Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles
Subacromial impingement syndrome and lateral epicondylalgia in tennis players
Publication Title
Physical Therapy Reviews
ISSN
1083-3196
Publication Date
7-19-2013
Keywords
Elbow, Epicondylalgia, Impingement, Microtrauma, Regional Interdependence, Shoulder, Subacromial, Tennis
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to review the literature pertaining to subacromial impingement syndrome and lateral epicondylalgia (LE) in tennis players. The mechanisms of joint and muscular imbalances that lead to functional impingement of the shoulder joint may impair the stabilization and power function of the shoulder resulting in overcompensation of the wrist extensors during the tennis swing. This may contribute to microtrauma at the soft tissue structures at the lateral epicondyle thus causing symptoms of LE. Recent interest in the regional interdependence model as well as case studies published in the literature suggests that the relationship of proximal or distal joints should not be overlooked. Compensatory strategies at the distal upper extremity due to changes at the shoulder may overload smaller muscles in the forearm which cannot safely handle the extra stress, especially under repetitive conditions. Conditions of the shoulder and elbow that were previously considered to be independent, specifically subacromial impingement syndrome and lateral epicondylalgia, need to be critically reexamined in the context of regional interdependence given the potential association between the conditions. Specific studies examining the muscle and joint characteristics of the shoulder and elbow are needed as they relate to subacromial impingement syndrome and LE. Anatomic adaptations and biomechanical alterations in the upper extremity could result in abnormal stress loads and microtrauma at the shoulder and lateral elbow.
DOI
10.1179/174328810X12647087219036
Volume
15
Issue
2
First Page
55
Last Page
61
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences
NSUWorks Citation
Lucado, Ann M.; Kolber, Morey J.; Cheng, M. Samuel; and Echternach, John L., "Subacromial impingement syndrome and lateral epicondylalgia in tennis players" (2013). Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles. 93.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_facarticles/93
