Elbow Pain (Tennis Elbow, Golf Elbow) and Chiropractic

A report on the scientific literature 

By
Mark Studin DC, FASBE (C), DAAPM, DAAMLP
 

Tennis elbow, golf elbow, shooter’s elbow "is a condition where the outer part of the elbow becomes sore and tender. It is commonly associated with playing tennis or other racquet sports, though the injury can happen to almost anybody. The condition is also known as lateral epicondylitis ("inflammation of the outside elbow bone"), a misnomer as histologic studies have shown no inflammatory process. Other descriptions for tennis elbow are lateral epicondylosis, lateral epicondylalgia, or simply lateral elbow pain...The peak incidence is between 30 and 60 years of age historically" (Wikipedia, 2010, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_elbow).
 
Symptoms include pain on the outer part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle), point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle – a prominent part of the bone on the outside of the elbow, gripping and movements of the wrist hurt, especially wrist extension and lifting movements, activities that use the muscles that extend the wrist (e.g. pouring a pitcher or gallon of milk, lifting with the palm down) are characteristically painful, and morning stiffness.¹
 
In December of 2008, a research article reported on the effects of chiropractic cervical manipulation (adjustment) on the pain pressure threshold, or the minimal amount of pressure to cause pain, along with grip strength, or the amount of strength in the hand. The results of the research concluded that the application of a cervical spine adjustment produced an immediate bilateral (both sides) increase in pain pressure threshold (decreased pain) and an immediate pain free grip on the affected side.²
 
This is one of the reasons that both professional golf and tennis organizations maintain chiropractors at high profile events as it is reported that the scores of the players have improved with chiropractic care. However, this also explains why chiropractic has been helping in work and at home in everyday life with a similar diagnosis.
 
This study along with many others concludes that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions to elbow pain. To find a qualified doctor of chiropractic near you go to the US Chiropractic Directory at www.uschirodirectory.com and search your state.



References:

1.  Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. (2010, August). Tennis elbow. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tennis_elbow