Tennis Elbow and the Tyler Twist

Lateral epicondylosis, also known as "tennis elbow" is a common condition that is characterized by painful inflammation of the outside of the elbow, forearm, and hand.

What is the Tyler Twist?

The Tyler Twist is an evidence-based intervention for tennis elbow that is friendly for patients to complete at home with limited equipment options. The exercise is considered to be an ‘eccentric therapeutic exercise’ which has great success with tendon inflammation. An eccentric exercise is where the muscle/tendon that is being worked lengthens as it contracts. Overtime, this exercise can change the structure of the tendon/muscle to be more resilient and strong. Common Causes of Tennis Elbow Patients with occupations and hobbies that demand repetitive upper body movements:

• Carpenters

• Musicians

• Desk job workers

• Manual laborers

• Athletes

• Gardening

Learn the Exercise in Five Steps

I. Hold FlexBar with injured hand in maximum wrist extension

II. Grab the top end of the FlexBar with the other hand

III. Twist the FlexBar with uninvolved hand while involved hand remains in wrist extension.

IV. Bring arms out in front of you with elbows fully extended, maintaining the twist on the FlexBar.

V. With control, slowly allow the Flexbar to untwist with your involved hand moving into wrist into flexion.

Repeat exercise 10 times, 2-3 sets, 1 time a day and get back to the activities you love!

References

Page P. (2010). A new exercise for tennis elbow that works!. North American journal of sports physical therapy : NAJSPT, 5(3), 189–193. Croisier J.L.et al. , An isokinetic eccentric programme for the management of chronic lateral epicondylar tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med. 2007; 41(4):269–275 Bisset L.et al. , A systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials on physical interventions for lateral epicondylalgia. Br J Sports Med. 2005; 39(7):411–422