Do you have Tennis Elbow?

Do you have a persistent pain around your elbow that bothers you frequently when engaging in repetitive tasks, typing on a keyboard, or gripping items such as grocery bags? If so, you may be experiencing a condition commonly known as tennis elbow! You might be thinking, "But I don't even play tennis!" Interestingly, you are not alone in this sentiment; in fact, the majority of individuals who suffer from tennis elbow do not participate in the sport at all. Tennis elbow, medically referred to as "Lateral Epicondylitis," is a condition that is more often associated with the everyday activities that many of us engage in, such as holding our smartphones, typing at work, or even performing household chores like washing dishes. The underlying cause of tennis elbow is an inflammatory condition affecting the tendon attachments of the forearm muscles to the elbow, specifically at the lateral epicondyle, which is a bony prominence on the outer part of the elbow. This condition typically arises from the high-frequency use of our hands and forearms, particularly when these movements are executed in a repetitive manner or in positions that are not ergonomically sound. The inflammation can lead to significant discomfort, which may manifest as a dull ache or sharp pain, and can affect one or both elbows, making even simple tasks feel daunting. When we perform repetitive motions—such as gripping, lifting, or twisting our forearms—without adequate rest or proper technique, we can inadvertently place excessive strain on the tendons and muscles surrounding the elbow joint. This strain can result in tiny tears in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. Symptoms may worsen over time if the activity continues without modification or appropriate treatment. The pain associated with tennis elbow can be quite disruptive to daily life, affecting not only your ability to perform work tasks efficiently but also hindering your enjoyment of leisure activities. Simple joys such as playing with your children, engaging in sports, or even lifting a cup of coffee can become sources of frustration and discomfort.

HOW TO FIX IT?

At Staker Chiropractic & Associates, our most powerful tool in treating and resolving tennis elbow is Active Release Technique. Our doctors are all full body certified in this soft tissue treatment therapy and have a combined over 40 years experience as ART providers. This is a hands on myofascial treatment approach that frees up each of the individual contributing musculature of the forearm and alleviating the irritation onto the attachment site of the elbow, and is the gold standard way of treating overuse injuries to soft tissues such as tennis elbow. Recognizing the signs early and seeking appropriate interventions, such as Active Release Technique, rest, ice therapy, and ergonomic adjustments, can be crucial in managing the condition effectively and preventing it from becoming a chronic issue. It can also be tied to other areas of tightness, such as neck and shoulder tension that may have been lurking for months to years.

Understanding the nature of tennis elbow and its relation to common activities can empower individuals to take proactive steps towards recovery and maintain a more pain-free lifestyle. Please give us a call to consult about your elbow pain!

Trevor Williams D.C.