Is Tennis Elbow Holding you Back?

Tennis Elbow Treatment in Eastbourne

We know how frustrating it is when tennis elbow problems hold you back.

As well as being frustrating, tennis elbow can put your life on hold, restricting your mobility and affecting your quality of life.

When you’re in pain, what you want most is relief.

Our excellent chiropractors and sports massage team will work closely with you to find the cause of your tennis elbow and work out a personalised plan of care to get you better.

We are passionate about helping you achieve your goals and get your body back – pain free.

Call now or book online to see one of our lovely chiropractors or massage therapists.

They’re dedicated to helping you.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects the tendons and muscles around the outside of the elbow. In spite of its name, tennis elbow doesn’t just affect tennis players! Tennis elbow can affect anyone, especially those whose lifestyle involves repetitive movements of the arm.

Tennis elbow often occurs with overuse of the forearm muscles, which can lead to tiny tears in the tendons near the bony lump on the outside of the elbow. This can cause pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) in the UK, tennis elbow is estimated to affect 1-3% of the population and is most commonly seen in people aged between 40 and 50 years old. However, it can occur at any age and in anyone who performs repetitive motions with their arms and wrists, such as painters, carpenters and chefs.

Any pain that holds you back is frustrating. Tennis elbow can become a long-standing niggle that’s sore when you use your arm. In a few cases it can result in severe pain and stop you from working and living life to the full.

The symptoms of tennis elbow include:

  • Pain or burning on the outer elbow
  • Weak grip strength
  • Stiffness and difficulty moving your elbow
  • Pain that worsens with gripping or twisting object

 

The good news is that chiropractic can help. We’ve helped lots of people like you with tennis elbow.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is often caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. Repetitive motions that involve gripping or twisting can put a strain on the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, a bony bump on the outside of the elbow.

Over time, this can lead to small tears in the tendon and cause pain and inflammation. Some common causes of tennis elbow include:

Playing Sports:

Tennis and other racquet sports are common culprits for causing tennis elbow due to the repeated gripping and twisting motions involved in these activities.

Manual Labour:

Jobs that require manual labour, such as carpentry, plumbing, or painting, can also cause tennis elbow due to the repetitive use of hand tools.

Typing:

Continuous typing or using a computer mouse without proper support can lead to tennis elbow.

Lifting Weights:

Weightlifting, especially when using poor form or excessive weight, can cause tennis elbow.

Other Activities:

Any activity that involves repetitive gripping or twisting, such as playing musical instruments, knitting, or gardening, can also cause tennis elbow.

As well as these activities there’s a range of contributing factors, such as age, gender and genetics.

We find that it’s particularly important to check the shoulder, wrist and sometimes even the spine to see if there’s an underlying reason predisposing to the tennis elbow. 

Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow in Eastbourne

Chiropractic treatment can be really helpful for tennis elbow.

At Lushington Chiropractic, you’re the priority:

You’ll start with a detailed chiropractic consultation and examination. As well as checking your elbow, your chiropractor will check your shoulder, wrist and possibly your spine too. In some cases, your chiropractor may also use X-rays or MRI imaging to get to the root of the problem.

Your chiropractor will uniquely tailor your treatment plan to suit you. They may use massage, home stretches, exercises and acupuncture alongside chiropractic adjustments and self-help tips.

Everything is personally tailored to your goals and putting you back in control.

Our lovely team will soon have you feeling better and back to life as normal again.

Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow FAQs

What to Expect When you See a Chiropractor for Tennis Elbow

The General Chiropractic Council explain that chiropractors are trained to use a range of techniques when treating their patients.

Chiropractors are best known for using manual methods of care, including spinal and joint manipulation (also referred to as ‘adjustment’) but may also use other hands-on or instrument-assisted approaches.

At our chiropractic clinic in Eastbourne, you’ll find that our chiropractors may share lifestyle tips, dietary or nutritional advice, exercises and strategies to manage stress and discomfort to help you manage your sports injury.

Before starting treatment, your chiropractor will assess your symptoms to determine if chiropractic treatment is right for you. They’ll assess your sports injury and what techniques are likely to help and whether there are any alternative or medical options that would suit you.

Chiropractors are trained to recognise when chiropractic treatment will not help a medical condition and will make a referral to your General Practitioner or another healthcare professional, if necessary.

Some people want treatment on their first visit. We can’t guarantee that, because we need to asses you first! However, if you want treatment on your first visit then mention it to your chiropractor at the start of the visit and they’ll do everything they can to help.

Does Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow Hurt?

