Tennis Elbow and Your Chiropractor

By Randi Morse

Sometimes medical conditions are given names that don't really match up with their symptoms or with how you got the condition in the first place. Let's talk about tennis elbow. When you hear the phrase "tennis elbow" your mind likely conjures up an image of a person running around a tennis court playing tennis, and that would be a logical thing to think. Actually, tennis elbow can happen to almost anyone, no matter whether you've ever picked up a racket or not!

What Is Tennis Elbow

Instead of being called tennis elbow it should be called something like "repetitive injury elbow," as that's generally how this type of injury occurs. The scientific name is epicondylitis. Your elbow has a bunch of tendons on both sides of the bone that help to support the arm and shoulder. When the lateral tendons, which are the tendons that are on the same side of your arm as your thumb is, become inflamed, you get tennis elbow.

What Causes Tennis Elbow

There are a few things that can cause tennis elbow but one of the most common causes is overuse. Repetitive motion can bring a stress to the tendons that your body can't quite handle. This causes tiny little tears in the tendon, which is when the inflammation and pain start to occur. If you do any type of repetitive motion with your arm, like painting or working in a factory, you're at risk of tennis elbow. In rare cases it occurs when you bang your elbow just a bit too hard. 

Tennis Elbow Symptoms

Because there are so many muscles and tendons in your arm it can be difficult to figure out exactly what is causing your pain. When it comes to tennis elbow you'll likely feel pain whenever your hand or wrist is lifted up, especially if you're trying to pick up something. For example, if you pick up a gallon of milk and your arm hurts, you might have tennis elbow. You'll likely also experience weakness in the affected arm as well. 

Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow

At The Joint Chiropractic you can find help with tennis elbow. Chiropractic professionals are trained to gently adjust joints of all of the extremities, which includes your elbows. With the right treatment your tendon will be able to get the relief it needs, allowing it to heal properly. At The Joint Chiropractic you'll find affordable rates and a walk-in office so you'll have the best opportunity to help alleviate your tennis elbow pain.

To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Owings Mills, Md.