10 August 2025

Tennis Elbow and How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Tennis elbow isn’t just for tennis players. In fact, most people who suffer from it have never even picked up a racket. This painful condition—known medically as lateral epicondylitis—can affect anyone whose work or hobbies involve repetitive arm, wrist, or hand movements.

If you’re dealing with sharp pain on the outside of your elbow that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions, chiropractic care may offer a natural, drug-free solution.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons, leading to small tears, inflammation, and tenderness where they attach to the bone.

Common causes include:

Repetitive gripping or twisting (sports, tools, or even typing)
Lifting heavy objects with an extended arm
Poor ergonomics at work or home
Improper sports technique

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

You may have tennis elbow if you notice:

Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
Weak grip strength
Pain when lifting, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob
Discomfort that worsens with repeated use of the arm

How Chiropractic Care Can Help

Chiropractic care looks beyond just the painful elbow—it focuses on restoring healthy movement patterns, reducing inflammation, and preventing the problem from coming back.

1. Joint Adjustments

Misalignments in the elbow, wrist, shoulder, or spine can contribute to faulty movement and added strain on your forearm muscles. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper joint mechanics.

2. Soft Tissue Therapy

Techniques such as myofascial release, massage, or instrument-assisted therapy can break down scar tissue, improve blood flow, and reduce muscle tightness in the forearm.

3. Reducing Nerve Irritation

If nerve irritation in the neck or upper back is contributing to muscle dysfunction, spinal adjustments can improve nerve communication and overall arm function.

4. Rehabilitative Exercises

Your chiropractor can recommend targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to restore balance between muscles and tendons, improving resilience.

5. Ergonomic & Activity Advice

Small changes to how you work, lift, or play sports can prevent re-injury. Your chiropractor can help you identify and correct movements that aggravate your elbow.

Benefits of Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow

Drug-free pain management
Faster recovery from flare-ups
Improved joint and muscle function
Reduced risk of recurrence
Whole-body approach to healing

When to See a Chiropractor

If elbow pain persists for more than a few days, is getting worse, or interferes with your daily activities, a chiropractor can help determine the root cause and develop a personalized treatment plan.

Bottom line: You don’t have to live with the pain and limitations of tennis elbow. Chiropractic care offers a hands-on, natural approach to healing—helping you get back to work, hobbies, and life without the ache.