Your chiropractic treatment will be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Some of the people who see us don’t like the pops and clicks, whereas others prefer a more physical approach.

Chiropractic treatment should always be within your personal comfort levels.

What Causes the Cracks with Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow?

Chiropractic treatment is famous for pops and clicks.

However, they’re not essential. Everything we do is centred around your needs and preferences. If you’re worried about the noises then rest assured, there are lots (and lots) of no-clicky techniques that will help (as well as muscle work, exercises and advice).

WARNING PHYSICS HERE: These noises happened when little air bubbles (nitrogen gas) form in the joints. The bubbles form due to the joint freeing off, which creates more space. The joint fluid (liquid) needs to expand (forming a gas) to fill the space. This creates a “pop”.

The loudness of your pops and cracks are not necessarily that relevant.

Did you know: Some of the You Tuber chiropractors have been known to add extra “pops” and “cracks” to their videos in post-production, as treatments aren’t always that noisy.

How Long Does It Take to Get Better from Tennis Elbow?

Chiropractors are well known for treating tennis elbow.

The question on your mind, though, is likely, "How long will it take for me to feel better?" The answer is, it varies.

Each person's body responds differently to treatment. The severity of the pain and the underlying condition will affect how fast you get better. However, many patients begin to feel improvement after just a few sessions. Long-lasting changes tend to take longer, weeks or months.

At Lushington Chiropractic we’ll discuss your prognosis and treatment plan with you. Your chiropractor will tailor your treatment to fit with your goals.

Even if you just want a short burst of care to help you out of a crisis that’s fine. Just let your chiropractor know so they can tailor your treatment plan to suit you.

Have You Got Acute Tennis Elbow or Chronic Tennis Elbow?

Acute tennis elbow is tennis elbow pain that has been present for less than around 6 weeks. Whereas chronic tennis elbow is pain that has continued beyond the initial 6 week period.

Chronic tennis elbow can remain for many weeks, months or even years.

However, the good news is that there are several ways to help alleviate your pain and get you feeling your best again.

Life’s too short to let elbow pain hold you back.

TWO TENNIS ELBOW CASE STUDIES

Barbara’s Tennis Elbow injury: A case study

Barbara is a 54 year old part time gardener. For about 2 months now she has been experiencing pain on the outside of her elbow, especially when using certain tools at work. She didn’t think much of it when it first started happening but it is now quite painful and is happening much more regularly. […]

Read more

Case Study: Hannah, Clinic Assistant at Lushington Chiropractic

Most of our cases studies we share are “typical examples”, and not about any specific individuals. However, this case study has been volunteered by our very own Hannah. Hannah is one of our lovely Clinic Assistant team. When Hannah began to suffer with tennis elbow she sought treatment and this is her story. Hi, I’m […]

Read more

Our case studies are based on a typical patient presenting with this type of problem. They’re not based on any specific person.

Chiropractic, Sports Massage and Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow in Eastbourne

Dealing with tennis elbow can be a frustrating experience – anyone who has suffered from it knows how debilitating it can be. Thankfully, there are plenty of effective treatments that can help you get your quality of life back.

If you want to see a chiropractor in Eastbourne for your tennis elbow then most people report improvement within a few visits. However, at Lushington Chiropractic we also offer sports massage and acupuncture for tennis elbow problems.

Sports Massage for Tennis Elbow in Eastbourne

There are various types of massage techniques which help by relaxing tight muscles, easing painful knots (trigger points) in the muscles, increasing circulation and flexibility.

Massage therapy can help reduce pain and improve overall flexibility and mobility. Massage can also help reduce the effects of stress and improve relaxation, which can also help with tennis elbow.

If you’re looking for a highly professional and effective massage in Eastbourne then try Lushington Chiropractic. Our highly qualified and experienced team of massage therapists offer everything from sports massage and deep tissue, to relaxing techniques and holistic techniques like hot stones massage.

You don’t need to be a chiropractic patient to come for massage.

Your massage therapist will create a bespoke treatment plan to suit your needs and get you back to your best more quickly.

sports massage eastbourne

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow in Eastbourne

Acupuncture is a safe and effective treatment that can help your tennis elbow.

By using needles to stimulate specific points on the body, acupuncture can help release tension and increase blood flow. This can help relieve tennis elbow problems and ease tension in the surrounding muscles.

With regular sessions, you may feel a significant improvement in your pain, allowing you to get back to the things you love.

It’s understandable to be nervous if you’ve not tried acupuncture before. The needles are so tiny you may not even feel them go in.

