Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is pain on the outer side of the elbow caused by irritation or tiny tears in the forearm tendons. Despite the name, it’s not just for athletes, anyone who grips, lifts, or types repetitively can develop it. At KIRO, our chiropractors focus on reducing tendon strain, improving arm and wrist mechanics, and guiding safe strengthening so you can get back to work, sports, and daily activities without lingering elbow pain.
Why does tennis elbow occur?
Tennis elbow happens when the tendons that attach to the outside of your elbow become overloaded and develop tiny tears. Repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions, like typing, using a mouse, carrying heavy bags, or playing racquet sports, put extra stress on these tendons. Over time, this strain leads to irritation, inflammation, and pain. Poor wrist or shoulder mechanics and weak forearm muscles can make the area more vulnerable.
What are the common symptoms of tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow usually causes pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow that can radiate down the forearm. Grip strength often feels weaker, making it hard to lift a coffee cup, shake hands, or turn a doorknob. Some people notice stiffness in the morning, tenderness when touching the outside of the elbow, or pain that worsens with repetitive wrist or hand use.
Who is most at risk of getting tennis elbow?
Anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles for gripping or twisting is at risk. This includes tennis and pickleball players, golfers, weightlifters, and manual workers like painters, plumbers, and carpenters. Office workers who type or use a mouse for long periods can also develop it. Risk increases with age, especially between 30 and 60, and with weak forearm or shoulder muscles that make the tendons work harder.
How do KIRO doctors treat tennis elbow?
At KIRO, care for tennis elbow starts with a detailed exam of your elbow, wrist, and shoulder plus a baseline Nervous System Scan to understand tendon irritation and how it’s affecting arm function.
Symptomatic phase (first few weeks): Our chiropractors use gentle, precise adjustments to the elbow, wrist, and upper spine to improve mechanics and reduce strain on the irritated tendon. Pain-relieving strategies like soft-tissue therapy, gentle forearm stretching, and activity modification are introduced to calm irritation.
Corrective phase (next 6–8 weeks): We focus on rebuilding strength and stability in the forearm and shoulder with targeted exercises, nerve glides, and movement retraining. Ergonomic coaching, such as adjusting keyboard, mouse, or sports technique, helps offload the tendon and prevent repeat injury.
Preventive phase (ongoing): Periodic adjustments and progressive strengthening keep the elbow and arm functioning well, reducing the risk of flare-ups.
We also perform monthly Nervous System Scans to track progress and adapt your plan. Multiple doctors rotate in your care to give you varied expertise and the safest, most effective treatment path.
How long does tennis elbow treatment take?
Many people feel less pain and better grip strength within the first 4–6 weeks of consistent care and activity modification. Fully rebuilding tendon strength and arm mechanics usually takes 8–12 weeks, depending on how long the injury has been present and how well you follow your home program. Chronic or severe cases may take several months, but steady progress is expected with the right treatment and movement changes.
What are the benefits of chiropractic care for tennis elbow?
Chiropractic care for tennis elbow provides several important benefits, including:
Faster pain relief and reduced tendon irritation
Improved elbow, wrist, and shoulder mechanics to offload stress
Better grip strength and forearm endurance
Guided rehabilitation to safely rebuild strength and flexibility
A non-drug, non-surgical approach to recovery
These benefits help you return to work, sports, and daily activities with less pain and lower risk of future flare-ups.
FAQs
Are counterforce straps helpful with tennis elbow?
Yes. Counterforce straps, also called tennis elbow braces, can help by taking pressure off the irritated tendon where it attaches to the outside of the elbow. They work by distributing force across the forearm muscles during gripping or lifting. While they don’t fix the underlying problem, they can reduce pain and make daily tasks easier as you heal.
Does eccentric training help with tennis elbow?
Yes. Eccentric training, slowly lowering the wrist or hand against resistance, helps strengthen the tendon and stimulate healing. It also improves the tendon’s ability to handle load, which reduces pain over time. These exercises are most effective once early irritation has calmed and should be done with proper form to avoid overstraining the tendon.
Can chiropractic adjustments help with tennis elbow?
Yes. Chiropractic adjustments can improve how your elbow, wrist, and shoulder move together, reducing stress on the irritated tendon. They may also relieve tension in the forearm muscles and improve nerve and joint function. Adjustments work best when combined with exercise, activity changes, and other rehab strategies tailored to tennis elbow.
How long until I can play pain-free with tennis elbow?
Recovery time varies, but many people can return to pain-free activity within 8–12 weeks if they rest early, address tendon irritation, and follow a rehab plan. Mild cases may improve faster, while long-standing or severe injuries can take several months. Easing back into sports slowly and maintaining strength and flexibility help prevent setbacks.
Why does my elbow hurt when I type?
Typing for long periods can strain the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. If your wrists are bent or your keyboard and mouse aren’t positioned well, the tendons work harder and can become irritated, a common cause of tennis elbow pain. Improving ergonomics, taking breaks, and stretching your forearms can help reduce this strain.
What stretches help with tennis elbow?
Gentle forearm stretches can ease tension and improve flexibility. One useful stretch is wrist flexor stretch: hold your arm straight with palm up, gently pull your fingers back with your other hand until you feel a stretch along the inner forearm. Another is wrist extensor stretch: arm straight with palm down, gently pull fingers toward you to stretch the outer forearm. Hold each for 20–30 seconds, stay pain-free, and repeat a few times a day.
Can a tennis elbow turn chronic?
Yes. If tennis elbow isn’t treated and you keep stressing the tendon, the irritation can become long-lasting. Chronic tennis elbow means the tendon fibers stay weak and painful for months or even years, making gripping and lifting harder. Early rest, activity changes, and guided rehab can help prevent it from becoming a persistent problem.
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