Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the elbow, not just from playing tennis, but from any repetitive gripping activities, especially if they use the thumb and first two fingers. It’s characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony part of your elbow. Fortunately, you don’t have to continue suffering or turn to invasive procedures for relief. Let’s explore how chiropractic care and shockwave therapy offer powerful solutions.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow results from the overuse of the muscles and tendons in your forearm and elbow. It’s not limited to tennis players; painters, carpenters, and even office workers can be affected due to repetitive movements. The main symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Pain when lifting or bending the arm
- Pain when gripping small objects, such as a pen
- Pain when twisting the forearm, like turning a door handle or opening a jar
Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow
Chiropractic care is highly effective for treating tennis elbow by addressing both the symptoms and the root causes of the condition. Treatment may include:
- Joint adjustments: Chiropractors can perform specific adjustments to the elbow and wrist to improve alignment and function, which helps alleviate stress on affected muscles and tendons.
- Soft tissue therapy: Techniques such as myofascial release and cross-friction massage can help reduce tension and scar tissue in the forearm muscles.
Shockwave Therapy: A Modern Approach
Shockwave therapy is a newer, non-invasive treatment showing great promise for those with tennis elbow. This therapy uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. Benefits include:
- Pain reduction: Shockwave therapy helps to reduce pain by blocking pain signals sent to the brain.
- Increased cell growth and tissue repair: The waves stimulate the metabolism and enhance blood circulation, which can speed up healing.
- Decrease in inflammation and calcification: Shockwave therapy can help reduce inflammation and break down calcium buildup in the elbow’s soft tissues.
Integrating Treatments for Optimal Results
Combining chiropractic adjustments with shockwave therapy can provide synergistic effects, accelerating recovery and preventing future injuries. This integrated approach ensures a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to individual needs.
Conclusion
If you’re struggling with tennis elbow, consider these effective, non-surgical options. At Vector Spine and Sport, we specialize in advanced treatments like chiropractic care and shockwave therapy to help you return to pain-free living. Contact us today to see how we can help you say goodbye to tennis elbow for good.
