Quick Answer
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, you do not have to play tennis to develop it. Repetitive gripping, lifting, twisting and wrist movements can all contribute.
Treatment often focuses on reducing irritation, restoring mobility and gradually rebuilding strength. Depending on the cause and severity, care may include activity modification, exercise, soft tissue treatment, bracing and other conservative therapies.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition involving the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow.
These tendons help control wrist and hand movements. Repeated strain can irritate the area and, over time, contribute to changes within the tendon tissue.
Tennis is one possible cause, but the condition can affect many people who regularly perform repetitive arm and wrist movements.
This may include:
- Racquet sport athletes
- Baseball players
- Tradespeople
- Mechanics
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Office workers
- People who regularly lift or grip tools and equipment
What Does Tennis Elbow Feel Like?
The most common symptom is pain or tenderness around the bony area on the outside of the elbow.
Pain may also extend into the forearm and can become more noticeable during certain movements.
You may experience discomfort when:
- Gripping an object
- Shaking hands
- Turning a doorknob
- Lifting a cup or bag
- Using tools
- Straightening your wrist
- Carrying objects with your palm facing down
Grip strength may also feel weaker than usual.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is commonly associated with repeated stress on the forearm muscles and tendons.
Activities that involve frequent gripping, wrist extension or repetitive arm movements can gradually overload the tendon.
In some cases, symptoms begin after a specific increase in activity. In others, the discomfort develops slowly over time.
Poor technique, sudden changes in training volume, repetitive workplace tasks and inadequate recovery can all contribute.
Can Chiropractic Care Help With Tennis Elbow?
Chiropractic care for tennis elbow may focus on the elbow itself as well as the wrist, forearm and surrounding joints and muscles.
A chiropractor can assess how the injury developed, which movements aggravate it and whether other areas of the arm are contributing to the problem.
Depending on your individual situation, treatment may include:
Soft Tissue Therapy
Soft tissue techniques may be used to address tight or irritated muscles and tissues around the forearm and elbow.
Joint Mobilization
Restricted movement in the elbow, wrist or surrounding joints may sometimes contribute to how the arm is being loaded. Manual therapy may be used as part of a broader treatment plan.
Exercise and Rehabilitation
Gradual strengthening is an important part of managing many tendon problems.
Your chiropractor may recommend exercises designed to improve the strength and tolerance of the forearm muscles and tendons.
Shockwave Therapy
Some clinics use extracorporeal shockwave therapy for persistent tendon problems. Acoustic waves are applied to the affected tissue with the goal of supporting the healing process.
Whether it is appropriate depends on your symptoms and how long the problem has been present.
Bracing or Elbow Straps
A temporary elbow strap or brace may help reduce strain during certain activities.
Bracing is generally used alongside rehabilitation rather than as the only treatment.
Should You Stretch Tennis Elbow?
Gentle mobility work may be useful, but stretching alone is not always the answer.
Tendons often respond well to a combination of appropriate movement, progressive strengthening and load management.
Doing too much too quickly can aggravate symptoms, which is why exercises should be matched to your current level of irritation and activity.
How Long Does Tennis Elbow Take to Heal?
Recovery time varies.
Mild cases may improve relatively quickly with appropriate changes to activity and rehabilitation. More persistent tendon problems can take considerably longer.
Factors such as how long you have had symptoms, your occupation, activity level and how consistently you follow your rehabilitation plan can all affect recovery.
When Should You Get Tennis Elbow Checked?
Consider having your elbow assessed if:
- Pain is getting worse
- Symptoms are interfering with work or sports
- Grip strength is noticeably reduced
- Pain persists despite reducing the aggravating activity
- You are unsure whether the problem is actually tennis elbow
Not every case of elbow pain is tennis elbow, so an assessment can help determine what is causing your symptoms and what treatment approach makes sense.
Tennis Elbow Treatment at Bridge Chiropractic
Tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when it begins affecting simple tasks like lifting, gripping or working.
At Bridge Chiropractic, treatment can be tailored to the cause of your symptoms and your individual activity demands. Care may include manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, rehabilitation exercises, bracing recommendations and other conservative treatment options.
If elbow pain is limiting what you can do, having it assessed by a Chiropractor early can help you understand the problem and start working toward a return to normal activity.