Tennis Elbow Treatment in Mt Vernon, OH
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to athletes. In fact, many people in Mt Vernon who suffer from tennis elbow have never picked up a tennis racquet. This condition can affect anyone engaged in repetitive motions that overwork the muscles and tendons of the forearm and wrist. Common activities that lead to tennis elbow include long-term computer use, carpentry, painting, and even playing musical instruments.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons in the elbow are overloaded, typically by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. It’s often characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which may worsen when you lift or grip objects. Over time, people may also notice weakened grip strength, making it difficult to perform daily tasks like holding a coffee cup, shaking hands, or opening doors. If left untreated, the condition can cause chronic discomfort and loss of function in the affected arm.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:
- Sharp, burning pain on the outside of the elbow
- Tenderness around the elbow joint
- Weakened grip strength, particularly when gripping objects like a screwdriver, coffee mug, or gardening tools
- Pain during movements like lifting, gripping, or twisting the wrist
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Although tennis elbow is commonly associated with racquet sports, the majority of people who experience it do so because of their daily activities. It affects people in a wide range of professions, from plumbers and carpenters to office workers and musicians. Any activity that involves repetitive wrist and arm motions can increase the risk. People between the ages of 30 and 50 are particularly susceptible, especially when they suddenly start tasks that involve muscle groups they haven’t used before.
Common Causes:
- Repetitive wrist and forearm movements
- Occupational activities like typing, painting, and plumbing
- Sudden increase in physical activity involving the arm muscles
Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Chiropractic care provides a non-invasive, effective treatment for tennis elbow by addressing the root cause of the condition. Chiropractors focus on correcting spinal misalignments, which can lead to nerve interference and improper muscle functioning. By restoring normal spinal alignment, chiropractic care can help alleviate the abnormal muscle patterns that contribute to tennis elbow pain and weakness.
At our clinic, we take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing and treating tennis elbow. We begin by evaluating your symptoms, reviewing your activity history, and understanding your occupational demands. In some cases, advanced diagnostic tools like MRI, X-rays, or EMG studies may be used to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.
Chiropractic Treatments for Tennis Elbow:
- Spinal Adjustments: Correcting misalignments in the spine can relieve nerve interference and improve muscle function.
- Soft Tissue Therapy: Massage and other techniques to reduce muscle tension and promote healing in the forearm.
- Rehabilitation Exercises: Customized exercises to strengthen the forearm muscles and improve flexibility.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Advice on ergonomics, proper technique, and activity adjustments to prevent recurrence.
Why Choose Chiropractic for Tennis Elbow?
Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free solution to treating tennis elbow. Instead of relying on temporary pain relief from medications or considering invasive surgery, chiropractic focuses on correcting the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. With regular care, patients can experience long-term relief and regain full strength in the affected arm.
Don’t Let Tennis Elbow Limit You
If you're suffering from tennis elbow, don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Chiropractic care offers a proven and effective way to treat tennis elbow and get you back to your daily activities pain-free. Schedule an appointment with us today at New Life Chiropractic to learn how chiropractic adjustments and specialized treatments can help you overcome tennis elbow and regain control of your life.