What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis is a painful condition that strikes the outside of your elbow. Despite its sporty name, you definitely don’t have to be a Wimbledon regular to fall victim to it! In fact, anyone who does lots of repetitive arm, elbow or wrist actions can develop symptoms. Think gardeners, plumbers, musicians, DIYers, office workers and, yes, even parents picking up little ones.

Tennis elbow happens when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to your elbow become irritated and inflamed. It tends to creep in gradually, first as a dull ache and eventually as sharper pain or weakness.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is all about overuse and repetitive strain. Movements that put too much stress on the forearm, especially gripping while twisting your wrist are the usual suspects. Over time, tiny tears form in the tendon, which trigger inflammation and pain.

Typical causes include:

• Playing racquet or throwing sports (not just tennis but, squash, badminton, cricket, golf, even netball)

• DIY jobs like hammering, screwing, painting or sanding

• Occupations involving lots of computer mouse use or typing

• Repetitive manual work like using tools, packing boxes or lifting

• Playing certain musical instruments

Who Gets Tennis Elbow?

While it can affect anyone, tennis elbow is most common in adults aged 35 to 54. Both men and women can get it, and you’re more at risk if your hobbies or job involve repeated wrist or arm movements. If you’ve had it once, unfortunately, you’re more prone to getting it again.

Common Symptoms

Spotting tennis elbow is usually pretty straightforward. Be on the lookout for:

• Pain or tenderness on the outside of your elbow that may radiate down your forearm

• Weak grip strength

• Pain made worse by lifting, gripping, twisting or even shaking hands

• Stiffness in the morning or after periods of rest

If you notice any of these, nip the problem in the bud quickly. Early action is key to faster recovery.

How ChiroHealth Can Help with Tennis Elbow

At ChiroHealth, we understand just how frustrating and limiting tennis elbow can feel. Our patient focused clinics in Essex combine chiropractic expertise, sports injury know how and practical, honest guidance to help you beat pain and get your groove back.

What to Expect When You Visit Us

1. Thorough Assessment:
   Every patient is different. We’ll take time to ask about your symptoms, daily activities and medical history. Your chiropractor will examine your arm, elbow, and wrist to identify exactly what’s going on.

1. Accurate Diagnosis:
   We rule out other possible causes of elbow pain (like arthritis or nerve issues) and often use orthopaedic tests to pinpoint the affected tendons and muscles.

1. Personalised Care Plan:
   You’ll get a step-by-step recovery plan. This might include hands-on chiropractic treatments, soft tissue therapy, gentle exercises, activity modifications and ergonomic advice. Our goal is always to support healing – and prevent the problem returning.

1. Expert, Ongoing Advice:
   We’re big believers in patient education, so we arm you with the knowledge and reminders you need to keep tennis elbow at bay, long after you leave the clinic.

Ready to get started? Book an appointment with our friendly team at ChiroHealth.

Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow

Chiropractic care is all about getting your body moving and healing naturally. Here’s how we help patients with tennis elbow:

• Joint Mobilisation: Gentle manipulation of the elbow, wrist, and sometimes the neck can improve movement and take pressure off stubborn, painful areas.

• Soft Tissue Work: Massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release can ease tension and promote better blood flow to speed healing.

• Tailored Exercises: We’ll guide you through stretches and strengthening moves that target your forearm muscles and tendons (without flaring up symptoms).

• Shockwave Therapy: For tough cases, we may use technology like shockwave therapy to kickstart the body’s repair process.

• Ergonomic Coaching: Little tweaks to your desk setup, tools or sporting technique can make a huge difference in preventing the problem from coming back.

• Patient-Focused Rehab: We believe recovery doesn’t stop in the clinic. Our team checks your progress and adapts your plan so you keep improving, step by step.

Practical Tips for Managing and Preventing Tennis Elbow

Whether you’re already struggling with elbow pain or just want to avoid it altogether, these practical tips can help:

In the Early Stages:

• Rest: Give your forearm a break and avoid the activities that triggered your pain

• Ice: Apply ice to the outside of your elbow for 10-15 minutes, two or three times a day

• Pain Relief: Use over the counter painkillers such as paracetamol or (if suitable for you) anti-inflammatories, or try topical gels

• Brace or Strap: Wearing a counterforce brace around your forearm can take pressure off the tendon

As You Recover:

• Gentle Exercise: Introduce daily stretching (advised by your chiropractor or physio) to gently ease stiffness and restore movement

• Build Strength Gradually: Carefully add resistance exercises to rebuild the muscles that stabilise your elbow

• Check Your Technique: If sport or work triggered your tennis elbow, small changes (like grip size or posture) can make a major difference

Prevention Tips:

• Warm Up: Always warm up muscles before repetitive activities or sport

• Mix It Up: Vary your routine to avoid constant repetition that overloads one part of your arm

• Ergonomics Matter: Adjust your desk, mouse, tools or sports equipment for best fit

• Listen to Your Body: Don’t ignore aches or twinges, especially if they keep coming back

Want tailored tips for your lifestyle or sport? Our clinicians are always happy to help. Just ask us at your next appointment.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

The positive news is that most cases of tennis elbow gradually improve with rest, the right care and a bit of patience! Mild cases resolve in a few weeks, while more severe or long-standing cases can take a couple of months. The trick is sticking to your tailored treatment and trusting the process – it really does work.

ChiroHealth is here to support you every step of the way, from first twinge to full recovery.

Want Your Elbow Back to Its Best?

If tennis elbow is stopping you from enjoying everyday activities, working with your hands or just shaking hands confidently, don’t muddle through alone. Quick action and expert support make all the difference. At ChiroHealth, we’re passionate about helping you move, lift and live pain free.

Find out how our friendly, professional team can help you conquer tennis elbow – and get back to doing what you love.