Combining Chiropractic or Massage with Acupuncture in Eastbourne

Most of our chiropractors and massage team are also qualified in acupuncture. They can often combine their chiropractic and massage treatments with acupuncture if you’d like.

If you’re interested in having acupuncture combined with your massage or with your chiropractic treatment then ask when you book, and tell your practitioner when you see them.

If you’ve got any questions or would like to find out anything in advance, don’t hesitate to call 01323 722499.

Chiropractic in Eastbourne – More than Just Tennis Elbow

If you’re tired of living with pain, book an appointment with one of our highly qualified chiropractors in Eastbourne. We’ll help you start your journey back to a pain-free life again.

QUESTIONS?

Have a Complimentary Chat to Discuss Your Tennis Elbow with a Chiropractor in Eastbourne

At Lushington Chiropractic we offer a complimentary chat service, where a chiropractor or massage therapist will happily talk over any concerns you’ve got in advance.

If you’re worried about anything in particular, rest assured our team will be more than happy to help. We’re used to helping nervous patients and will be happy to adjust our approach or techniques to suit your needs.

Common Misconceptions about Tennis Elbow

There are several common misconceptions about tennis elbow, which can lead to confusion and delay in proper treatment. Some of these myths include:

 

Tennis Elbow Only Affects Tennis Players:

While tennis players are more likely to develop the condition due to the repetitive motions involved in the sport, anyone who performs repetitive gripping or twisting motions can develop tennis elbow.

 

Tennis Elbow is Caused by Inflammation

While inflammation is a common symptom of tennis elbow, the condition is actually caused by small tears in the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle.

 

Rest is Best for a Sports Injury

While rest is often recommended for minor sports injuries, it may not be the only or best treatment option. Physical therapy, stretching exercises, and other treatments may also be effective.

 

Rest is the Best Treatment for Tennis Elbow

While rest is an important part of the treatment process, it’s not always enough to fully resolve the condition. Physical therapy, pain relief medication, and other interventions may also be necessary.

 

Braces or Splints are the Best Cure Tennis Elbow

While braces or splints can help support the affected arm and reduce pain, they do not cure tennis elbow.

 

If You’ve Got Tennis Elbow. You’ll Need Surgery

While surgery may be recommended in some cases, most people with tennis elbow can recover with non-surgical treatment options such as physical therapy and pain relief medication.
Here are some blogs we’ve written about tennis elbow:

What is Tennis Elbow?
Elbow pain – It’s No Laughing Matter
Eastbourne Chiropractor Discusses Elbow Pain

Anatomy of the Elbow

The elbow joint is a complex structure that connects the upper arm bone (humerus), to the two bones in the forearm (the radius, and the ulna). It is a synovial hinge joint, which means that it allows for flexion and extension movements like a hinge.

The three main bones of the elbow joint are the humerus, the radius and the ulna. The rounded end of the humerus, called the capitulum, forms the primary joint with the radius bone, while the trochlea, a spool-shaped structure, forms the primary joint with the ulna bone.

Ligaments are also an important part of the elbow joint. They connect the bones and provide stability to the joint. The main ligaments of the elbow include:

ulnar collateral ligament (UCL)

The ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), which runs along the inside of the elbow and connects the ulna to the humerus.

radial collateral ligament (RCL)

The radial collateral ligament (RCL), which runs along the outer part of the elbow and connects the radius to the humerus.

annular ligament

The annular ligament, which holds the radius bone in place against the ulna bone.

Several muscles also pass over the elbow joint and help move the joint through its range of motion. These muscles include the biceps brachii, triceps brachii, brachioradialis, and brachialis.

For more information and to see an illustration of the elbow joint click here.

Self-Help Tips for Tennis Elbow

Here are some self-help tips for tennis elbow:

Rest

Limit any activities that cause you pain.

Ice

Use ice as needed for pain and oedema control.

Compression

Consider wearing an elbow brace or wrapping the elbow with an elastic medical bandage.

Over-the-counter pain relievers

Ibuprofen and naproxen can ease mild to moderate pain.

Exercises

Ceasing or reducing repetitive activities and resting the arm can aid recovery. When resting is not possible, adjusting arm movements can help to ease symptoms.

Self-care techniques

Straighten your arm out in front of your body. While keeping your elbow straight, flex your wrist, bringing your palm towards your body. Perform this exercise around 20 to 25 times before stopping. You’ll want to perform this exercise two to three times a day in order to get the most relief possible. While this exercise will be strenuous, it shouldn’t be painful.

