What Is Tennis Elbow?
Game. Set. Match! The great game of tennis has been around for centuries and unfortunately so has the common injury, Tennis Elbow. We see this condition frequently at our San Francisco Bay Area chiropractic clinics. Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as, Tennis Elbow, is caused by tendon inflammation around the elbow. This inflammation of the muscles of the forearm then causes swelling, joint pain, and stiffness during movement. This makes it pretty hard to get that ACE against your opponent. Tennis is the most common sport that this condition is seen in, however, other athletes and anyone who overuses their arms, just like tennis players, can see similar symptoms. Tennis elbow develops over time, it could take a few months before you even start to notice symptoms. When you do, seek out a professional to help you start healing.
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:
- Tenderness of the elbow.
- Morning stiffness.
- Soreness of forearms.
- Elbow pain when holding or grabbing an object.
- Pain that limits daily activities and proceeds even after healing aids.
Ways to Heal Tennis Elbow:
- Active Release Technique: ART treatment is the most popular soft tissue treatment among athletes.
- Icing: Whether it is a pack of frozen peas or a compression ice pack, this can help with pain relief and reduce inflammation.
- Rest: Before you roll your eyes, just know that resting any injury is always in your favor.
- Massage Therapy: Our expert massage therapists can help identify knots and help relieve tight muscles.
- Exercises: Performing simple stretches and exercises can help prevent your injury from getting worse and help strengthen your muscles for a better recovery.
- Forearm stretch: extend your injured arm out, flex your hand like you are giving a high five, use your healthy hand to grab your injured arm hand and slowly pull the hand towards you to stretch the forearm. Hold for at least 30 seconds and twice daily.
- Tricep stretch: Bend your injured arm behind you so that your elbow is pointing to the sky, use your healthy arm to lightly push your injured arm to stretch your tricep muscle. Hold for at least 30 seconds and do 2-3 times a day.
Get An Edge In The Competition With SF Custom Chiropractic
We are experts in sports chiropractic and will be able to help you recover and get back to the action. Chiropractic care is not only helpful for maintaining a healthy body, but especially if you have had an injury. If you have any questions about how our doctors and specialist can help relieve your pain, contact us at any of our locations. We’d be happy to help!
