Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow: Can Chiropractic Care Help You Recover?
If you’ve noticed a nagging ache on the outside or inside of your elbow that flares up every time you grip, lift, or swing, you may be dealing with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. You don’t need to be an athlete to develop either condition. Many patients at Strive Health and Performance see us for elbow pain caused by everyday repetitive movements, from typing and lifting to gardening and going to the gym. A chiropractor can play a valuable role in your recovery, helping you understand what’s going on and building a treatment plan that supports healing and gets you back to the activities you enjoy.
What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?
Tennis elbow, known clinically as lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outer part of the elbow where the forearm tendons attach. Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, causes similar pain on the inner side. Both are forms of repetitive strain injury. This occurs gradually from overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons rather than from a single incident.
Despite the names, you don’t need to play tennis or golf to develop these conditions. Anyone who repeats the same gripping or wrist motion, whether at a desk, on a job site, or in the gym, can be affected. Common symptoms include:
- Pain or burning on the outside or inside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Forearm pain that worsens with lifting, twisting, or gripping
- Stiffness, especially first thing in the morning
Left unaddressed, elbow tendon pain can make everyday tasks like carrying groceries or shaking hands uncomfortable, which is why many patients look for a sports chiropractor once the pain starts interfering with daily life.
How Chiropractic Care Can Help With Elbow Pain
Chiropractic care takes a whole-body approach to repetitive strain injuries. Rather than focusing only on the sore spot, our chiropractors in Coquitlam and Burnaby look at how your wrist, elbow, shoulder, and even your neck and upper back may be contributing to the strain. Joint restrictions elsewhere in the arm can force the elbow tendons to compensate, so addressing the whole chain can support more complete recovery.
Depending on your assessment, your chiropractor may use a combination of approaches, including:
- Joint manipulation to help restore proper motion in the elbow, wrist, or shoulder
- Soft tissue therapy to help reduce tension in the forearm muscles and tendons
- Targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to support the tendon as it heals
- Activity and ergonomic guidance to help reduce the repetitive strain that caused the issue in the first place
This kind of chiropractic adjustment for elbow pain is designed to help address the underlying cause, not just mask the discomfort, which can support a more lasting recovery. If your assessment shows that a broader rehabilitation program would also help, your chiropractor may recommend pairing care with our physiotherapy services for a more complete recovery plan.
What to Expect From Chiropractic Treatment
Your first visit for elbow pain treatment will start with a thorough history and physical assessment. Your chiropractor will ask about how the pain started, what movements aggravate it, and what your daily activities or sport involve. From there, they’ll test your grip strength, range of motion, and the specific tendons involved to help pinpoint the cause.
Based on these findings, your chiropractor will build a personalized care plan. Mild cases may improve with a shorter course of care, while more established repetitive strain injuries may take longer and require a combination of in-clinic treatment and at-home exercises. Your chiropractor will walk you through realistic expectations, so you know what progress may look like along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a chiropractor really help with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
Yes. Chiropractic care can help address joint restrictions and muscle tension contributing to elbow tendon pain, while soft tissue therapy and targeted exercises support the tendon’s recovery. Many patients find that combining chiropractic care with home exercises helps improve comfort and function over time.
How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?
Recovery timelines vary depending on how long you’ve had symptoms and how the tendon responds to treatment. Some patients notice improvement within a few weeks, while more chronic cases may take a few months of consistent care.
Do I need to stop playing sports or working out while I recover?
Not necessarily. Your chiropractor can often suggest modifications to keep you active while giving the tendon time to heal, rather than requiring complete rest.
What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the tendons on the inside. Both are repetitive strain injuries and are assessed and treated using similar chiropractic approaches.
Do you offer direct billing for chiropractic care?
Yes, we direct bill to most major insurance providers. Contact your local Strive clinic to confirm your specific plan.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can be frustrating, especially when everyday tasks start to feel limited by forearm pain. The good news is that with the right assessment and a personalized plan, chiropractic care can play a meaningful role in helping you recover and get back to the movement you love. Our team at Strive Health and Performance is here to help you understand what’s driving your pain and build a path forward.
Book an Appointment
Looking for Solutions for Your Elbow Pain? Our chiropractors at Strive are ready to help you build a personalized recovery plan. Book your appointment today.