How to Massage an Elbow With Tendonitis

Tendonitis of the elbow---also known as "tennis elbow" or epicondylitis---is a form of tendonitis that affects the extensor or common flexor tendons of the forearm. This condition is usually caused by repetitive strain on the tendon, an injury or acute heavy strain upon the tendon, or age-related changes to the tendon itself. If you suffer from this condition, you may opt to self-treat your pain by performing "frictioning" or "friction massage" upon your arm to help relieve some of your symptoms.

Things You'll Need

• Chair
• Ice

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Instructions

• 1

  Sit in a comfortable chair. Locate the area of pain on your arm, following the "line" of it so you know where to begin and end treatment.

• 2

  Use the pads of your fingers or thumb and exert gentle to moderate pressure over the area in a strumming motion, moving the pads of your fingers back and forth over the area of tenderness. Do this in a motion that is perpendicular to the tendon.

• 3

  Pay attention to your level of discomfort. It should feel a bit burning or sharp, but will be a low level of pain that subsides or dulls within one or two minutes. If it does not lessen, discontinue the massage and try later. If you notice some relief, continue to the next step.

• 4

  Repeat the friction therapy for one to two minutes, increasing the level of intensity you apply. As you increase the pressure, the pain should once again subside within one or two minutes.

• 5

  Repeat the massage one last time, again for one to two minutes, upping the amount of pressure you apply to the tendon. Stop once the sensitivity subsides.

• 6

  Massage the area with raw ice immediately after the friction massage. Apply it directly over the tendon, for two to three minutes or until the area is completely numb. Slide it slowly over the area in a steady circular pattern.

• 7

  Repeat this treatment in sequence a minimum of one time per day and a maximum of three times per day.