There are many natural remedies to cure epicondylitis, and the most useful and cost-effective one is utilizing essential oils for tennis elbow(1). Essential oils are potent home remedies that can be generally applied to the skin to improve the condition of tennis elbow rapidly.
It helps in decreasing the inflammation and pain in the area. Essential oils help to relieve patients from the side effects that occur due to tennis elbow. Essential oils are concentrated pressed oil, extracted from natural sources that have considerable potential to heal tennis elbow.
Essential oils are diluted with some kind of carrier oils such as coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, or almond oil that will also assist in the whole process(2).
Why Do Essential Oils for Tennis Elbow Work
Essential oils work by penetrating the skin and helping the muscles to release the tension. Due to that, the pain slowly subsides, and the inflammation lowers down. With regular utilization of some useful essential oils for tennis elbow, you will notice a notable improvement.
Essential oils were generally used for muscle pain in the past, and due to this, some specialists tried this on tennis elbow, which had a significant effect on the affected area. Although this is a useful process, it works at its own pace, which is considered slow but long-lasting and pain-free.
[Read: KT Tape for Tennis Elbow]
Types of essential oils for tennis elbow and how to use them?
Essential oils are an extremely concentrated form of natural oils. They need to be diluted by mixing them with a carrier oil like coconut or almond oil. The ratio of the carrier oil to the essential oil should be 1:1. You need to make a mixture of both these oils and then apply it to the affected area. After that cold or hot compress should be applied to the tennis elbow. Here are some of the most popular essential oils that are utilized to cure tennis elbow.
1. Lavender Essential oil
Lavender oil is mainly known for its aroma, but still, it has been utilized for several years to cure headaches and has been used as sedatives, which makes it one of the best options for epicondylitis. And according to a study, lavender oil contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Lavender oil can not only be utilized for reducing the effects of tennis elbow post-surgery on a tennis elbow, inhaling the aroma of lavender oil works as a sedative, the mechanism which is very similar to morphine.
[Read: Physical Therapy and Exercises for Tennis Elbow]
2. Wintergreen Essential Oil
Wintergreen essential oil was discovered to relieve pain in the muscle tissues. The oil contains methyl salicylate, which works like cortisone. It has an impactful effect on tennis elbow as the oil is well known for its natural inflammatory qualities. This oil is first diluted with a carrier oil, and then it is applied directly to the area affected by tennis elbow.
3. Sweet Marjoram Essential Oil
The sweet marjoram essential oil works as a painkiller. It can contain the dull irritable aches which occur due to tennis elbow. This essential oil can relieve muscle spasms and joint stiffness that occur as a side effect of tennis elbow.
4. Peppermint Essential Oil
This oil contains antispasmodic properties that work well in the affected by tennis elbow. It can also calm the dull aches, which are a side effect of tennis elbow. This oil contains methanol and has a cool refreshing effect when applied to the affected area.
[Read: Relieve Shoulder Pain Naturally]
5. Lemongrass Essential Oil
Lemongrass essential oil is extremely potent and can soothe muscle pain along with reducing inflammation in the area affected by tennis elbow. But, it should be diluted with a carrier oil before applying on the skin(3).
6. Frankincense Essential Oil
It has been used for centuries for its medicinal powers, including its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Frankincense also helps with anxiety, which is common among those in chronic pain or dealing with a stress injury.
Side effects and Warning
Although it is a natural method, there can be several side effects which you should be aware of. Firstly, it is essential to find out if you are allergic to any of the mentioned essential oils, as an allergic reaction can aggravate the situation.
Then, in some cases, essential oils can have an adverse effect rather than providing relief to the pain. All of the essential oils may not work for everybody. That is why before using, it’s better to consult a specialist to understand the oil that suits you best.
Before utilizing essential oils on tennis elbow, it is better to dilute them with olive, coconut, or almond carrier oils. Also, a patch test should be done before applying. Usually, the underarms are utilized as a testing area.
[Read: Taping Technique for Tennis Elbow]
Conclusion
There are several other essential oils such as Rose geranium essential oil, Chamomile essential oil, and castor oil that can also help heal tennis elbow. Tennis elbow can be painful and inconvenient, but simple natural treatments such as utilizing different combinations of essential oils at home can effectively help you with relief in the pain.
FAQ
1. How Long Does It Take to Recover From Tennis Elbow After the Utilization of Essential Oils?
With the correct utilization of essential oils, tennis elbow can heal within a week or a few months. But if it is an extreme condition of tennis elbow, then it can take years to heal even with the proper utilization of essential oils.
