. Cranial osteopathy).  They will also advise patients on stretches and exercises to help their progression.

Chiropractors tend to focus on spinal ‘adjustments’ while Physiotherapists do some hands on treatment, they also work through rehab exercises.

Regulation: Osteopaths complete a 4 or 5 year degree course and are regulated by the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). Only registered osteopaths can use the title “osteopath.”

Chiropractors are regulated by the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) and complete a 4-5 year degree course. The title “chiropractor” is also legally protected.

Physiotherapists are regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). They may also be members of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).  They will have completed a 3 year degree course.

There can be a lot of similarity between the disciplines and ultimately you are best to work with someone who you feel understands your issues and works in a way that suits you, whether you are 20 or 90 years old.  In practice, there is overlap, and some professionals may incorporate elements from other disciplines. The choice between them often depends on personal preference, specific symptoms, and the practitioner’s expertise

For more information on Osteopathy visit The General Osteopathic Council www.osteopathy.org.uk or The Institute of Osteopathy www.iosteopathy.org

Osteopathic Treatment for Low Back Pain: A Natural Approach to Relief

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Osteopathic Treatment for Low Back Pain: A Natural Approach to Relief

Low back pain is one of the most common health issues in the UK, affecting millions of people at some point in their lives. Whether caused by poor posture, injuries, or prolonged sitting, this condition can significantly impact daily life. Fortunately, osteopathic treatment offers a natural and effective way to manage and alleviate low back pain.

What Is Osteopathy?

Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare that focuses on the musculoskeletal system—the muscles, bones, and joints. It aims to restore balance and function by treating the root causes of pain, rather than just the symptoms. Osteopaths use a variety of hands-on techniques, including gentle manipulation, stretching, and massage, to improve mobility, reduce muscle tension, and enhance circulation.

How Does Osteopathy Help Low Back Pain?

Osteopathic treatment for low back pain typically involves:

  • Soft tissue manipulation: to relieve muscle tightness and tension in the lower back.
  • Joint mobilization: to improve the range of motion and reduce stiffness in the spine.
  • Postural advice: to correct improper posture that may be contributing to pain.
  • Exercise prescription: to strengthen core muscles and prevent future episodes of back pain.

What to Expect from Treatment

During an osteopathic consultation, your practitioner will take a detailed medical history and assess your posture, movement, and any areas of discomfort. Treatment is tailored to your specific condition, whether it’s a muscle strain, disc issue, or chronic pain. Osteopathy is suitable for all ages and can be used alongside other medical treatments or therapies.

Why Choose Osteopathy for Low Back Pain?

  • Drug-free approach: Osteopathy avoids the use of painkillers, focusing on long-term relief.
  • Whole-body focus: Osteopaths consider the entire body’s structure and function, addressing contributing factors such as muscle imbalances and posture.
  • Personalized care: Each treatment plan is tailored to the individual, ensuring specific needs are met.

Finding an Osteopath in the UK

Osteopathy is a regulated profession in the UK, and qualified osteopaths are registered with the General Osteopathic Council (GOsC). This ensures that you receive safe and effective care. If you’re struggling with low back pain and looking for an osteopath in Clevedon please contact the practice for more information.

By treating the underlying causes of pain and supporting the body’s natural healing process, osteopathy provides a gentle and holistic solution for low back pain.

Skiing Injuries

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It’s that time of year again, patients are coming back from a great weeks skiing but with aches and pains!  Knee injuries, ligament and muscle injuries, back, neck problems, you name it.  A week of intensive skiing is often difficult to prepare for and people come home a bit broken. Come and see us at Clevedon Osteopathic Practice and see what we can do to help. Good quality treatment and experienced advice on rehabilitation can get you back on your feet. If you are looking for an Osteopath in Clevedon, North Somerset get in touch, tel: 01275 877339 www.clevedonosteopaths.com

 

Exercise and inflammation

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We know exercise is good for us and as time goes on we have a greater understanding of how our body responds and benefits from regular exercise.  Many research studies have now shown that exercise has a very beneficial effect on inflammation.  Exercise stimulates anti-inflammatory cytokines to be released from muscle tissue.  These and other hormones help to reduce levels of inflammation within our bodies.  As inflammation is a major cause of ill health, whether it be in the joints or in tissues such as our arteries, any reduction is fantastic news.

In short, if you do exercise keep going.  If you don’t exercise start now!  Find something you enjoy, take on a challenge, join a club.  Anything to get your muscles working regularly.

 

For more info search “exercise and inflammation” on www.scholar.google.com

Osteopathy and headaches

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Headaches and Osteopathy

Recently on the BBC there has a been a programme (Doctor in the house) that showed how a lady with long standing and very painful headaches was greatly helped by a course of hands on manual therapy.

This certainly can be the case for the right type of headache.  In this example the lady had upper neck dysfunction thought to relate back to a car accident many years before.  The changes in how her neck had worked and supported it’s self had led to irritation of nerves that come out from the top of the neck and travel over the head.  When these nerves (Greater Occipital nerves) are affected in this way it can lead to a neuralgia, i.e. nerve pain.  Commonly this pain will be one sided and often end up above or around the eye.  Osteopathic treatment can work very well in addressing the mechanical aspects of the neck dysfunction and stop the irritation of the nerve at its source.

As in the above example previous trauma can play its part (such as car accidents or bad falls etc) or they can result from a build up of tension in the upper neck relating to posture or stress.

There are many different causes to headache and some are certainly more serious and need medical assessment.  If you had other symptoms such as changes to your vision (particularly double vision), dizziness, nausea / vomiting, problems with speech or if the pain is very severe for no apparent reason then you should seek medical advice first.  Thankfully only a very small proportion of headaches relate to serious underlying causes.

 

Spring into action!

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It’s that time of year, the weather and day light hours are both improving and the grass starts growing.  Our activity levels often start to increase now, especially for the gardeners among us.  Watch out!  Several months of relative hibernation can leave us out of shape and rather than getting stuck into the garden we get stuck IN the garden.  The first sunny days encourage us to do more but don’t over do things to start with.

Think about…

Warming up before you start.  Don’t dive into heavy tasks straight away, start gently, spend some time stretching your legs, back, shoulders and neck.  Its important we prepare the body before physical activity.

Repeat some of the stretches during the day to help limit a build up of muscle tightness and definitely spend some time at the end of the day stretching to ease the muscles that you have been using.

Divide the tasks up.  Don’t spend hours doing one job, repeatedly using the same muscle groups in the same way.  Chop and change so your body gets some variation.

It is normal to have some aches and pains after more strenuous physical work and this should ease over a day or two.  If pain is more persistent then it is advisable to get advice.  With the right treatment and management plan in place you can get back to your normal activities and get rid of the pain.

Institute of Osteopathy Annual Conference

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November 2016 was a busy month for CPD, we attended the Institute of Osteopathy (www.osteopathy.org) conference. The main themes were Headaches and the role of Osteopathy in their management. The new NICE guidelines on Low back pain management and broader discussions on ‘Reaching out’ with Osteopathy to help more people in the community.

The time spent at the iO conference counts toward our annual CPD (Continuing Professional Development) commitment.  At present all Osteopaths have to complete 30 hrs of CPD a year.  This is a great opportunity to explore interesting areas and deepen our knowledge base.  All of which should reflect in the care that we can provide to our patients.