Tennis elbow affects far more people than just tennis players. This painful condition, technically known as lateral epicondylitis, can develop from any repetitive arm movements—from painting walls to typing on a keyboard.
When the tendons in your elbow become overworked, they can develop small tears and inflammation. And this often leads to persistent pain and weakness that affects daily activities. So, what can you do about it? Surprisingly, your Lithia chiropractor can help! But first, let’s take a closer look at why tennis elbow happens in the first place.
What is the Main Cause of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow pain typically develops gradually, often as a mild discomfort that worsens progressively. The pain usually radiates from the outside of your elbow down your forearm, making simple tasks like lifting a coffee cup or turning a doorknob unexpectedly challenging.
This condition doesn’t just affect your elbow; it can create compensation patterns throughout your entire arm and shoulder, potentially leading to additional problems if left unaddressed.
What many people don’t realize is that tennis elbow pain can be influenced by spinal health. The nerves that control your elbow and arm function originate in your neck and upper back. When these areas aren’t properly aligned, it can affect how your entire arm functions, potentially contributing to or exacerbating tennis elbow symptoms. This connection explains why comprehensive chiropractic care looks beyond just the elbow joint.
Can a Chiropractor Heal a Tennis Elbow?
A thorough chiropractic evaluation for tennis elbow involves examining not just your elbow but your entire kinetic chain—from your neck and shoulder down to your wrist and hand. This comprehensive approach helps identify any underlying issues that might be contributing to your condition. Your chiropractor will assess your posture, movement patterns, and joint function to develop a complete picture of your condition.
While traditional treatments often focus solely on the elbow joint, chiropractic care takes a more holistic approach. By addressing both the local area of pain and any contributing factors throughout your body, chiropractic treatment helps create lasting relief rather than just temporary symptom management. This approach often leads to better long-term outcomes and helps prevent future recurrences.
A skilled chiropractor uses specific adjustment techniques to restore proper joint movement and alignment, not just in the elbow but throughout the entire affected arm and supporting structures. These adjustments, combined with other therapeutic approaches, help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and restore proper function to the affected area.
Your chiropractor will develop a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of your condition and your specific needs. Most patients begin experiencing improvement within a few sessions, though complete healing may take longer depending on the severity and duration of the condition.
Ready to take action and feel better? The At Last Chiropractic team is ready to help. Book your appointment today!
