Elbow pain
The term 'Tennis elbow' (lateral epicondylitis) describes pain found on the outer aspect of the elbow and the upper part of the forearm
Usually elbow pain is due to tendonitis or inflammation of the tendon as it inserts into the bone on the outer lateral part of the elbow. Tendons attach muscles to the bone and have a poorer blood supply than muscles.
Typically, tennis elbow is a repetitive strain injury, often the result of overuse resulting in shortening of the muscles. Sudden movement at the wrist may cause a tear in the muscle or tendon, such as the backhand swing in tennis, which is where the name originates.
Common lifestyle causes include DIY and gardening or repetitive work at a desk/ computer, carpentry, plumbing, cashier work, bowling. It may also be associated with shoulder girdle dysfunction.
Tennis elbow typically takes 4–6 weeks to resolve. The initial aim is to reduce inflammation around the elbow. Applying compression can also help and stabilise the elbow. Your chiropractor may adjust and mobilise the elbow, shoulder and the spine. They can give you lifestyle change advice to prevent the injury happening again and home exercises and stretches to rehabilitate the area.