What is tennis elbow?
When patients come to me with pain along the outside of the elbow, I often explain that tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, isn’t just a sports injury. It’s a form of repetitive strain that happens when the forearm muscles and tendons become irritated or inflamed from overuse. You don’t have to play tennis to get it; I’ve used chiropractic care to treat tennis elbow for office workers, painters, hair stylists, and even parents who simply lift their kids frequently.
How do I approach tennis elbow as a holistic chiropractor?
My goal is to understand why the inflammation started in the first place. I look beyond just the elbow to assess how the shoulder, wrist, and spine are functioning, because misalignments or muscle imbalances in those areas often create extra strain on the elbow joint.
A holistic chiropractic approach doesn’t chase symptoms, it focuses on restoring balance, mobility, and proper biomechanics throughout the entire kinetic chain (from your neck to your fingertips).
What does an initial evaluation look like?
During our first session, I take time to learn about your lifestyle, posture, work habits, and movement patterns. Then I perform a physical exam, checking:
- Muscle tension and inflammation around the elbow and forearm
- Wrist and shoulder alignment
- Range of motion
- Grip strength and nerve involvement
If needed, I might recommend imaging to rule out a tear or more advanced tendon damage.
What treatments do I use as a holistic chiropracticor for treating tennis elbow?
1. Gentle Joint Adjustmentschiropractor
Many people are surprised to learn that elbow, wrist, and even spinal misalignments can contribute to tennis elbow pain. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore alignment and reduce unnecessary strain on the tendons.
2. Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Therapy
I use techniques like trigger point therapy, Graston, or myofascial release to break up adhesions and improve blood flow to the irritated tendons. This accelerates healing and reduces inflammation naturally.
3. Therapeutic Stretching and Corrective Exercises
Once pain decreases, I teach patients targeted stretches and strengthening exercises to rebuild stability and prevent recurrence. These might include forearm extensor stretches, grip work, or shoulder stabilization movements.
4. Class 4 Laser or Ultrasound Therapy
For some patients, I incorporate laser therapy and/or ultrasound to boost tissue repair, reduce swelling, and relieve pain without medication to treat tennis elbow.
5. Lifestyle & Ergonomic Coaching
We’ll look at how you move throughout the day, typing, lifting, exercising, and make small adjustments that reduce repetitive strain. Something as simple as wrist posture or desk height can make a big difference.
How long does it take to heal tennis elbow naturally?
It depends on how long you’ve had the condition and how consistently you follow your care plan. Most patients begin to feel improvement within 3 to 6 sessions, though full healing can take several weeks. My focus is not just short-term relief but long-term prevention through better movement habits and strength balance.
Can chiropractic care really help tennis elbow?
Yes, and I see it every week in my practice. Chiropractic care is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments for tennis elbow because it doesn’t just calm inflammation—it addresses the underlying mechanical stress that caused it. When the joints and muscles work together properly, the elbow no longer has to bear excess tension.
Do I use medication or injections?
No. My approach is drug-free and non-invasive. Rather than masking pain with medication or cortisone shots, I focus on restoring healthy movement and allowing the body to heal itself.
How can you prevent tennis elbow from coming back?
After recovery, I usually recommend:
- Regular stretching of the forearm muscles
- Strength training to balance the wrist and shoulder
- Taking frequent breaks from repetitive tasks
- Periodic chiropractic check-ins to maintain proper joint alignment
Treating the Whole Person, Not Just the Elbow
As a holistic chiropractor, I don’t just see an inflamed tendon, I see a person whose body is signaling for better balance. By combining adjustments, muscle therapy, targeted exercises, and lifestyle support, we can relieve pain, restore strength, and help your body move freely again, without surgery or medication.
If you’re struggling with elbow pain or suspect tennis elbow, I encourage you to schedule an evaluation. With the right care, recovery is not only possible, it can be lasting.