Elbow pain can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with everyday tasks like lifting a coffee mug, turning a doorknob, or typing at work. One of the most common causes of pain in the elbow is tennis elbow—a condition that doesn’t only affect athletes. If you’re beginning to notice discomfort on the outside or inside of your elbow, difficulty gripping objects, or even pain in the upper left arm between the elbow and shoulder, you may be wondering whether tennis elbow is to blame. This guide helps you understand the key symptoms, what distinguishes tennis elbow from other types of elbow joint pain, and when care from a tennis elbow chiropractor may help.
What Exactly Is Tennis Elbow?
Despite its sporty name, tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury caused by repetitive motions involving the wrist and forearm. These repeated movements strain the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow, leading to inflammation, micro-tears, and pain.
The condition is commonly associated with racquet sports, but most cases actually come from everyday activities such as:
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Repetitive computer use
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Lifting or gripping heavy objects
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Home improvement tasks
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Occupational repetitive motions
Tennis elbow typically produces pain in the elbow on the outer bony bump, but it can also radiate down the arm or up toward the shoulder.
Key Symptoms That Suggest Your Elbow Pain Is Tennis Elbow
While elbow discomfort can have many causes, the following symptoms strongly indicate tennis elbow may be the issue.
1. Outside Elbow Pain or Inner Elbow Pain
The most recognizable symptom is pain on the lateral (outer) part of the elbow. However, some people experience inside elbow pain or inner elbow pain, which may be medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Both are tendon injuries but occur on different sides.
2. Pain When Bending and Straightening the Elbow
If you feel elbow pain when bending and straightening, especially during gripping or lifting, it’s a sign the tendons involved in elbow joint stabilization are irritated.
3. Pain That Gets Worse With Wrist or Hand Movements
Simple actions like turning a key, typing, shaking hands, or holding objects can trigger sharp discomfort.
4. Tenderness to the Touch
The outer bony area of the elbow (lateral epicondyle) may feel sore when pressed.
5. Weak Grip Strength
Tennis elbow can make your forearm muscles weak, making it harder to hold onto objects.
6. Radiating Pain
Some individuals notice the discomfort spreading, such as pain in the upper left arm between the elbow and shoulder, or downward into the forearm.
If several of these symptoms describe your experience, there’s a strong likelihood you’re dealing with tennis elbow or a related elbow joint pain condition.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Tennis Elbow?
A common question people ask is: “Can a chiropractor help with tennis elbow?” The answer is yes. Many patients find relief through non-invasive, conservative care tailored to reduce inflammation, restore mobility, and improve joint alignment.
A chiropractor for tennis elbow focuses not just on the elbow itself but also on the surrounding joints—wrist, shoulder, and cervical spine—that may contribute to the strain.
Why Chiropractic Care Works for Elbow Pain
Chiropractic approaches target the root cause of tendon overload rather than simply masking symptoms. This makes it an effective solution for persistent elbow joint pain, repetitive-use injuries, and tennis injuries.
1. Restoring Proper Joint Movement
A chiropractic elbow adjustment helps reduce joint restrictions and improve blood flow, supporting tendon healing.
2. Reducing Inflammation
Hands-on techniques relieve tension in overworked muscles, easing pressure on irritated tissues.
3. Improving Mechanics of the Arm
If the shoulder or upper back isn’t functioning properly, the elbow often compensates. Chiropractors assess the entire kinetic chain.
4. Drug-Free and Non-Invasive
Chiropractic care provides natural solutions without relying on long-term medication.
People often search for an elbow pain chiropractor because this approach helps restore movement and function without downtime or surgery.
Common Causes of Pain Mistaken for Tennis Elbow
Even if you have pain in the elbow, it doesn’t automatically mean you have tennis elbow. Other conditions share similar symptoms:
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Golfer’s Elbow – Causes inner elbow pain
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Tendonitis from overuse
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Nerve entrapment (radial tunnel syndrome)
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Arthritis of the elbow joint
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Ligament sprains
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Referred pain from the neck or shoulder
A proper evaluation helps determine whether you need elbow pain chiropractic care, soft-tissue therapy, rehabilitation exercises, or a combination of treatments.
How Chiropractic Care Treats Tennis Elbow
A chiropractor uses a variety of evidence-based techniques to reduce pain and improve healing.
1. Chiropractic Elbow Adjustment
Gentle adjustments restore proper joint mobility in the elbow and surrounding areas, reducing stress on the inflamed tendon.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
Methods such as myofascial release or instrument-assisted techniques break up scar tissue and improve circulation.
3. Rehabilitation Exercises
Strength and flexibility training help rebuild the forearm muscles, preventing reinjury.
4. Posture & Ergonomic Guidance
Correct posture reduces repetitive strain on the elbow, especially for people who work at a computer.
5. Shoulder and Wrist Assessment
Because the elbow often compensates for dysfunction elsewhere, treating related joints supports full recovery.
Many people find lasting relief from a chiropractor for elbow pain because the treatment focuses on mechanics and functional healing.
When to See a Chiropractor for Elbow Pain
You should consider evaluation and treatment if:
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The pain has lasted more than a couple of weeks
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The discomfort limits daily activities
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You notice weakness or trouble gripping objects
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Pain radiates into your forearm or upper arm
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Home remedies haven’t helped
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You’re experiencing persistent inside elbow pain, inner elbow pain, or outer elbow discomfort
Addressing the issue early prevents tendon degeneration and speeds up recovery.
At-Home Relief for Tennis Elbow Symptoms
While professional care is the best long-term solution, these conservative at-home strategies may reduce discomfort:
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Resting the elbow
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Using ice to decrease inflammation
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Avoiding repetitive gripping
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Light stretching (without increasing pain)
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Wearing a supportive brace if recommended
These remedies can support healing but won’t correct underlying mechanical issues, which is why many people eventually seek elbow pain treatments from a trained clinician.
How to Know If Your Pain Is a Tennis Injury or Something Else
Tennis injuries often include a combination of lateral elbow pain, stiffness, and reduced grip strength. But if your discomfort shifts, spreads, or intensifies with certain motions, a chiropractor can determine whether a structural or mechanical imbalance is contributing.
Symptoms that may suggest an alternative diagnosis include:
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Numbness or tingling
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Swelling that doesn’t improve
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Pain that worsens at night
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Sudden sharp pain after an impact
A comprehensive assessment can help you understand the source of your discomfort and what treatment plan will work best.
Don’t Ignore the Early Signs of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is one of the most common causes of pain in the elbow, but it’s also one of the most treatable—especially when caught early. Whether you’re dealing with elbow pain when bending and straightening, radiating discomfort into your upper arm, or aching along the outer elbow, recognizing the signs allows you to take action sooner.
Chiropractic techniques such as chiropractic elbow adjustment, muscle therapy, and functional rehabilitation provide effective, drug-free solutions for reducing pain and restoring movement. If your symptoms are impacting your daily activities, a tennis elbow chiropractor can help you identify the root cause and begin your recovery.
