Conquer Tennis Elbow: Understanding Causes and Finding Relief

Tennis elbow, also known as Lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET), is the most common cause of elbow pain in adults, impacting approximately 1-3% of the general population (11). While the condition typically resolves on its own, the associated pain can significantly impede daily activities and hinder individual’s work capacity. Despite its name, tennis elbow isn't limited to athletes; it can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm motions or activities involving gripping and wrist extension. In this article, we'll delve into what lateral elbow tendinopathy is, its common causes, how chiropractic care can assist in its management, and preventive measures and rehabilitation
techniques.

Beat Tennis Elbow: Key Causes and Effective Relief Methods

Understanding Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy

LET manifests when the tendons attaching to the outer part of the elbow undergo inflammation or damage due to repetitive stress or overuse rather than a singular injury. This condition, characterized by pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, often develops gradually over time which leads to the underuse of hte affected arm and further weakening in the tendon structure (10). The primary culprit muscles involved are the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) and extensor digitorum, with pain stemming from excessive tensile force on the affected musculotendinous structure (7). Moreover, injuries to the common extensor tendon may not only result from repetitive tensile loading but also from shearing forces against the capitellum during forearm rotation (2). Activities such as gripping objects, shaking hands, or lifting can exacerbate the discomfort.

Common Causes

Several factors can contribute to the development of lateral epicondylitis:

• Repetitive Motions: Jobs or sports that involve repetitive arm movements, such as tennis, painting, carpentry, or typing, can strain the tendons over time.

• Poor Technique: Incorrect technique or form during physical activities can place excessive stress on the tendons, leading to inflammation and injury.

• Age and Overuse: As we age, tendons become less flexible andmore prone to injury. Overuse without adequate rest can also contribute to the onset of lateral epicondylitis.

How Chiropractic Can Help

Chiropractic care offers a non-invasive approach to managing lateral epicondylitis. Here's how chiropractors can assist:

• Manual Therapy: Finding a Victoria chiropractor that can employ hands-on techniques like soft tissue therapy, manipulation, and mobilization to reduce pain and improve joint function (4)(5).

• Modalities: Various modalities such as electrical stimulation, kinesotaping may be utilized to promote tissue healing, reduce inflammation, and provide short-term pain relief (7)(13).

• Exercise Prescription: Chiropractors can prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow, aiding in rehabilitation and preventing future episodes (9)(10).

Tennis elbow Prevention and Rehabilitation

Preventing lateral epicondylitis and facilitating recovery involve several key strategies:

• Proper Technique: Ensure proper technique and form during physical activities to avoid placing excessive stress on the tendons.

• Gradual Progression: Gradually increase the intensity and duration of activities to allow the tendons to adapt without becoming overwhelmed (10).

• Rest and Recovery: Allow adequate rest between activities to prevent overuse and give the tendons time to heal.

• Strength and Flexibility: Incorporate regular stretching and strengthening exercises targeting the forearm muscles to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury (8)(9)(10).

• Use of Protective Equipment: When engaging in activities with a high risk of elbow injury, such as sports or manual labor, consider using supportive braces or dynamic wrist splinting or equipment to reduce strain on the tendons. 

By adopting these preventive measures and seeking timely treatment from a chiropractor or healthcare professional, individuals can effectively manage lateral epicondylitis and minimize its impact on daily activities.

In conclusion, lateral elbow tendinopathy, or tennis elbow, is a common yet debilitating condition caused by overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons of the elbow. While it can significantly impact quality of life, proactive measures such as proper technique, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation exercises can help alleviate pain, improve function, and prevent recurrence. Remember, early intervention and a comprehensive approach are key to successfully managing this condition. Book for a chiropractic consultation today.

References 

1. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS). (n.d.). Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis). OrthoInfo. Retrieved from https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/

2. Bunata ER. Anatomic factors related to the cause of tennis elbow. J Bone Jt Surg (American). 2007;89:1955. https://doi. org/10.2106/00004623-200709000-00010

3. DeCastro, A. (2020). Common upper-extremity injuries. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 47(1), 105-114.

4. Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association. (n.d.). Manual therapy for the treatment of pain and limited range of motion in subjects with signs and symptoms of tennis elbow: a pilot study. PubMed Central. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2231435/

5. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics. (n.d.). Manipulation and Mobilization of the Cervical Spine. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10227892/

6. Landesa-Martínez, L., & Leirós-Rodríguez, R. (2021). Physiotherapy treatment of lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review.. Journal of back and musculoskeletal rehabilitation. https://doi.org/10.3233/BMR-210053.

7. Lucado, A. M., Day, J. M., Vincent, J. I., MacDermid, J. C., Fedorczyk, J., Grewal, R., ... & Beattie, P. F. (2022). Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments: Clinical Practice Guidelines Linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health from the Academy of Hand and Upper Extremity Physical Therapy and the Academy of Orthopaedic Physical Therapy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 52(12), CPG1-CPG111.

8. Sports Health: A Multidisciplinary Approach. (n.d.). Prevention and Treatment of Tennis Elbow: A Review of the Current Literature. SAGE Journals. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1941738109357296

9. The Physician and Sportsmedicine. (n.d.). Eccentric exercise versus eccentric exercise and soft manual therapy for the management of insertional Achilles tendinopathy with midportion Achilles tendinopathy: A randomized controlled trial. PubMed. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25010197/

10. Karbowiak, M., Holme, T., Thambyrajah, J., & Mascio, L. (2023). Management of lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). BMJ, 381. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2022-072574.

11. Urits, I., Markel, M., Choi, P., Vij, N., Tran, A., An, D., Berger, A., Cornett, E., Kaye, A., & Viswanath, O. (2020). Minimally invasive treatment of lateral epicondylitis.. Best practice & research. Clinical anaesthesiology, 34 3, 583-602 . https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bpa.2020.08.004.

12. Vaquero-Picado, A., Barco, R., & Antuña, S. (2016). Lateral epicondylitis of the elbow. EFORT Open Reviews, 1, 391 - 397. https://doi.org/10.1302/2058-5241.1.000049.

13. Zhong Y, Zheng C, Zheng J, et al. Kinesio tape reduces pain in patients with lateral epicondylitis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials [Internet] [cited 2020 Jul 1]; Available from: Int J Surg 2020 Apr 1;76:190e9. https://pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32165280/.