Tennis Elbow: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Tennis elbow—or lateral epicondylitis—is a painful condition affecting the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to develop it. Any repetitive gripping or wrist motion can cause this common overuse injury.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow) become inflamed and damaged from repetitive stress. These tendons connect the forearm muscles that extend the wrist and fingers.

Common Causes

Activities that can lead to tennis elbow:

Racquet sports (tennis, racquetball, squash)
Repetitive computer mouse use
Painting or using hand tools
Plumbing, carpentry, or assembly work
Cooking and food preparation
Playing musical instruments

Recognizing the Symptoms

Signs of tennis elbow include:

Pain on the outer side of the elbow
Weak grip strength
Pain when shaking hands or turning doorknobs
Difficulty holding objects like coffee cups
Pain that radiates down the forearm
Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning

The Chiropractic Approach

Chiropractic care for tennis elbow goes beyond just treating the elbow. We examine the entire kinetic chain—wrist, elbow, shoulder, and spine—to identify all contributing factors and provide comprehensive treatment.

Our treatment may include:

Joint mobilization of the elbow, wrist, and shoulder
Soft tissue therapy to the forearm muscles
Cervical and thoracic spine adjustments
Shockwave therapy to promote healing
Rehabilitative exercises and stretches
Ergonomic recommendations

Without proper treatment, tennis elbow can become chronic and significantly impact daily activities. Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

Prevention Strategies

Reduce your risk:

Use proper technique in sports and work activities
Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks
Strengthen forearm muscles
Use ergonomic tools and equipment
Stretch forearm muscles regularly