Understanding Tennis Elbow and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. While it is often associated with tennis players, this sport accounts for only 10% of the cases of tennis elbow.  The remainder of the cases occur in individuals who engage in repetitive arm and wrist movements. If you’re experiencing pain in your elbow, understanding the cause and exploring the treatment options might help you find relief.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons in your forearm are overloaded, often due to repetitive motions or overuse. The tendons, particularly the one that attaches to the outside of your elbow, become irritated and inflamed. Research studies investigating lateral epicondylitis patients with diagnostic ultrasound found numerous conditions including calcifications of the tendon, microtears, and thickening of the common extensor tendon and extensor carpi radialis muscle.  This condition can be caused by:

• Repeated gripping
• Overexerting the wrist and arm during activities
• Incorrect technique while playing sports or lifting
• Daily tasks such as typing, painting, or using tools

 

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain localized to the outer part of the elbow, which may also radiate down the forearm. Some common symptoms include:

• Pain and tenderness around the elbow (especially over the bony lateral epicondyle)
• Weak grip strength
• Pain when extending the arm or gripping objects
• Stiffness in the elbow joint

If left untreated, tennis elbow can worsen and lead to chronic pain, affecting your ability to perform even the most basic tasks such as holding a cup of coffee or clicking your computer mouse.

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care is an effective and natural way to address tennis elbow. Chiropractors specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions by focusing on spinal and joint health, as well as the soft tissues around them. Here’s how chiropractic treatments can benefit those with tennis elbow:

1. Spinal Alignment and Posture Correction

Improper posture and misalignment in the spine or joints can contribute to muscle imbalances that strain the elbow joint. A chiropractor will assess your posture and spinal alignment, making adjustments to correct any misalignments. This can help relieve pressure on the muscles and tendons in your elbow, reducing pain and preventing future injuries.

2. Joint Manipulation and Mobilization

Chiropractors use hands-on techniques to mobilize the elbow joint, improving its range of motion and reducing stiffness. Joint manipulation can help relieve pressure on the surrounding muscles and tendons, allowing for better function and pain reduction.

3. Soft Tissue Therapy

Soft tissue techniques, such as Graston Technique ®, target the tight muscles and fascia around the elbow. This techniques helps to increase blood flow to the area, release tension, and promote healing of the injured tendons.

4. Exercise and Rehabilitation

Chiropractors will often recommend specific stretches and strengthening exercises to rehabilitate the injured area. These exercises help strengthen the muscles around the elbow and forearm, improving function and preventing re-injury.

5. Ice and Heat Therapy

Treatment may include the use of ice and heat therapy to reduce inflammation and improve circulation around the injured area. Ice helps reduce swelling, while heat therapy can increase blood flow and encourage healing.

The Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow

• Non-invasive Treatment: Chiropractic care is a conservative, non-surgical approach to treating tennis elbow, making it an attractive option for those seeking to avoid the potential complications of surgery or cortisone injections.
• Personalized Care: Chiropractors will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.
• Holistic Approach: Chiropractic care not only focuses on the affected elbow but also addresses overall body mechanics and posture, helping to reduce the risk of future injuries.

When Should You Seek Care?

If you’re dealing with persistent pain or discomfort in your elbow, it’s important to seek treatment early. Chiropractic care can help alleviate symptoms, promote healing, and restore function. If you experience any of the following symptoms, it may be time to consult a chiropractor:

• Pain that doesn’t improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
• Difficulty gripping or lifting objects
• Persistent soreness that affects daily activities

Conclusion

Tennis elbow can be a frustrating condition, but at Sturges Chiropractic & Sports Medicine, we offer an effective, non-invasive solution to address the root causes of the pain and help you recover. Through a combination of spinal adjustments, Graston Technique ®, rehabilitation exercises, and lifestyle advice, we can promote healing, relieve pain, and improve your quality of life.

If you’re dealing with tennis elbow, contact us today to start your journey toward recovery!