Elbow Pain

Elbow Pain

Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of elbow pain. It is a repetitive stress injury, generally thought to be caused by excessive and/or repeated mechanical stress on the common extensor tendon of the forearm. The pain is on the outside of the elbow, where the extensor muscles of the forearm attach to the bone. And though it has historically been associated with playing tennis, it can occur in people who don’t play tennis, or any other sports for that matter. 

Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is basically the same thing as Tennis Elbow, but it happens on the inside of the elbow, where the flexor muscles of the forearm attach to the bone. And as with Tennis Elbow, it can happen to people who don’t even play golf.

What these two elbow problems have in common is an inability to properly adapt to mechanical stress. This could be related to a deeper underlying restriction in a vital tissue such as the ulnar nerve or the brachial artery. It could also be caused by a restriction in the shoulder or wrist on the same or opposite side as the symptoms. Another contributing factor may be systemic inflammation due to poor diet, impaired detoxification or increased toxic burden, or an imbalance in the gut microbiome, driving immune system dysregulation. 

As with any other chronic or acute pain conditions, successful treatment depends on understanding and addressing the causes. When we take the time to investigate all the potential contributing factors, then we can get results in even the most recalcitrant cases.

If you have been struggling with elbow pain that is impacting your ability to do the things you love, we encourage you to contact us. We have helped many people in your situation and we may be able to help you too!