Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that happens after overuse of the forearm. Despite the name, it’s not just a sports injury. It can affect anyone who repeatedly performs gripping, lifting, typing, or twisting motions. Over time, that constant strain can make even easy everyday tasks like opening a jar or lifting a bag feel really difficult.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms
- A sore, tender spot on the outside of your elbow that hurts when you press it.
- Pain that travels down your forearm, and sometimes into the wrist.
- Your grip feels weak. Even holding a mug, a grocery bag, or a phone can feel harder.
- Twisting motions trigger it, like opening a jar, turning a doorknob, or using a screwdriver.
- It hurts more the more you repeat the same movement.
- A dull ache or burning feeling around the elbow area.
- Every day activities suddenly hurt. Shaking hands, pouring a drink, or picking up a small object can trigger pain.
What Causes Tennis Elbow
As mentioned before, the condition is caused by overuse of the tendon. That tendon connects the forearm muscles to the elbow and helps with everyday actions like gripping, lifting, and twisting your wrist. When you repeat the same motions, the tendon can develop tiny tears. Over time, the tissue becomes more sensitive and weaker, which is why the pain can linger.
Despite the name, it’s not just from tennis. It can be caused by any overly repetitive arm movements, like heavy computer and mouse work, using tools, housework that involves a lot of scrubbing or twisting, certain sports, or even playing an instrument.
Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Can a chiropractor help with tennis elbow? Many people choose a chiropractor Libertyville for tennis elbow because it focuses on the muscles, joints, and tendons involved in the condition. Tennis elbow can hurt beyond the elbow. It often includes the wrist, forearm, shoulder, and even upper back. Here’s what you may expect.
Tennis Elbow Diagnosis
Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed with a simple physical exam. A provider will ask about your symptoms, work or activities, and when the pain started. Then they’ll have you move your wrist and arm in certain ways to see what triggers pain. In some cases, an X-ray or other imaging may be used to rule out other problems.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy for tennis elbow is a hands-on treatment to help overworked tissues in the forearm and around the elbow. A tennis elbow chiropractor may use pressure, soft-tissue release, a chiropractic adjustment, and gentle stretching to relax muscles and reduce pressure on tendons. Exact techniques depend on your case.
Exercises for Tennis Elbow
The most helpful exercises for tennis elbow are forearm stretching and strengthening. A simple start is a gentle wrist extensor stretch (arm straight, palm down, lightly pull the hand toward you). If you want to develop strength, try slow wrist lowering with a light weight (eccentric wrist extensions) and easy-grip training with a soft ball. Do not overdo it. Better start with something easy. Proper physical therapy can yield nice results when done consistently.
Ergonomics and Activity Modification
This step includes changing small daily habits so your elbow can calm down instead of getting irritated all day. You may adjust your desk setup (mouse position, wrist support, breaks), change how you grip tools, or avoid lifting with your palm facing down for a while. Use two hands, keep loads close to your body, and take short rests. You need to lower the repetitive strain that prevents the tendon from recovering.
The Benefits of Chiropractic for Tennis Elbow Treatment
- Tennis Elbow Pain Relief. Tennis elbow chiropractic care can ease pain by lowering stress on the irritated tendon and relaxing tight forearm tissues.
- Reducing Inflammation. Reducing repetitive strain often reduces irritation and makes it feel less painful.
- Improving Joint Mobility and Elbow Mechanics. Improving motion in the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and upper back can help your arm move more smoothly and take pressure off the elbow.
- Individualized Care for Tennis Elbow Treatment. Care is based on what caused your tennis elbow (work, sports, daily habits) and what movements trigger pain.
- Preventing Recurrence. A tennis elbow chiropractor can help you fix the habits and weaknesses that overload the tendon, so the problem is less likely to come back.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow can take time to heal because it often results from repetitive motion. The best results usually come from a simple, straightforward plan: reduce stress on the tendon, learn proper movement, and fix the daily habits that keep irritating it.
Chiropractic care can help by relaxing tight tissues, improving joint movement, and helping you learn and understand safer ways to use your arm. Doing some simple exercises and rethinking activity choices can help most people return to normal tasks with less pain and fewer occurrences.
FAQs About Chiropractic and Tennis Elbow Treatment
Can a Chiropractor Fix Tennis Elbow?
A chiropractor for tennis elbow won’t fix your issue overnight, but they can help treat it with time. A chiropractor can also be useful and preventing future flare-ups.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Tennis Elbow?
Chiropractic care is safe for tennis elbow when done by a licensed chiropractor.
When should I see a Chiropractor for Tennis Elbow?
You can see a chiropractor for tennis elbow at any time. It can be a helpful add-on if you’re already doing other treatments and want extra support.
Can Chiropractic Help Chronic or Long-Term Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow chiropractic treatment can help improve your arm’s movement, reduce tension, and address poor movement habits.
Can Chiropractic Be Combined With Physical Therapy or Exercises?
Chiropractic care can be easily combined with physical therapy and exercises, and it often improves results because the treatments support each other well.
