How Chiropractic Care Can Help Athletes (& Non-Athletes) Recover from Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow can seriously mess with your game, whether you’re swinging a racket, throwing a pitch, or even gripping a golf club. And here’s the kicker: you don’t even have to be a tennis player to end up with it. 

Any repetitive arm motion in sports, occupation, or hobbies can overwork the elbow joint and surrounding tissues, potentially leading to pain and injury.

We rely on strong, healthy elbows for just about everything. If you’re an athlete, healthy elbows enable you to compete at a high level, train intensely, and recover effectively after workouts. However, even if you lead a more sedentary lifestyle, tennis elbow can impact various aspects of your daily routine, from making the bed to typing on your computer. 

So, what is tennis elbow, and what can you do about it?

This article covers:

• What tennis elbow actually is
• What causes tennis elbow
• At-home remedies to ease pain naturally
• Chiropractic solutions that target real and lasting healing
• And more
  

Wondering if you’re dealing with tennis elbow? Read on — we’ll help you figure it out.

What is Tennis Elbow? 

Tennis elbow happens when the soft tissues connecting your forearm to your elbow become irritated, inflamed, or damaged. It’s most often caused by repeated stress and strain, especially from sports or physically demanding activities.

Athletes and individuals most prone to tennis elbow include:

• Racquet sport players, such as  tennis, pickleball, squash, and racquetball
• Baseball and softball players
• Golfers
• Bowlers
• Climbers
• Weightlifters
• Throwers and pitchers
• Carpenters and plumbers
• Painters
• Musicians 
• Auto mechanics 
• Butchers and chefs
  

Because of regular use, the muscles and tendons in the forearm deteriorate over time, leading to tears and instability in the elbow. 

While repetitive movement is the primary cause, tennis elbow can also develop after a sudden injury, such as a fall during a game or practice.

Do I Have Tennis Elbow?

Spotting tennis elbow early is important, especially for athletes who need to stay in the game or professionals who need to get back to work.

Symptoms can sneak up on you; they usually include:

• Elbow stiffness and weakness
• Pain when extending, straightening, or twisting your arm
• Discomfort when gripping, lifting, or swinging
• A burning sensation along the outer elbow
• Pain radiating from the elbow down toward the wrist
• Nighttime elbow pain that disrupts sleep
• Swelling and tenderness around the joint
• Decreased grip strength, making it challenging to hold sports gear or equipment
  

If you’re feeling these symptoms, don’t tough it out; get checked by your local sports chiropractor. Proper diagnosis and a solid treatment plan are key to making a full comeback.

How to Relieve Tennis Elbow Pain at Home

If you’re battling elbow pain and looking for athlete-approved, chiropractor-recommended tips, here are a few ways to jump-start recovery:

Elevate & ice the elbow 

Reducing blood flow to the affected area through elevation and ice can help lower swelling and inflammation, which aids in restoring mobility and comfort. Ice also acts as a natural numbing agent, making it easier to manage discomfort in the early stages.

Gently stretch & massage the area

Light stretching and self-massage can help loosen tight muscles and tissues around the elbow, promoting relaxation and improved blood flow. However, if stretching increases your pain, stop immediately and consult a chiropractor. 

Listen to your body

Pain is your body’s warning system. Don’t power through it or “walk it off.” Rest your arm, modify your training, and allow the tissues time to heal. Recovery is just as important as practice.

Effective Chiropractic Solutions to Treat Tennis Elbow in Pittsburgh

Sports chiropractic care provides noninvasive, proven treatments to help heal overuse injuries, such as tennis elbow. At our Pittsburgh chiropractic clinic, we conduct a detailed examination of your elbow mechanics and overall movement patterns to pinpoint the cause and create a personalized treatment plan.

Our treatments that effectively and safely treat tennis elbow include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to optimize joint alignment
• Manual therapies, including myofascial release, for soft tissue healing
• Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)  
• Corrective exercises and stretches for strengthening, conditioning, and restoration
• Lifestyle guidance regarding strengthening and proactive care

Our in-clinic care pairs perfectly with your at-home exercises, providing a comprehensive recovery toolkit. We understand that you want to return to peak performance, and we’re here to help you achieve it safely and effectively.

Let’s get you back in the game. Visit our experienced Pittsburgh chiropractor today. Contact us today or book now, and start moving pain-free again!