Tennis
elbow often gets better on its own, but the majority of people who
have persistent pain show improvement through non-surgical
treatment.
Tennis elbow is actually a misnomer in that it
occurs in roughly only five percent of people who play tennis.
Anatomically, the cause of tennis elbow is repetitive use of
the forearm extensor muscles, especially if they weren't used much
previously. In my experience, tennis elbow is rarely a condition of
it's own. It is almost always related to a malfunctioning shoulder
and related structures.
In other words, if your upper
extremity is not functioning the way it's supposed to, over time you
are going to get problems Practically any occupation, sporting
endeavor, or household activity that has repeated use of the
shoulder, arm, forearm and wrist may lead to this condition.
Certain activities and occupations are more commonly
associated with tennis elbow, such as plumbing, painting, fishing,
butchering, computer use, and playing certain musical instruments.
Tennis elbow is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50,
but can affect people of all ages.
Symptoms
People with
tennis elbow complain of pain that expands from the outer elbow into
their forearm and wrist. The pain primarily occurs where the tendons
of your forearm attach to the bony areas on the outside elbow. In
addition to pain, people with tennis elbow experience weakness that
makes it particularly difficult to hold a coffee cup, turn a
doorknob, or even shake hands. Tennis elbow can cause weakness when
twisting or grabbing objects.
Tests
In many cases, we
take a look at entire skeletal system. Why? Because for example, a
slight curvature of the mid spine can cause a high shoulder which can
affect the arm and elbow; overtime causing tennis elbow. We then work
to reduce inflammation and restore normal function of the entire
upper extremity. In other words we work on the cause of tennis elbow
to prevent it from reoccurring. We may need to order X-rays, Magnetic
Resonance Imaging (MRI), or Electromyography (EMG) to assess any
structural damage that has occurred over time, but in most cases
normal activities can be resumed in no time.
Treatment
A
chiropractor will be able to determine if a misalignment in your
spine, neck, or shoulders may be causing an overcompensation injury.
In some cases, a basic chiropractic adjustment and cold laser may be
all your need to stop your symptoms of pain. We will also work with
you to determine which activities may have caused your injury and may
have you temporarily rest your arm while refraining from the trigger
activities.. Compression, by using an elastic bandage, is helpful to
provide relief and prevent further injury. Lastly, elevating your
elbow whenever possible will limit or prevent swelling.
If
chiropractic adjustments and cold laser helps to alleviate tennis
elbow symptoms, then a specific exercise plan is often the
recommended next step. You will learn exercises to stretch and
strengthen the muscles and tendons in your arm. We will also work
with you to develop proper form and technique regarding the activity
that was the likely culprit to developing your tennis
elbow.
Depending on the severity of the injury, we may suggest
you wear a brace or forearm strap, which will reduce stress on the
injured tissue while it heals.
Call us at (609) 484-9300.
Or
click the link below to schedule an
appointment.
http://www.drgitto.com/hylnet/clientapp/appointmen...
You
can also visit us on the web at www.drgitto.com/
We can help
you live an active-healthy lifestyle and enjoy every season of
life.
Like our Facebook Page and
Share!