The most common conditions that effect the elbow are Tennis elbow and Golfer’s elbow. Both of these conditions are similar in that they usually appear after some amount of repetitious activity and the area (outside elbow - tennis elbow and inside elbow - golfers elbow) is very tender. The simple act of turning a door handle or bathroom tap can elicit enormous pain. This can be quite debilitating.
The Medical approach to help this condition is usually some form of pain relief (oral or topical) maybe an anti-inflammatory or possibly a Cortisone injection.
The Chiropractic approach is slightly different. Rather than focus on the pain, we would more than likely look at why the elbow has been loaded in such a way that it has injured tissue and is it as a result of poor biomechanics. The shoulder, scapular and wrist are involved in the use of the elbow and need to be assessed to determine involvement. And adjusted if required to correct any dysfunction.
More exercise is not the answer to an injured joint or tissue. So, thinking you can just 'work' through it is a mistake. And not getting to the underlying cause will inevitably lead to relapse and further injury.
Some home advise to help.
- ice pack 10mins at a time.
- light release of the muscles of the forearm - usually sore means tight and restricted.
- tennis elbow pressure strap
- Tenex shock absorber band. This device may help you continue some amount of activity during the healing phase.
Remember you don't need to play either sport to get these symptoms. And if this is not the first time you have had these symptoms it’s time to get a functional checkup.
If you or someone you know is suffering from Tennis elbow or golfers’ elbow why not get a Chiropractic assessment and get to the cause of the pain.
Why live with the debilitating pain any longer than you have to?
Because your health is worth it.