It’s important to note that these tips are not a substitute for medical advice. If you have persistent pain or other symptoms, consult your healthcare provider.

 

 

Heat or Ice for Tennis Elbow Pain?

If you’re dealing with pain, applying heat or ice can make a world of difference. While both options can feel nice, we generally recommend ice.

Ice is not only numbs the area but reduces circulation and calms swelling and inflammation, which is an important issue for tennis elbow pain.

ADVICE

Lushington Chiropractic Ice Advice:

Wrap an ice pack up in a towel. You shouldn’t put it directly on the skin. Put it on the painful area for 5-10 minutes, or take it off sooner if it’s too cold i.e. “painfully cold”. You'll soon notice the ice because the sole of our foot can be sensative!

Do this 4 to 6 times a day depending on how bad the tennis elbow pain is.

Although heat will feel nice and soothing, it can increase blood supply and stir up inflammation. That's unhelpful if you're suffering tennis elbow.

Lushington Chiropractic Heat Advice

Heat can be soothing for tennis elbow pain but is rarely helpful long term.

If you do want to use heat then gently warming a hot pack in the microwave will help. Avoid anything too hot. It should just be gently soothing.

Getting Enough Rest

It’s no secret that tennis elbow can be a real bother, but did you know that a good night’s rest could be the key to relieving your discomfort? Restful sleep is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle, and it can play a big role in managing pain.

When you sleep soundly, your body is given the opportunity to repair and regenerate, which can have a real impact on the inflammation and stiffness associated with tennis elbow.

So, whether you’re dealing with an acute injury or a long-term condition, prioritising your sleep habits are important. With a little dedication and some healthy practices, you might just find that you wake up feeling better than ever before.

Healthy Diet

To some extent a healthy diet can help with some types of pain. A balanced diet rich in nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, and vitamins D and K can promote bone and joint health.

Additionally, anti-inflammatory foods, such as omega-3 fatty acids found in fish or flaxseed, can decrease inflammation in the body and reduce pain levels. A diet high in fruits and vegetables, which are rich in antioxidants, can also promote overall wellbeing by reducing oxidative stress and inflammation.

Coupling a healthy diet with exercise can further strengthen and support your elbow joints. Making small, sustainable changes to your eating habits can have a significant impact on your elbow pain and overall health, so make sure to prioritize a balanced diet.

Here are some links to blogs we’ve written on stress management:

https://chirocare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-27.jpg

Chiropractors are trained to have a detailed understanding of how the body functions and what we can do to look after ourselves. Water is well known for its revitalising properties, yet even though it is essential to health, the benefits of drinking water are often overlooked.

https://chirocare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-28.jpg

I love Salmon, and given how good it is for you, so should you. Not only does it taste great but it can also provide some great health benefits.

So how much do you know about salmon?  Most of us know its a fish with a pinky/orange type colour, but what beyond this?  Below I have given some of the reasons I love salmon.

https://chirocare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Eggs.webp

I often see my chiropractic patients when I’m out and about around Eastbourne. Today I was asked whether eggs are good for us or not.

In the news they seem to swap from being super healthy to causing heart disease in an instant, so hopefully this blog can help clear up any confusion.

Managing Stress and Mental Health

Suffering from pain can be a debilitating experience that affects every aspect of your daily life. In particular, there’s a well-known link between chronic (long-term) pain and mental health.

So, as well as the various treatments for your tennis elbow, it’s also worth doing what you can to manage your mental health as well.

Stress and poor mental health can cause muscle tension and inflammation, which exacerbates elbow pain. When we’re depressed and fed up, our pain threshold also lowers, making us feel more sensitive to aches and pains.

By managing stress through techniques like breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga you can help yourself to feel better. Managing your stress and mental health, sleep routines, exercising and having a healthier diet will help you feel better in lots of ways.

So don’t ignore the power of stress management when seeking relief from your tennis elbow pain; take control of your stress levels and improve your quality of life.

Here are some links to blogs we’ve written on stress management:

https://chirocare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-48.jpg

James Revell from Lushington Chiropractic in Eastbourne gives a crash course in breathing correctly, and talks about how abdominal breathing can reduce stress.

Abdominal breathing is a breathing technique used to help activate all the appropriate breathing muscles in your body and can help to reduce stress.

https://chirocare.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/image-22.png

The team at Lushington Chiropractic in Eastbourne share their tips on how to reduce and manage stress.

The spine and posture are important factors in the ability of the body to cope with stress. In fact, a healthy spine and nervous system can help to manage stress more effectively.

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