The latest data1 shows that approximately 1-3% of the U.S. population experiences what is known as tennis elbow. Although its name suggests that it develops as a result of playing tennis, an individual does not have to play the sport to develop this painful condition.
If you suspect (or have been diagnosed with) tennis elbow, learn more about the condition, as well as the most effective types of tennis elbow treatment in Charleston, SC.
Tennis elbow refers to pain that develops from repetitive straining of the forearm muscles. This pain is typically felt starting at the elbow and can extend through the wrist. The root cause of tennis elbow are tears that happen near the elbow due to overuse of the area. These tears can happen suddenly, or they can take time to develop.
The pain that is experienced with the condition is often made worse when trying to grip various objects, shake hands, or hold the wrist in place. Tennis elbow is most frequently diagnosed among those who are 30-50 years of age.
As stated earlier, tennis is not the only activity that can lead to tennis elbow. While it is more commonly seen in those who play the sport, a number of lifestyle factors can lead to its development.
In addition to sports, many occupations can cause the condition. For example, anyone in a role that requires the use of a standard computer mouse on a daily basis is at risk of straining the forearm muscles. Other job positions that carry a higher than normal risk include cooks, plumbers, painters, butchers, and various construction positions.
Thankfully, in many cases, tennis elbow heals without significant intervention. Resting and applying ice often resolves mild cases.
There are, however, a number of cases that do not get better with simple treatment. Individuals who experience moderate to severe tennis elbow will need to seek additional forms of treatment to stop the ongoing pain, and restore full range of motion once again.
In these instances, conventional treatments include solutions that are quite extreme. Injections, medications, ultrasonic tenotomy, and even surgery are often recommended to patients. Rather than seeking out expensive, painful, and lengthy routes to recovery, natural healing solutions can provide the same level of pain relief (while promoting long-term healing).
If you are currently in search of tennis elbow treatment in Charleston, SC, there are a number of solutions that you can try. Utilizing one or more of the treatment methods below is the quickest and most effective path to pain relief.
1) Extremity Adjusting
It is a common misconception that chiropractors only adjust the neck and back. If you have tennis elbow, one of the best ways to promote healing is through extremity adjusting. Both the elbows and wrists can be adjusted to bring the affected area in to balance, and to get the blood flowing through more efficiently. After receiving just a few treatments, patients can expect to feel reduced pressure and pain. Over time, these safe and targeted adjustments can heal the condition, and eliminate pain completely.
2) PEMF Treatment
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy (also known as PEMF) utilizes beneficial electromagnetic frequencies to reduce both pain and inflammation. Research has shown that regular treatments can actually heal tissues that are damaged, and speed up recovery from conditions such as tennis elbow. In addition to these benefits, PEMF can also improve circulation, enhance immune function, relieve fatigue, and help boost sleep quality. Here learn more about the Bemer in Charleston, SC.
3) Structural Evaluation
Having a structural evaluation conducted on the shoulders, wrists, elbows, and the like can help identify the underlying reason for developing tennis elbow. Although repeated overuse of the forearm muscles leads to the condition, there are often structural and movement-related factors that can put someone at a higher risk. To prevent ongoing issues, having this evaluation conducted is essential.
4) Topical CBD Pain Relievers
Cannabidiol (CBD) oil extracted from hemp plants has become a massively popular all-natural treatment for a variety of health concerns. One of the most common uses of both oral and topical CBD oil is pain relief. Instead of taking potentially habit-forming pain medications, CBD provides an excellent way to safely and rapidly relieve pain. For tennis elbow, using topical, full-spectrum CBD is the best choice. At our office, we use a blend that is made with organic hemp, and that includes other pain-relieving/inflammation-fighting ingredients such as eucalyptus, ginger, and curcumin. This CBD pain reliever is effective because it quickly penetrates deep into both the joints and muscles.
5) Stretching
When creating a plan for tennis elbow treatment in Charleston, SC, it is essential to utilize specific stretches that will restore range of motion. One specific stretch involves carefully bending the wrist forward and backward to promote healing. Although these stretches won’t immediately provide pain relief, they are integral to overcoming the condition fully.
If you would like to get started with creating a personalized plan for tennis elbow treatment in Charleston, SC, please reach out to our office to set up your visit.
