Tennis elbow often gets better on its own, but the majority of people who have persistent pain show improvement through non-surgical treatment.
Tennis elbow is actually a misnomer in that it occurs in roughly only five percent of people who play tennis. Anatomically, the cause of tennis elbow is repetitive use of the forearm extensor muscles, especially if they weren’t used much previously. Practically any occupation, sporting endeavor, or household activity that has repeated use of the forearm and wrist may lead to this condition. Certain activities and occupations are more commonly associated with tennis elbow, such as plumbing, painting, fishing, butchering, computer use, and playing certain musical instruments. Tennis elbow is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50, but can affect people of all ages.
Symptoms
People with tennis elbow complain of pain that expands from the outer elbow into their forearm and wrist. The pain primarily occurs where the tendons of your forearm attach to the bony areas on the outside elbow. In addition to pain, people with tennis elbow experience weakness that makes it particularly difficult to hold a coffee cup, turn a doorknob, or even shake hands. Tennis elbow can cause weakness when twisting or grabbing objects.
Tests
In many cases, your doctor can diagnosis tennis elbow simply by listening to you describe your symptoms, performing a physical examination, and learning about your lifestyle and activities. However, if your physician suspects other reasons like a pinched nerve, fracture, or arthritis are causing your pain, he may suggest X-rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Electromyography (EMG).
Treatment
When providing Tennis Elbow Treatment, your chiropractor will be able to determine if a misalignment in your spine, neck, or shoulders may be causing an overcompensation injury. In some cases, a basic chiropractic adjustment may be all you need to stop your symptoms of pain. Your chiropractor will also work with you to determine which activities may have caused your injury and will have you rest your arm while refraining from the trigger activities. Your chiropractor will also likely tell you to apply ice to the outside elbow two or three times a day for two to three weeks. Compression, by using an elastic bandage, is helpful to provide relief and prevent further injury. Lastly, elevating your elbow whenever possible will limit or prevent swelling. Additionally, You will learn exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons in your arm. Your chiropractor will also work with you to develop proper form and technique regarding the activity that was the likely culprit to developing your tennis elbow. Depending on the severity of the injury, your chiropractor or physical therapist may suggest you wear a brace or forearm strap, which will reduce stress on the injured tissue while it heals.
Source: National Institute of Health and Mayo Clinic
Check out what our patients have to say…
I was suffering from tennis elbow after learning a new tennis grip. I couldn’t believe how painful my elbow and forearm was after just a couple of tennis matches. I decided rest was the best option and stopped playing for about a week, which helped, but as soon as I played again the pain came right back. I met Dr. Hoch on the tennis courts and she told me that it would only take about 6 treatments to resolve my elbow pain. I thought, this was a good deal and immediately made an appointment with her. In less than 6 treatments, her Tennis Elbow Treatment had taken care of the pain and it never came back! I was so thrilled! Since then I have been referring my family and my friends to Dr. Hoch for care. I give Dr. Hoch and Chiropractic a BIG thumbs up!
~N. M.
Everyone on the court was in shock at how quick I recovered…
I started care at Fort Myers Chiropractic Studio because of a tennis injury to my S.I. joint. This injury prevented me from doing daily activities that I loved; I am a personal trainer, so I knew this would interfere greatly. While on the tennis court, I hit an overhead and felt pain. I thought I just needed to stretch afterwards, but the pain became excruciating. This happened Monday night, and by Tuesday morning I was a patient at her office. I first came in to Dr. Hoch’s office with high levels of pain with limited mobility. My first appointment was quite interesting! Dr. Hoch and her staff were very professional, comical, and friendly. I remember Dr. Hoch instructing me to preform a “sexy walk” to observe my hip movement, and since that day her CA’s make me feel like the superstar model of the year! My treatment plan consisted of “stretching like it’s my job” with adjustments and therapies twice a week. After my second visit, the pain had decreased by 70 percent!By the second week, I was feeling so great! My treatment plan reduced to once a week. Everyone on the court was in shock at how quick I recovered. My husband was extremely happy to see how quick I was able to return to doing what I love, athletic activities! And since getting treated, I’ve had more energy and flexibility. Thank you so much Dr. Hoch for getting me back on the courts quicker than I expected!
~S.P.