Are You Suffering From Tennis Elbow?
Watch this video to learn how it forms.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Most of the muscles that extend down your wrist are attached to a bony bump on the outside of your elbow called the lateral epicondyle.
Repetitive use or injury to these tendons can result in pain and inflammation, known as tennis elbow.
This condition often develops gradually. Without early treatment, it may worsen over time and even lead to pain when performing simple tasks like lifting a coffee mug or turning a doorknob.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help with Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is often caused by repetitive stress and poor biomechanics — not just in the elbow, but throughout the arm, shoulder, and even spine. That’s why chiropractors can play a crucial role in both treating tennis elbow and preventing it from returning.
Why Chiropractic Treatment Works
Chiropractic care focuses on restoring proper joint alignment, improving nerve function, and promoting natural healing. Here's how a chiropractor can help:
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Joint Mobilization: Adjustments to the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and spine may relieve pressure on the affected tendons and improve mobility.
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Soft Tissue Therapy: Techniques like Active Release Technique (ART) or instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization help break up scar tissue and reduce inflammation.
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Postural Correction: If poor posture or spinal misalignment is contributing to your elbow pain, chiropractors can address it at the source.
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Rehabilitation Exercises: You'll receive guided tennis elbow exercises that are tailored to your recovery stage and body mechanics.
If you’re struggling with elbow pain when bending, inner elbow pain, or chronic tendon discomfort, a chiropractor can help you heal without relying solely on medication or invasive procedures.
Everyday Activities That Trigger Elbow Pain
Repetitive Movements That May Lead to Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is commonly caused by repetitive wrist extension or gripping activities, such as:
- Playing tennis or other racquet sports
- Typing or using a computer mouse for long periods
- Carpentry or bricklaying
- Knitting or sewing
- Playing piano
- Lifting objects with your palm facing downward
Pain may intensify with activities like straightening your arm, shaking hands, or even bending and straightening your elbow. It's often worse in your dominant arm.
Note: Some people also experience inner elbow pain, which may suggest a different condition like golfer’s elbow.
How to Treat Tennis Elbow Naturally
Home Remedies, Exercises, and Professional Guidance
Without any treatment, tennis elbow symptoms can linger — up to 80% of patients still experience pain after one year.
Here are common treatment recommendations:
- Avoid or modify the activity that causes pain
- Don’t sleep with your elbow bent under your pillow
- Try not to lift heavy objects with your palm facing down
- Consider using a counterforce brace
- Apply ice massage
- Use sports creams to reduce inflammation
- Perform gentle tennis elbow exercises to stretch and strengthen the forearm
Many patients report elbow pain when bending and straightening. Early treatment can prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Can Back Pain Cause Tennis Elbow or Vice Versa?
Many people are surprised to learn that back and elbow pain can be interconnected. Conditions like poor posture, spinal misalignment, or muscle imbalances in the mid or upper back may contribute to strain on the arms, potentially triggering or worsening elbow pain.
We’ve seen cases where tennis elbow symptoms improve only after addressing issues in the thoracic spine. If you're dealing with both back pain and elbow pain — especially in the mid-back — they may be more connected than you think.
