Tennis Elbow
Do you suffer from tennis elbow in Breaux Bridge LA, Lafayette LA, or Youngsville LA? Despite its name, tennis elbow isn’t limited to tennis players. In fact, only about 5% of people with this condition actually play tennis. It’s more often linked to repetitive activities involving the forearm and wrist, such as typing, carpentry, painting, or manual labor.
Tennis elbow refers to inflammation or irritation of the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. These tendons connect to muscles responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. Repetitive stress or overuse can cause small tears in the tendon tissue, leading to pain and tenderness along the outside of the elbow and upper forearm. If left untreated, even simple movements like gripping a cup, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands can become painful.
At Hargrave Chiropractic, we work with patients to identify the root cause of their discomfort and create individualized treatment plans designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. Whether your tennis elbow is caused by sports, work, or daily activities, our goal is to help you heal naturally and return to what you enjoy most.
Who Is at Risk for Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow isn’t limited to athletes, it can affect anyone whose daily activities involve repetitive arm and wrist motions. Individuals in occupations or hobbies such as fishing, plumbing, painting, carpentry, butchering, computer work, or playing guitar often experience symptoms due to constant strain on the forearm muscles and tendons. The condition is most common among people between the ages of 30 and 50, particularly those who suddenly start performing tasks that use muscle groups they’re not used to engaging.
How Tennis Elbow Develops
This condition often develops gradually, without any obvious injury. The earliest symptom is typically pain or tenderness on the outer part of the elbow, which can feel sharp or burning. Over time, many people begin to notice weakness in their hand or forearm, making it harder to grip objects firmly. Everyday tasks such as shaking hands, holding a coffee cup, using a screwdriver, opening doors, or carrying tools can become painful or difficult. As the condition progresses, some individuals may even start dropping objects unintentionally due to reduced grip strength.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms or suspect you may have tennis elbow, early care is key. Contact Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge, Lafayette, or Youngsville to schedule a consultation and learn about safe, non-invasive options to relieve pain and restore strength.
How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?
At Hargrave Chiropractic, tennis elbow is typically diagnosed through a detailed clinical evaluation. Our team begins by reviewing your symptoms, medical history, daily activities, and occupational habits to identify patterns that may have led to your discomfort. Because the pain associated with tennis elbow can mimic other conditions that affect the outer part of the elbow, it’s important to distinguish the exact cause before beginning treatment.
If a more precise assessment is needed, we have the resources to perform or coordinate advanced diagnostic testing, such as:
- MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of soft tissues, helping identify tendon inflammation or small tears.
- X-Ray: Used to rule out bone-related conditions such as arthritis or fractures that may contribute to elbow pain.
- EMG (Electromyography): Measures electrical activity in muscles and nerves to detect nerve compression or damage.
By combining clinical expertise with advanced diagnostic tools, Hargrave Chiropractic can accurately determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover naturally.
What Is the Best Treatment for Tennis Elbow?
At Hargrave Chiropractic, we offer several effective treatment options for tennis elbow, focusing on both pain relief and long-term recovery. In many cases, the nerve interference caused by spinal misalignment can contribute to abnormal muscle patterns that lead to the pain and weakness associated with tennis elbow. By restoring proper alignment and improving nerve communication, chiropractic care can help relieve discomfort and promote natural healing.
Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment may also include gentle soft tissue therapy, stretching and strengthening exercises, and other supportive techniques designed to reduce inflammation and restore full range of motion. Our approach aims to address the root cause of your symptoms, not just mask the pain, so you can return to your normal activities comfortably and confidently.
If you’re struggling with tennis elbow, contact our team at Hargrave Chiropractic in Breaux Bridge LA, Lafayette LA, or Youngsville LA today to schedule an appointment and learn more about how chiropractic care can help.