Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects many people, not just tennis players. This painful condition arises from overuse of the elbow, leading to inflammation of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone who engages in repetitive tasks, understanding tennis elbow is essential for prevention and treatment.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow typically results from repetitive motions that strain the elbow joint. Common activities that may lead to this condition include:

Racquet sports: As the name suggests, tennis elbow is prevalent among tennis players due to the repetitive swinging of the racquet.
Manual labor: Professions that require repetitive wrist and arm movements, like carpentry or painting, can also contribute.
Poor ergonomics: Improper desk setup or awkward postures while using a computer can put unnecessary strain on the elbow.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Symptoms of tennis elbow can vary in intensity, but common signs include:

Pain on the outer elbow: This pain may radiate down the forearm and worsen with gripping or lifting.
Stiffness: The elbow may feel stiff, particularly in the morning.
Weak grip: You might find it difficult to hold objects or perform tasks that require grip strength.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek professional advice to determine the best course of action.

Treatment Options
At LSM Chiropractic, we focus on personalized treatment plans to help alleviate your pain and restore function. Here are some common approaches to managing tennis elbow:

Rest and Ice: Allowing the elbow to rest and applying ice can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Physical Therapy: A tailored physical therapy program can strengthen the muscles around the elbow, improve flexibility, and enhance overall function. tennis elbow

Chiropractic Care: Our skilled chiropractors can provide manual adjustments and soft tissue therapy to relieve tension and promote healing.

Bracing: Using a forearm brace can help reduce strain on the elbow during daily activities.

Anti-inflammatory Medications: Over-the-counter medications can help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

Gradual Return to Activity: Once pain subsides, slowly reintroducing activities can help prevent recurrence. It’s important to focus on proper techniques to avoid overuse.

Prevention Strategies
While tennis elbow can be painful and frustrating, there are several strategies you can implement to prevent it:

Warm-up properly: Always take time to warm up your muscles before engaging in any sport or physical activity.
Strengthen forearm muscles: Incorporating strength training can help build endurance in the muscles that support the elbow.
Use proper equipment: Ensure that your sports equipment is appropriate for your body size and skill level.
Ergonomic adjustments: If you work at a desk, make sure your workspace is set up to promote good posture and minimize strain.
Conclusion
Tennis elbow is a manageable condition with the right approach. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at LSM Chiropractic. Our team is here to help you recover and get back to doing what you love, pain-free. Remember, early intervention is key to preventing long-term issues, so take the first step toward relief today!