Chiropractic Treatment and Tennis Elbow
‘Tennis elbow‘ is the term used to describe pain found on the outer part of the elbow and the upper part of the forearm.
The pain is down to the inflammation of the tendon and bony protuberance at the outer part of the elbow, the lateral epicondyle.
Despite what you may think. The problem is not there because of a problem with the elbow. It is usually an overuse injury to a tendon that inserts on the outside of the elbow called the common extensor tendon.
Which is part of the muscles that bends the wrist into extension.
Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow
Pain over the outside elbow, which may travel up or down the arm
- Difficulty extending the forearm fully
- Tenderness over the outside of the elbow
- Wrist weakness
- Pain when lifting or bending the arm
- Pain when gripping, lifting and carrying
- Pain and discomfort can continue for as little as 3 weeks or as long as several years, if untreated.
Causes Of Tennis Elbow
It is an overuse injury caused by repetitive, forceful movements at the wrist, which bring the knuckles upwards or when you resist that movement.
For example, hitting a back hand shot in racket sports or playing golf.
This causes the attachment of the muscles at the outer part of the elbow to be placed under considerable tension and may cause a tear in the muscle or tendon.
Despite it being called ‘Tennis Elbow’ only 5% of those patients who suffer from tennis elbow are actually tennis players.
There are many different ways we can get tennis elbow.
Treatment Of Tennis Elbow
Part One
- It is important to reduce the inflammation and to rest the wrist as much as possible.
- The use of ice is very effective in the first 2 to 3 days, although it is sometimes used for a longer period.
- Cross friction massage and Low Level Laser Therapy will help the scar tissue and healing of the tendon.
- Sometimes a tennis elbow brace or an elbow strap may be needed, particularly if the problem persists. A normal elbow support may not be helpful.
- The chiropractor will examine and treat any area relating to the function of the elbow and muscles of the forearm, such as the wrist, shoulder and neck.
- Most people will Have a neck problem which is likely to cause you to have tennis elbow, especially if you have tennis elbow on the non-dominant side, or if you are a chronic and recurrent sufferer.
Part Two
- It is important to increase the blood circulation to the tissues. This can be done by alternating hot and cold and massaging the muscles to relieve stress and tension.
- When pain has subsided, it is possible to undertake a rehabilitation programme of power stretching exercise for the elbow and the affected muscles, making sure the exercises are completed slowly and carefully so as not to make the condition reoccur.
How Can You Prevent Tennis Elbow?
Most tennis elbow injuries occur either at the beginning of a game/activity (as a result of poor warm up techniques) or at the end of a game/activity (when you are fatigued).
Always warm up and stretch muscles before exercising and cool down afterwards.
Another important part of injury prevention should also include a review of your technique and equipment used in sports and office environment.
If you have a neck problem which you think could be causing you to have a tennis elbow, it makes sense to have chiropractic care. Call us today to see how we can help you.
