You Don’t Need to Play Tennis to Get Tennis Elbow

You Don’t Need to Play Tennis to Get Tennis Elbow

You’ve been diagnosed with tennis elbow... but you’ve never even picked up a racket. Sound familiar? You’re definitely not alone. In fact, less than five percent of people with tennis elbow actually got it from playing tennis.

So what is tennis elbow, really?

Tennis elbow is a common condition caused by overuse of the muscles in your forearm. Repetitive motions involving your arm, wrist, or elbow especially when you’re turning the hand outward or extending the wrist can strain these muscles over time. Think about actions like turning a screwdriver, using a paint roller, lifting grocery bags, or even typing for long hours. These seemingly harmless activities can add up and start to irritate the area just below the bend of your elbow.

Most people with tennis elbow feel pain on the outer part of the forearm, right where the muscles and tendons attach to the bony bump of the elbow. Even everyday actions, like picking up a coffee cup or brushing your teeth, can become painful. Some people also notice that their forearm feels weaker than usual.

Here’s the good news: for many people, tennis elbow gets better with just a few simple changes.

Start by paying attention to the activities that trigger your discomfort. If you can modify how you move or take regular breaks from repetitive tasks, you might find some relief fairly quickly. Athletes, tradespeople, gardeners, and even musicians can all benefit from adjusting their technique and posture. Whether you’re swinging a golf club, working in the yard, or assembling parts at a factory, how you move really matters.

Gentle care can make a big difference, too. Resting your arm, applying ice to reduce inflammation, and gently massaging the affected area can ease your symptoms. One helpful technique is called cross-friction massage, where pressure is applied in a back-and-forth motion across the sore tendon. It helps promote healing by increasing blood flow to the area.

Once the pain starts to settle down, it’s important to strengthen and stretch the muscles in your forearm. Building resilience in these muscles is key to keeping the problem from coming back.

If the pain persists or keeps flaring up, a chiropractor may be able to help by checking for misalignments in your elbow, wrist, shoulder, or even your neck. Sometimes these subtle shifts can irritate the nerves that feed into the arm, making things worse. With the right adjustments, your body may find a better balance that supports healing and comfort.

You might also hear about using an elastic band worn just below the elbow. Some doctors believe this helps by easing the strain on the tendons, though others aren’t convinced it makes a big difference. If you’re curious, talk to your provider about whether it’s worth trying for your specific case.

Tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when it seems to come out of nowhere. But with some thoughtful changes and supportive care, most people find they can return to the activities they love pain-free.

If you're feeling unsure about your next step or want some guidance tailored to your routine, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare provider who understands how the body moves and heals. Sometimes, all it takes is a little support and the right approach to get you back on track.

Finding Relief from Allergies Naturally

If you’ve ever felt worn down from constant sneezing, itchy eyes, or that foggy-headed feeling allergies can bring, you are not alone. Seasonal allergies affect over 40 million Americans, and they can really interfere with your daily life. Many people are concerned about the long-term use of antihistamines and decongestants and wonder if there are other options beyond allergy shots.

Let’s take a step back and understand what’s really happening in the body when allergies hit. Your immune system is actually doing its job by reacting to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander. It sees these substances as invaders and tries to get rid of them. Watery eyes, nasal congestion, and sneezing are part of that defense. The trouble begins when the immune system becomes overly sensitive and starts to overreact. That’s when symptoms become chronic and difficult to manage.

One question I often hear is, “If allergens are everywhere, why do only some people suffer from allergies?” The answer lies in the way the immune system functions. A balanced, well-functioning immune system handles these exposures with less distress. Interestingly, research in the field of immunology shows that nerve interference can impact immune response. That’s where chiropractic care can come in. By gently removing nerve pressure, chiropractic adjustments may help your body respond more calmly and effectively to allergens. Many of my patients have noticed fewer allergy symptoms after a period of consistent care. I like to think of this improvement in immune function as a happy side benefit of chiropractic treatment.

Of course, building a strong immune system starts early. Breastfed babies, for instance, tend to have fewer allergies and infections. And all throughout life, choosing wholesome, nourishing foods supports your immune health. A colorful, varied diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can go a long way in helping your body stay balanced.

Another helpful step is reducing your exposure to known allergens. This could be as simple as wearing a mask when mowing the lawn or avoiding outdoor activities when pollen counts are high. Some people even consider moving to another part of the country in search of relief. While this may help short-term, new allergies often develop in the new environment. Experts generally agree that relocation isn’t a reliable long-term fix.

One voice I often turn to in natural health is Dr. Kurt Donsbach, who once said, “The emphasis on allergies must be on building a healthy body, not on trying to use evasive tactics by eliminating all the allergens.” I couldn’t agree more.

Your body has an amazing capacity to heal, regulate, and adapt when given the right support. If you’re looking for a more natural approach to managing allergies, I encourage you to explore how chiropractic care, healthy habits, and mindful living might help you feel more comfortable season after season.

You deserve to feel your best, and I’m here to help you get there.