How Can Chiropractic Help My Tennis Elbow | Chiropractic Care

What is a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition that plagues many individuals, not just tennis players. This condition manifests as pain and inflammation on the outer part of the elbow. Its primary cause is the repetitive motion and overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons.

How Do I Know I Have Tennis Elbow?

Recognizing tennis elbow is crucial for timely treatment. Common signs include:

Pain or tenderness on the outer side of the elbow.
Weak grip strength.

But it doesn’t stop there. Tennis elbow sufferers may also feel pain when:

Lifting something
Making a fist or gripping an object
Opening a door
Raising their hand or straightening their wrist
Typing on a computer

These everyday activities can become sources of discomfort if you have tennis elbow.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow often stems from repetitive activities, such as playing tennis (hence the name). Still, it can occur due to other activities too. Repetitive typing, manual labor, or any activity that strains the forearm can lead to this condition.

How Can Tennis Elbow Be Treated?

Managing tennis elbow involves several approaches:

Rest: Allow your affected arm some time to recover. Avoid activities that worsen the pain.
Ice: Applying ice can help reduce pain and inflammation.
Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen and stretch forearm muscles can be immensely beneficial.
Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs can provide relief.
Bracing: Wearing a tennis elbow brace during strenuous activities can alleviate strain on the tendon.
Corticosteroid Injections: In severe cases, injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation.
Surgery: Surgery is rarely needed but may be considered for chronic or severe cases.

How Do I Prevent Tennis Elbow?

Prevention is critical, and here are some strategies:

a) Stretching: Regular stretching exercises can maintain forearm muscle flexibility and reduce the risk of tennis elbow.
b) Squeeze and Release Exercise: Strengthening exercises, like squeezing a stress ball, can improve grip strength and forearm muscle health.
c) Tennis Elbow Bracing: Using a brace during activities that strain the tendons can provide crucial support and reduce the risk of injury.

Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow

Chiropractic care can be a valuable addition to your tennis elbow treatment plan. Chiropractors employ various techniques, including spinal adjustments and soft tissue therapies, to alleviate pain and promote healing. They can also offer guidance on ergonomic improvements and exercises that support recovery. One of the best benefits of chiropractic treatment is that it addresses the main cause of pain and inflammation. Chiropractors identify the cause of the pain and offer treatment for lasting relief, often by properly aligning the elbow joints for better functioning and reduced risk of injury. With this proper alignment, oxygen-rich blood and healthy nutrients can better flow to the area to reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

In health and wellness, understanding and addressing tennis elbow is essential. Whether you’re a tennis enthusiast or someone who encounters everyday tasks that strain your elbow, recognizing the symptoms and exploring treatment options can make a difference. From rest and stretching to chiropractic care, you have the tools to overcome tennis elbow and return to pain-free living. Prevention, too, plays a vital role in safeguarding your elbow’s health. So, take action, seek professional guidance when needed, and serve up a victory against this common ailment. If you are experiencing this kind of elbow pain, comprehensive chiropractic treatment may be the answer, so contact us at Airport Rehab Centre in Brampton, OR, at (44) 905-676-1414 to learn how we can help you reach your whole-body health.