The term “tennis elbow” is actually referring to a condition in which the tendon muscles of the outside or inside elbow become inflamed where they attach to the protuberance, at the joint of the elbow, known as the epicondyle, and it can be caused by a lot of things, not just tennis. The medical term for this condition, also sometimes caused by golf, hockey and other sports where grasping a piece of equipment and repeated flexing of the elbow is necessary, is Lateral Epicondylitis, or Medial Epicondylitis.
The specific activity of consistent gripping of an object, like a golf club or tennis racquet, over and over is what causes the condition, and the constant vibrations from the sports equipment striking a ball or puck can also contribute to the injury. In fact significant damage can occur to the lateral portion of the elbow from this constant vibration. Any player of these sports is susceptible, especially high school, collegiate, and professional athletes who tend to adhere to a rigorous, consistent practice schedule.
The severity of the injury varies but can become so painful that, without treatment, simple daily activities, like shifting a car or opening a door, can be difficult. For that reason, early treatment is the best course of action, and Chiropractors can be your best friend if you’re an athlete suffering from this condition. While you might hear stories of tennis elbow healing on its own, it’s rare and more likely to reoccur without addressing it properly. A chiropractor will apply a host of methods to address the core issue and get you feeling better fast. These might include adjustments, ultrasounds, trigger point therapy, electrotherapy, stretching, and recommending exercises you can do at home. One or more of these techniques will be used, depending on the severity and characteristics of your condition.
One important adjustment that might surprise you is an adjustment to your spine. You might wonder why a chiropractor is concerned with your back if it’s your elbow that is giving you trouble. The reason we will adjust your spine is that doing so will stimulate alignment throughout the body as well as help relieve pain and increase your range of motion. This all serves to promote healing and get you back to normal movement quicker.
If you’re in San Clemente and feeling the pain and discomfort of tennis (golf, hockey) elbow or any other sports injury, regular visits to our office will make life more comfortable and help you stay at the top of your game. So get in touch with us today!
Poto Credit: Stu Seeger
Temporomandibular Joint Syndrome (or TMJ) is a condition characterized by acute or chronic inflammation of the temporomandibular joint, which connects the mandible (jaw) to the skull. This disorder can result in significant pain and impairment. Many patients report having trouble chewing, talking, yawning, or anything else that involves using the jaw. Because it can interfere with so many normal daily activities, the type of impairment experienced by those suffering from this condition prompts sufferers to try anything they can to gain relief. Unfortunately, the first course of action many try when they suspect they have TMJ is calling a dentist or medical doctor.