Effective Tennis Elbow Treatments in Lafayette, LA: How Shockwave Therapy, Chiropractic Care, and More Can Relieve Your Pain

What is Tennis Elbow? A Research-Based Perspective

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. This condition affects approximately 1-3% of the adult population each year, especially those engaged in repetitive arm movements, like athletes and manual laborers. Tennis elbow is particularly common in people between the ages of 30 and 50, though it can affect anyone. While the condition is often linked to tennis, it can also affect individuals who participate in other racket sports, including the increasingly popular pickleball, as well as those who engage in repetitive gripping activities, such as typing, painting, or lifting objects. In these activities, tendons in the forearm, particularly the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), experience repeated strain, leading to microtears, inflammation, and pain around the outer elbow. These microscopic injuries weaken the tendon over time, resulting in tenderness and difficulty with arm movements, particularly those involving grip strength or wrist extension (Rompe et al., 2001).

Explaining Tennis Elbow for All Ages

Tennis elbow causes pain primarily on the outer side of the elbow, and this pain often radiates down the forearm to the wrist, making it hard to grip objects or even lift small items. The pain comes from small tears in the tendons, which attach muscle to bone. When these tendons are overused or strained, they develop tiny injuries that lead to inflammation and soreness. Everyday activities like lifting a bag, twisting a doorknob, using a computer mouse, or even brushing teeth can aggravate this condition. The repetitive motion puts stress on the tendons, worsening the tears and leading to a cycle of pain that can make regular arm movements difficult or uncomfortable. This injury commonly affects people who use their arms for repetitive tasks, like tennis players, typists, or anyone frequently lifting or gripping objects.

Treatment Options at Scoliosis Center of Louisiana

1. Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser therapy uses low-level lasers to penetrate deeply into the tissues, reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow, which can accelerate healing and alleviate pain. This therapy is pain-free and effective for many patients, helping to repair the damaged tendons and reduce discomfort.
2. Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing and blood flow in the injured tendons, providing relief from pain and improving function over time. Many patients report a significant reduction in pain and lasting improvement after this non-invasive therapy, making it an effective option for those seeking relief from chronic tennis elbow.
3. Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Manipulation (IASTM): Using specialized tools, IASTM helps break down scar tissue and adhesions in the soft tissue, improving range of motion and reducing pain. It’s a useful therapy that allows for more precise treatment of the damaged tendons and surrounding tissues by providing controlled pressure and movement.
4. Chiropractic Adjustments: Adjustments focus on realigning joints and reducing tension throughout the body, which can aid recovery in the affected elbow by improving the body’s overall biomechanics. Chiropractic care can also address compensatory stress in the shoulder or wrist, reducing undue strain on the elbow.
5. Kinesiology Taping: Kinesiology taping involves applying a specialized elastic tape to the affected area, which can help support the muscles and tendons while reducing strain on the injured elbow. The tape gently lifts the skin to promote better blood flow and reduce swelling, which can speed up recovery and decrease pain during movement. Many patients find kinesiology taping to be a comfortable, supportive option that allows them to stay active without worsening their symptoms.

Exploring Mainstream Options: Surgery and Injections

1. Steroid Injections: Steroid injections can be effective in reducing pain and inflammation in the short term. However, frequent or long-term use of steroids carries potential risks, including tendon weakening, reduced tendon healing, and, in some cases, tissue damage around the injection site. While they can provide temporary relief, studies show that repeated injections can actually worsen tendon degeneration over time, potentially leading to further complications or increased pain later. Non-surgical treatments, such as laser therapy or shockwave therapy, are often recommended before resorting to steroid injections.
2. Surgery: Surgery is an option for those who do not respond to conservative treatments, and it involves removing damaged tissue from the tendon. However, it comes with the inherent risks of any surgery, such as infection, nerve damage, or prolonged recovery times. Some patients also experience stiffness, reduced strength, or lingering pain after surgery. Additionally, the healing process can take months, and there’s no absolute guarantee that the pain will be fully resolved. For these reasons, it’s generally advisable to explore non-invasive treatments before considering surgery.

Home Exercises for Tennis Elbow Relief

1. Wrist Flexor Stretch
   • Extend your arm in front, palm up.
   • Use your other hand to gently pull back on your fingers until you feel a stretch in your forearm.
   • Hold for 20-30 seconds, then release. Repeat 3 times per arm.
2. Wrist Extensor Stretch
   • Extend your arm with your palm facing down.
   • Use your opposite hand to gently press on the back of your hand, stretching the top of your forearm.
   • Hold for 20-30 seconds. Repeat 3 times per arm.
3. Forearm Pronation and Supination
   • Hold a lightweight (1-2 lb) in your hand, elbow bent at a 90-degree angle.
   • Slowly rotate your hand, turning your palm up (supination) and then down (pronation).
   • Repeat for 15 repetitions, performing 2-3 sets.

Take the Next Step in Recovery with Scoliosis Center of Louisiana

Dr. Justin Trosclair, in Lafayette, LA, is here to support your recovery from tennis elbow with personalized care plans, innovative therapies, and expert guidance on effective exercises. If you’re ready to find relief and regain your active lifestyle, contact us at the Scoliosis Center of Louisiana today to schedule an appointment.

Patient Testimonial

“I’m 43 and play tennis three times a week, so when I started having bad pain in my elbow, I was crushed. I didn’t want to stop playing, but it hurt too much to even grip the racket some days. Dr. Justin Trosclair at the Scoliosis Center of Louisiana recommended I cut back to twice a week for a while and come in once a week for shockwave therapy and kinesiology taping. Honestly, I wasn’t sure it would work, but after just four weeks, my elbow was feeling so much better! I got back to playing tournaments, and I’ve stayed pain-free since. Now, I pop in for a tune-up if I feel any soreness coming on. It’s been a game-changer.”

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