Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are classic tendon attachment problems — and not just for athletes. Office workers, musicians and people with repetitive actions experience the same complaints.
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Musician consultation hours
We have special consultation hours for musicians — string players, wind players, pianists. Their injuries are different from those of athletes: often overload in the neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist due to thousands of hours of practice. We understand the instrument and adapt our treatment accordingly.
Treatment options
For a persistent tennis elbow, a PRP injection can help when physiotherapy alone is not enough. Prolotherapy is an option for chronic tendon attachment complaints; the evidence is moderate and how well it works varies from person to person.
Your recovery journey
Every course of treatment is tailored, but this is what a typical course looks like — from the first intake to recovery; how quickly that goes differs from person to person. You are not tied to anything and always know where you stand.
Cyriax diagnosis
With targeted muscle tests we determine which tendon attachment hurts. We also look at what you do: your tennis grip, the technique on your instrument or your posture at the screen.
Deep transverse frictions
Cyriax frictions on exactly the affected spot (firm, and sometimes briefly painful). 2× per week. Eccentric exercises at home. Tennis elbow strap optional.
Technique & gradual loading
A clinic for musicians, or help with your tennis technique. For chronic complaints: prolotherapy (Dordrecht, on Thursdays also Rotterdam). Then we strengthen the forearm muscles.
Full return
Playing or performing at full level, often with adapted technique. A regular warm-up helps prevent the complaint from returning.
How the investigation is going
We don't just look at the elbow. Because the nerves to the arm and hand start in the neck, we also examine the mobility of the neck and shoulder, with tests that show whether a nerve in the neck is involved. You will always hear what we are researching and why.
Where you are treated
Examination and chiropractic care take place at our practice in Rotterdam. Injections are given by the doctors of our practice: PRP in Dordrecht; prolotherapy in Dordrecht and on Thursdays also in Rotterdam. If a treatment in Dordrecht suits your condition better, we will discuss this with you.
Frequently asked questions
How long does tennis elbow last?
Tennis elbow almost always goes away on its own, usually within six months to two years. Treatment can ease the pain during that time; how quickly you recover varies from person to person.
Does a tennis arm band help?
Temporary pain relief, not a solution. Better targeted training.
Should I stop playing/making music?
Adapt, don't stop — stopping completely weakens recovery.
Does PRP work for tennis elbow?
The doctors in our practice will discuss with you in Dordrecht whether PRP is useful for you after examination.
Specific musician consultation hours?
Yes. We also look at how you play and what posture and movements your instrument requires of you.
Sources
Independent information from Thuisarts.nl, the patient website of the Dutch College of General Practitioners (in Dutch).
