Have you experienced a dull aching pain around your elbow? Or maybe you’ve noticed a weakness in your grip strength? You may be suffering from some of the most common types of elbow pain – Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Whether you’re a desk worker, parent, or tradie elbow pain can affect anyone. It can be persistent and effect your daily activities. In this insight, we will explore the most common causes of elbow pain, what you can do to help, and how chiropractic care can get you back on track.
How can chiropractic care help with elbow pain?
As chiropractors, we don’t just focus on the elbow, we assess the entire upper limb from the neck and shoulder down to the wrist. By looking at how the whole region functions together, we can identify and treat any underlying areas that may be contributing to the problem.
We use different treatment options to help improve elbow pain, including:
- Joint mobilisations to restore joint movement and range of motion
- Massage and dry needling to address muscle tension as well as to prevent scar tissue and fibrosis
- Sports taping to provide stability to the area
- Postural /ergonomic advice
- Rehabilitation exercises to improve muscular strength and endurance
Common causes of elbow pain
Tennis Elbow (known as lateral epicondylitis) is caused by irritation of the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. These tendons connect to the forearm muscles that help extend the wrist.
Golfers elbow (known as medial epicondylitis) affects the inside of the elbow where the wrist flexor tendons attach. These muscles help with gripping, lifting and bending the wrist inwards.
Repetitive strain from small movements like gripping, lifting or twisting can overload these muscles and tendons, leading to inflammation and microtears over time. These conditions commonly affect people who perform repetitive movements such office workers, trades peoples, and athletes.
Common symptoms include:
- Dull or burning pain on the inner or outer elbow.
- Weakened grip strength.
- Pain when lifting, shaking hands or turning doorknobs.
- Discomfort that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Self-management of elbow pain
Alongside chiropractic care, here are a few simple things you can do at home to help manage the pain.
Modify activities: Try avoiding repetitive movements such as gripping, lifting or twisting
Improve posture and setup: If you work at the computer place a lift under your wrist so that your wrist is level with your arm and hand. You can also Adjust desk height and arm support
Apply ice: For acute episodes, apply ice for 10-15 mins, 2-3 times a day
Stretch and strengthen:
- Wrist extensor stretch: arm straight, palm down. Use the other hand to gently pull fingers down and in
- Eccentric wrist curls: slowly lower a light weight with the wrist, palm down
Take regular breaks: Rest frequently during repetitive tasks
Elbow pain can be frustrating, but with early intervention and a comprehensive approach it is highly treatable. If you’re experiencing persistent elbow pain that is impacting your daily of life – don’t wait till it gets worse, our team at DMC health & Wellness can help. Allow one of our chiropractors to assess and help pinpoint the cause, and most importantly get you moving pain free again! Book online or get in contact with the team today.
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