Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): It's Not Just for Tennis Players
When most people hear the term tennis elbow, they picture athletes swinging a racket. But the reality is that lateral epicondylitis affects far more than tennis players. Whether you're a contractor, mechanic, office worker, hairstylist, parent, or weekend warrior, repetitive strain on the forearm can lead to persistent pain on the outside of the elbow.
At Vertical Chiropractic in Redding, California, we frequently see patients struggling with elbow pain that limits their work, hobbies, and everyday activities. Through the Gonstead chiropractic method, we evaluate the entire kinetic chain—not just the painful elbow—to identify mechanical problems that may be contributing to ongoing irritation.
What Is Lateral Epicondylitis?
Lateral epicondylitis is an overuse injury involving the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the outer portion of the elbow (the lateral epicondyle of the humerus). These muscles help extend your wrist, grip objects, and stabilize the hand during lifting.
Over time, repetitive stress can create tiny tears within the tendon. Instead of healing completely, the tissue may become irritated and weakened, leading to chronic pain and reduced function.
Despite its nickname, only a small percentage of tennis elbow cases actually occur in tennis players.
Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Many daily activities place repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons.
Common causes include:
Repetitive gripping
Frequent lifting
Using hand tools
Typing and prolonged computer work
Painting
Carpentry
Plumbing
Weightlifting
Golf
Racquet sports
Repetitive twisting motions
Gardening
Playing musical instruments
Even poor movement patterns can overload the elbow over time.
Symptoms of Lateral Epicondylitis
The symptoms often begin gradually and worsen if the underlying cause isn't addressed.
Common symptoms include:
Pain on the outside of the elbow
Tenderness over the bony prominence
Pain when gripping objects
Weak grip strength
Difficulty opening jars
Pain while shaking hands
Discomfort when lifting a coffee cup
Increased pain during wrist extension
Stiffness after activity
Many patients notice that simple daily tasks become surprisingly difficult.
Why Does Tennis Elbow Keep Coming Back?
One reason tennis elbow becomes chronic is that many treatments focus only on reducing inflammation or temporarily relieving pain.
However, if the mechanics of the wrist, elbow, shoulder, neck, or upper back remain dysfunctional, excessive stress continues to be placed on the irritated tendon.
Your body works as a connected system.
Limited shoulder mobility, altered spinal mechanics, poor posture, or restricted wrist movement can all change how forces travel through the arm.
This is where a comprehensive chiropractic evaluation becomes valuable.
How Gonstead Chiropractic Can Help
The Gonstead chiropractic technique is known for its precise analysis and specific adjustments. Rather than simply treating the painful area, Gonstead chiropractors look for the underlying biomechanical dysfunctions contributing to the problem.
At Vertical Chiropractic in Redding, CA, your examination may include evaluation of:
Cervical spine (neck)
Upper thoracic spine
Shoulder mechanics
Elbow movement
Wrist mobility
Posture
Overall spinal alignment
Restrictions within the neck or upper back can influence nerve function and muscle coordination throughout the arm. Likewise, reduced wrist mobility may increase stress at the elbow every time you grip or lift.
Specific Gonstead adjustments aim to restore proper joint motion, allowing the body to move more efficiently.
The Role of the Wrist, Shoulder, and Spine
Many people are surprised to learn that elbow pain doesn't always begin at the elbow.
For example:
Poor posture places extra stress on the shoulders and forearms.
Shoulder stiffness changes lifting mechanics.
Wrist restrictions force the elbow to compensate.
Neck dysfunction may alter muscle activation throughout the upper extremity.
By restoring normal movement throughout these regions, the elbow often experiences less repetitive strain during daily activities.
A Whole-Body Approach to Recovery
Chiropractic care works best when combined with healthy movement habits.
Depending on your condition, your chiropractor may also recommend:
Activity modification
Grip adjustments
Stretching exercises
Forearm strengthening
Ergonomic improvements
Ice during flare-ups
Proper lifting mechanics
Gradual return to activity
The goal isn't simply to reduce pain—it's to improve the way your body functions so the tendon can recover more effectively.
When Should You Seek Care?
Don't ignore elbow pain that continues for weeks or keeps returning.
Early evaluation may help prevent the condition from becoming chronic.
Consider scheduling an evaluation if you experience:
Persistent elbow pain
Weak grip strength
Difficulty performing work tasks
Pain during exercise
Symptoms lasting longer than several weeks
Recurring episodes of tennis elbow
Gonstead Chiropractic Care in Redding, California
If you're dealing with lateral epicondylitis or chronic tennis elbow, remember that the painful tendon may only be part of the picture.
At Vertical Chiropractic, we use the Gonstead system to evaluate how your spine, shoulders, wrists, and elbows work together. By identifying and correcting joint restrictions throughout the body, we strive to improve overall function and reduce unnecessary stress on the injured tissues.
If you're looking for a Gonstead chiropractor in Redding, California, our team is here to help you move better, recover naturally, and get back to doing the activities you enjoy.
Ready to Find the Cause of Your Elbow Pain?
Don't let tennis elbow keep you from work, sports, or everyday life. Schedule an evaluation at Vertical Chiropractic in Redding, CA, and discover how Gonstead chiropractic care can help restore proper movement, improve function, and support your body's natural healing process.
