Efficacy of Marma Chikitsa in the Pain Management of Tennis Elbow - A Single Case Study

Abstract

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that can result from overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow. Tennis elbow is linked to repeated motions of the wrist and arm. Tennis elbow is often due to damage to a specific forearm muscle extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB). When the ECRB muscle is weakened from overuse, microscopic tears form in the ECRB tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle of humerus. This leads to pain directly over the outside lateral part of the elbow. 1 to 3% of adult population in each year affects with tennis elbow and it is more common in the dominant arm with symptoms such as pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow, weak grip strength, and tenderness. Many surgical procedures, medications are present today for the treatment of the disease, but it is the need of time to develop some non-invasive techniques for better results. Marma is a concept which helps in achieving this. Marma point is a junction on body where two or more types of tissue meet, such as muscles, veins, ligaments, bones or joints. From common ailments to serious neuromuscular diseases, all can be treated by Marma Chikitsa. Application of pressure to these Marma induces the flow of energy. This case study shows that pain in tennis elbow may be successfully managed by Marma Chikitsa.