John Van Tassel, DC. Team doctor FSU athletics.

Tennis Elbow And Golfer’s Elbow, What You Need To Know

By John Van Tassel, Mon, Jul 11, 2022

Elbow wrist and hand pain are major sources of pain and disability. Here, we discuss causes, treatment and prevention.

Common Causes of Elbow pain

Tennis elbow is also known as lateral epicondylitis, an inflammation of the tendons that occurs when the forearm muscles and tendons become overloaded, damaged, or injured, affecting the outer part of the elbow. Golfer's Elbow is similar; however, it manifests on the inside of the elbow and is also known as medial epicondylitis.

The name comes from the fact that tennis and golf are two sports that commonly cause this condition; however, you don't have to play tennis or golf to suffer from these conditions. Any activity that puts repeated stress on the forearm muscles and tendons can lead to tennis elbow, such as painting, using a computer, or even gardening.

What Are The Symptoms?

The most common symptom of Tennis and Golfer's Elbow is pain that worsens with activity, weakness in the forearm muscles, difficulty extending the arm, tenderness when touching the affected area, and a burning sensation.

There are a few things you can do to help prevent tennis and golfer's elbow, including:

  • Using proper technique when playing sports or performing activities that put stress on the elbow

  • Using equipment that is the right size and in good condition

  • Warming up properly before doing repetitive activities

  • Taking breaks often to rest your muscles

  • Strengthening your forearm muscles

  • Using an elbow strap or pad

Getting Treated By A Sports Medicine Doctor In Tallahassee, Fl

Sports medicine chiropractors, like those of us at Athletic & Family Chiropractic, are trained to diagnose and treat tennis elbow. We will start by taking a comprehensive medical history and performing a physical examination. We may also order X-rays or imaging tests to rule out other conditions. Our services include:

Chiropractic adjustments: This manual therapy technique corrects misalignments in the spine. It is a non-invasive treatment involving hands-on spinal manipulation and joint manipulation.

Soft Tissue Maniupulation/Graston Technique: decreases Pain, allows better rehab, based on recent reaearch, we no longer use painful technique

Corrective Exercise: We will design a customized exercise program to improve muscular imbalances and movement dysfunctions.

Patient education: You will learn to prevent future injuries by properly warming up and cooling down. We will also teach you how to avoid activities that put too much stress on your elbow.

Tennis Elbow Doctor in Tallahassee | Athletic & Family Chiropractic

Chiropractic treatment is safe and effective, and it doesn't involve the use of drugs or surgery. Recovery times are often shorter than other treatment forms. At Athletic & Family Chiropractic and our sister clinic, Wellness Sport & Spine, we have shown our patients the wonders of sports chiropractic care for thirty years. Our services include treatment for neck pain, arthritis, scoliosis, bursitis, tennis elbow, and more. Book an appointment today or call us at 850-385-5113.