Tennis Elbow

by Christine Peake
(Cheshire, England)

I have had since January. I have been having ongoing physio treatment, exercises, etc and have been massaging that elbow with a lavender oil. I am really fed up with it now and would like to speed it on its way. Hope someone can help.

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Aug 29, 2011
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About Tennis Elbow
by: Penny Keay

Hi Christine,

Lets see if we can find you some relief.

You stated this: "have been massaging that elbow"

In your subject you say "Tennis Elbow". The thing is the Tennis elbow really isn't a problem with the elbow! It is a problem with the muscles and tendons (and sometimes the ligaments though rare) in the fore arm!

The other rare problem it can be is from damage to the shoulder and upper arm.

So in the Physical therapy and massage have they been massaging the forearm AND the upper arm, neck and shoulder area? Or have you been massagaing the elbow joint itself?

True Tennis Elbow makes it near impossible to pick up a glass or container of milk. You have absolutely no strength in your hand due to the intense inflammation of the muscles and tendons in the forearm.

In order to get relief you will need to do several things. First you will need to do a Salt water soak/bath of the arm involved using Epsom salts and very warm (not hot) water.

Then you will need to massage the arm with a blend that should include essential oils known to reduce inflammation. Lavender is okay but there are better ones. Helichrysum would be my first choice along with adding German and Roman Chamomiles. Peppermint, Ginger and Black Pepper would also help. Eucalyptus may help too. Any of these in combination would be very helpful.

Back in 2005 I wrote an article for Tennis Elbow you can read it hear here. There is a recipe for a massage blend in there that would be helpful for you to use.

Give this a try and massage it several times a day. Increase the amount of multivitamins and Minerals you take. Vitamin C is very helpful as is the minerals of Potassium and Magnesium But be careful taking any of these as all three can cause you to develop loose bowels. Just take a little extra of each. They will help the healing process.

Let me know if we can help you further.

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Penny Keay
Certified Clinical Medical Aromatherapist
www.birchhillhappenings.com

Sep 13, 2011
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Reply to Tennis Elbow advice
by: Chris Peake

Thank you so much for posting your advice for my tennis elbow. I was massaging just the lower arm but I have now made a blend of some of the oils you suggest and now massage my upper arm, shoulder, etc as well as lower arm. In fact my Physio thinks that the real problem is in my neck and shoulder area and is treating that mostly.

After eight long months I finally seem to be getting somewhere and have actually picked up a golf club (didn't do much with it but I can at least now use it without pain!).

Thank you again - I shall continue with your oils and exercises and taking care when using that arm.

Sep 13, 2011
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Wonderful news on your Arm
by: Penny Keay

I'm so glad to hear that your arm/elbow etc is getting better.

Yes you should continue to see improvement provided it doens't get reinjured.

Remember you need to use it but don't over do it!

Thanks for the update. It is really appreciated.

Yours in Aromatherapy,
Penny Keay
Certified Clinical Medical Aromatherapist
www.birchhillhappenings.com

Apr 09, 2012
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Follow Up on Apr 9, 2012
by: Christine Peake

Hi,

You have helped me before with a blend for tennis elbow which is now better; thanks.

I now have something similar in my other wrist/thumb called De Quervains Tenosynovitis (or something close to that).

Could you help me with a suggested blend please.

Apr 09, 2012
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Follow up answer
by: Liani

Hi Christine,

I am glad that the recipe that you used for the Tennis elbow give you some relief.

But if you want help with the additional inflammation, you may want to add Helichrysum and German Chamomile to the blend. They are wonderful at reducing inflammation and the pain the inflammation can cause.

Here is the example blends I recommend:
Helichrysum and German Chamomile use both essential oils in 6 drops amount.
plus add:
4 drops of each sweet marjoram, lavender, ginger, juniper berry and sweet birch.

Mix with 2 ounce of carrier oil. (Castor oil is recommend carrier oil to reduce problems related to soft injure tissue or arthritis. But some people don't like using Castor oil as its properties is thick and sticky. If you want to have a lighter version, Sunflower oil is the best). You can add this blend to your lotion or cream too. Apply as needed. You can apply it before and after your exercise.

Other option is you can buy ready blend for massage. - sweet muscle relief blend

Don’t forget to soak in Epsom Salts daily too.

Keep me update about your progress.

Thanks
Liani

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