Tennis Elbow Treatment in NYC

Lateral epicondylitis is better known as tennis elbow which is a type of tendinitis and a painful condition that occurs when the tendons on the outside of your elbow become overworked, usually from repetitive motion of the wrist and arm.

Most cases of tennis elbow actually occur in people who don't play tennis. Anyone repetitively performing motions that strain the muscles and tendons on the outer part of the elbow can develop pain and inflammation, which over time can develop into lateral epicondylitis.

Pain associated with tennis elbow occurs when the tendons of your forearm muscles which attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow known as the lateral epicondyle which can become irritated and inflamed. Pain can also spread into your forearm and wrist. For this reason, a medical evaluation by one of our doctors can help you determine the right treatment options.

Common Causes

• Racquet sports such as tennis, and increasingly pickleball.
• Repetitive gripping, typing, or tool use at work.
• Painting, plumbing, or carpentry work involving repeated wrist motion
• Weightlifting with improper wrist positioning.
• Any activity involving repeated wrist extension or gripping over time.

Symptoms

• Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow.
• Pain that may spread into the forearm and wrist.
• Weak grip strength, or pain when shaking hands or gripping objects.
• Pain that worsens with wrist extension such as lifting, twisting, or gripping motions.
• Symptoms that build gradually rather than starting with a single injury.

How We Diagnose It

Diagnosis is largely clinical: our doctors examine your elbow's range of motion and use orthopedic tests such as resisted wrist extension that reproduce pain at the lateral epicondyle to confirm tennis elbow. Imaging usually isn't needed, though on-site digital X-ray is available if we need to rule out another cause of your elbow pain.

Treatment for Tennis Elbow

Conservative care resolves the large majority of tennis elbow cases. Depending on your evaluation, your treatment plan may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments to the elbow, wrist, and cervical spine to restore proper joint mechanics and take stress off the irritated tendon.
• Soft tissue therapy, including myofascial release and instrument-assisted techniques, to reduce adhesions and improve blood flow to the tendon.
• Eccentric strengthening exercises — controlled, lengthening contractions of the wrist extensors which is one of the most effective ways to help remodel damaged tendon tissue.
• Bracing or a counterforce strap to offload the tendon during daily activity
• Acupuncture as a drug-free option for pain relief.
• Activity modification to reduce the repetitive strain driving your symptoms while you heal.

Many patients notice improvement within two to four weeks of consistent care, though full healing of the tendon can take two to three months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to play tennis to get tennis elbow? No, most people with tennis elbow don't play tennis. Any repetitive gripping or wrist motion, at work or during other activities, can cause it.

What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow? Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the outside of the elbow; golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inside. Both involve overused forearm tendons but on opposite sides of the joint.

Can a chiropractor help with tennis elbow? Yes. Joint mobilization, soft tissue work, and guided eccentric exercise are a well-supported, non-invasive approach, often avoiding the need for cortisone injections or surgery.

Will I need imaging? Usually not. Tennis elbow is typically diagnosed through exam and orthopedic testing alone.

We can help you recover from your sport-related or repetitive-strain injury so you can get back in the game.

Call or Text us at (212) 245-5688