What Is Tennis Elbow?
Think your elbow pain is just from playing tennis? Think again! Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is actually a common condition that affects people from all walks of life. That nagging pain on the outside of your elbow often has more to do with repetitive movements than just with playing tennis.
We regularly see this condition in:
Office workers (that mouse clicking adds up!)
Painters
Plumbers
Weight lifters (especially with improper form)
Manufacturing workers
And yes, tennis players too!
The truth is, any activity that involves repeated gripping, twisting, or extending your wrist can lead to tennis elbow. It's not about how hard you're working - it's about how those movements accumulate over time. Even seemingly light activities, when done repeatedly, can create this frustrating condition.
Common Signs You Might Have Tennis Elbow
Let's talk about what tennis elbow really feels like. If you're dealing with this condition, you'll likely notice some distinct symptoms that can affect your daily activities in frustrating ways.
Here are the classic signs to watch for:
Pain on the outside of your elbow (especially with certain movements)
Weakness when gripping objects (even simple things like turning a doorknob)
Discomfort when lifting objects (particularly with your palm down)
Morning stiffness that takes time to "warm up"
Pain that just won't seem to go away on its own
What makes tennis elbow particularly frustrating is how it can affect simple daily tasks you usually take for granted. Opening jars, carrying groceries, or even shaking hands can become challenging. The pain might start mild but often progresses if not addressed properly.
Why Does Tennis Elbow Happen?
Tennis elbow develops from repetitive strain on the forearm muscles that attach to your elbow. But here's what most people don't realize - this isn't just about one wrong move or overdoing it one time. It's about patterns and movements that develop and accumulate over time, gradually creating stress on these tissues.
Let's break down the common causes:
Repetitive motions (like using a screwdriver or computer mouse)
Poor movement patterns (often we don't realize we're moving incorrectly)
Muscle imbalances (some muscles working too hard while others aren't doing their share)
Workplace ergonomics (that desk setup might be causing more problems than you think)
Training errors (sometimes trying to get stronger can actually create problems)
The tricky part about tennis elbow is that these issues often sneak up on you. You might not notice a problem until the condition has already developed. That's why understanding these causes is crucial - it helps us not only treat the condition but prevent it from coming back.
Our Treatment Approach
At Balanced Chiropractic + Wellness, we take a comprehensive approach to treating tennis elbow. We don't just focus on where it hurts - because your elbow pain might actually start somewhere else. That's why we look at your entire arm and how it functions:
How your wrist moves (often a key player in elbow problems)
Shoulder function (because poor shoulder movement can stress your elbow)
Neck position (yes, your neck can affect your elbow!)
Movement patterns (how you perform daily activities)
Daily activities (what might be aggravating the condition)
Our treatment options are designed to address all these factors:
Specific joint adjustments (to restore proper movement)
Soft tissue work (for those angry muscles and tendons)
Movement retraining (teaching your body better patterns)
Activity modification (so you can keep doing what you love)
Home exercise program (because healing continues between visits)
What makes our approach different is that we don't just treat symptoms - we identify and address why the problem developed in the first place. This comprehensive strategy helps not only resolve your current pain but prevent it from coming back.
Understanding and treating tennis elbow properly can make the difference between ongoing frustration and getting back to your normal activities. Whether you're dealing with a recent onset or a chronic condition, there are solutions that go beyond just "wait and see" or "take some pain meds."
At Balanced Chiropractic + Wellness, we help patients from Windsor, DeForest, and the greater Madison area find real answers to their elbow pain. Through comprehensive assessment and targeted treatment, we can help you understand why your elbow hurts and what to do about it.
Have questions about your elbow pain? Text us at 608-842-2622. We're happy to help you understand your options.