• Problems we treat • Headache • Neck • Shoulder Elbow • Wrist • Low back • Knee • Shin or Ankle • Foot

For the quickest results, Elbow injuries are best treated with a combination of therapies:

1. Chiropractic manipulation
2. Physiotherapeutic modalities
3. Myofacial needling
4. Exercise

Understanding Elbow pain

There are three common conditions that affect the elbow:

1. "Lateral epicondylitis" (Tennis elbow),
2. "Medial epicondylitis" (Golfers elbow),
3. "Medial collateral ligament sprain" (Throwers elbow).

The first two conditions are very similar, however the first, Tennis elbow, affects the outside of the elbow (lateral), and the second, golf elbow, affects the inside of the joint (medial).

What is Tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is the most common of the three injuries. it is also, fortunately, the easiest to treat.

There are many muscles and tendons that make up the elbow joint and forearm. There are also three bones which make up the elbow joint. They are the "Humerus," the "Ulna" and the "Radius."

Tennis elbow occurs when there is damage to the muscles, tendons and ligaments around the lateral aspect of the elbow joint and forearm. Small tears, called micro tears, form in the tendons and muscles which control the movement of the forearm.

These micro tears eventually lead to the formation of scar tissue and calcium deposits. If untreated, this scar tissue and calcium deposits can put so much pressure on the muscles and nerves that they can cut off the blood flow and pinch the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles in the forearm.

Golfers Elbow

Golfers Elbow is similar to Tennis elbow, but the injury is sustained to the inside (medial aspect) of the joint. By far the most common cause of golfers elbow is overuse. Any action which places a repetitive and prolonged strain on the forearm muscles, coupled with inadequate rest, will tend to strain and overwork those muscles.

Poor technique will contribute to the condition, such as using ill-fitted equipment, like golf clubs, tennis racquets, work tools, etc. While poor levels of general fitness and conditioning will also contribute.

Prevention!

There are a number of techniques which will help to prevent elbow injuries, including bracing and strapping, modifying equipment, taking extended rests and even learning new routines for repetitive activities. However, there are three preventative measures that I feel are far more important, and effective, than any of these. First of all, a thorough and correct warm up will help to prepare the muscles and tendons for any activity to come.

Without a proper warm up the muscles and tendons will be tight and stiff. There will be limited blood flow to the forearm area, which will result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the muscles. This is a sure-fire recipe for a muscle or tendon injury.

Before any activity be sure to thoroughly warm up all the muscles and tendons which will be used during your sport or activity.

Secondly, flexible muscles and tendons are extremely important in the prevention of most strain or sprain injuries. When muscles and tendons are flexible and supple, they are able to move and perform without being over stretched. If however, your muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, it is quite easy for those muscles and tendons to be pushed beyond their natural range of movement. When this happens, strains, sprains, and pulled muscles occur.

To keep your muscles and tendons flexible and supple, it is important to undertake a structured stretching routine.

Thirdly, strengthening and conditioning the muscles of the forearm and wrist will also help to prevent and rehabilitate golfers and Tennis elbow.