Tennis and golf are two popular sports enjoyed by millions worldwide. However, avid players may occasionally find themselves facing a common challenge: elbow pain. Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, and golf elbow, called medial epicondylitis, are two distinct conditions that can cause discomfort and hinder performance on the court or course. If you find yourself suffering from these conditions, a Billings chiropractor can help you not only find relief, but also prevent future pain.
Understanding Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow and golf elbow are repetitive strain injuries that primarily affect the tendons around the elbow joint. Tennis elbow typically occurs due to repetitive wrist and forearm movements, such as those involved in gripping a tennis racket. Golf elbow, on the other hand, is caused by repetitive stress on the tendons on the inner side of the elbow, commonly due to the swinging motion in golf. Both conditions result in pain, tenderness, and inflammation around the elbow, making it challenging to perform everyday activities or participate in sports and other hobbies.
Finding Relief for Tennis and Golf Elbow
When it comes to reducing tennis elbow pain, rest is crucial, especially in the short term. However, to address the underlying cause and find a long-term solution, proper attention must be given to the inflamed tendon. Simply relying on anti-inflammatory medications or bracing the affected area won’t effectively resolve the issue, as the root problem lies in the nerves that impact the lateral epicondyle tendon.
Interestingly, many individuals who suffer from tennis elbow also experience some level of discomfort in their neck. Even if there’s no evident neck pain, it’s highly likely that there’s a misalignment in the cervical spine. This spinal misalignment disrupts communication within the nervous system, leading to tendon inflammation and ultimately resulting in tennis elbow.
Chiropractic Care for Tennis and Golf Elbow
Fortunately, chiropractic care has shown promising results in alleviating tennis elbow pain. Numerous case studies have been conducted to investigate the efficacy of chiropractic treatment for this condition. One study focused on a man who had fallen during a basketball game and sought chiropractic care several weeks later. After just one chiropractic adjustment, he reported a resolution of his complaints.
Another case involved a man who had been experiencing elbow pain for two years, making it impossible for him to complete a round of golf without discomfort. Following 4- and 8-week follow-ups with chiropractic care, he noted the ability to play 18 consecutive holes multiple times per week without pain.
If you’re looking for experienced chiropractic care, Bare Chiropractic is your go-to destination. Dr. Thomas Keogh has helped numerous individuals find relief from various ailments, including tennis and golf elbow. A chiropractic adjustment can enhance brain-body communication and reduce inflammation throughout the body. With the holistic improvements that chiropractic brings, it serves as an effective method to find relief from the pain of tennis elbow.
Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back any longer. Visit Bare Chiropractic and discover the benefits of chiropractic care to help you get back in the game.
Sources
Gliedt, J.A., Daniels, C.J. “Chiropractic Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Case Report Utilizing Active Release Techniques.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2014 Jun; 13(2): 104-109. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4322013/.
Gliedt, J.A., Daniels, C.J. “Chiropractic Management of Elbow Tendinopathy Following a Sports Related Trauma.” The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association, 2014 Mar; 58(1): 52-57. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3924509/.
