Can a Chiropractor Help With Tennis Elbow?
Pain on the outside of your elbow that flares when you grip a coffee cup, shake hands, or turn a doorknob is often tennis elbow. A tennis elbow chiropractor looks at the whole arm, including the wrist, shoulder, and neck, to find what is overloading the tendon. At Community Chiropractic, Dr. Patrick Nicholson, D.C. uses the gentle Activator Method to support your recovery, with no twisting, cracking, or popping.
Do You Have Tennis Elbow Pain?
Watch this short explainer.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is irritation of the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, most people who get it have never picked up a racket.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Repetitive gripping and wrist motion are the usual culprits. Carpentry, painting, bricklaying, knitting, piano playing, long hours of typing, and lifting objects with your palm facing down can all overload the tendon. It most often shows up in your dominant arm.
Common Tennis Elbow Symptoms
Pain on the outside of the elbow that may travel into the forearm and wrist, a weaker grip, and soreness when you straighten your arm or lift a full kettle. Early on, the pain may only appear during activity, then become constant.
How We Treat Tennis Elbow at Our Fulton Chiropractic Office
Gentle Activator Method Adjustments
Whole-Arm Assessment
A Care Plan Built Around Your Goals
What to Expect at Your First Visit With a Tennis Elbow Chiropractor
Your first visit starts with a conversation about when the pain began, what aggravates it, and what you do day to day. Dr. Nicholson then examines your elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck and explains what he finds in plain language. If your symptoms point to something other than tennis elbow, we will refer you to the right provider.
Dr. Nicholson has practiced in Fulton since 1998 and is a graduate of New York Chiropractic College. We accept most insurance, and our team can confirm your options when you call (315) 592-4740.
Tennis Elbow Self-Care Between Visits
Chiropractic care for tennis elbow works best when you support it at home. Small changes help the tendon settle while you heal. Rest the arm from the movements that spark the pain, and avoid leaning on your elbow, including while you sleep. When you lift, keep your palm facing up if you can.
Gentle ice massage after activity may ease soreness, and a counterforce brace can take some strain off the tendon for a while. Athletes may try a lighter racket or a larger grip size. We also share guided exercise videos so you can keep progressing at home. Recovery takes patience, so check in with us if you are not improving.
