The term 'tennis elbow' is used to describe pain found on the outer part of the elbow and the upper part of the forearm. The pain is due to inflammation of the tendon and bony protuberance at the outer part of the elbow.

Symptoms

Pain over the outside elbow, which may travel up or down the arm

• Wrist weakness
• Tenderness over the outside of the elbow
• Pain when lifting or bending the arm
• Difficulty extending the forearm fully
• Pain typically lasts for 6 to 12 weeks, however discomfort can continue for as little as 3 weeks or as long as several years.
• Pain when gripping, lifting and carrying.

Causes

It is in fact an overuse injury.  Repetitive, forceful movements at the wrist, which bring the thumb outwards and the palm upwards, can cause shortening of the muscles. This causes the attachment of the muscles at the outer part of the elbow to be placed under considerable tension and a sudden movement at the wrist may cause a tear in the muscle or tendon.

• Tennis & other racquet sports. However, only 5% of those patients who suffer from tennis elbow are actually tennis players.
• DIY & Gardening

Treatment 

1st part of treatment:

• It is important to reduce the inflammation and to rest the elbow as much as possible.
• The use of ice is very effective in the first 2 to 3 days, although it is sometimes used for a longer period.
• Sometimes a tennis elbow brace or an elbow strap may be needed, particularly if the problem persists.
• The chiropractor will examine and treat any area relating to the function of the elbow and muscles of the forearm, such as the wrist, shoulder and neck.

2nd part of treatment:

• It is important to increase the blood circulation to the tissues.  This can be done by alternating hot and cold and massaging the muscles to relieve stress and tension.
• When pain has subsided, it is possible to undertake a rehabilitation programme of power stretching exercise for the elbow and the affected muscles, taking care that the exercises are done slowly and carefully so as not to make the condition reoccur.

Prevention

Most tennis elbow injuries occur either at the beginning of a game of tennis (as a result of poor warm up techniques) or at the end of a game (when people are fatigued).

Always warm up and stretch muscles before exercising and cool down.

How long you decide to benefit from chiropractic care is, of course, up to you but for effective long term results, always follow the Chiropractor's recommendations.