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Tennis (Golf) Elbow and Chiropractic Care
Reprinted from the US Chiropractic Directory
“Tennis elbow [or lateral epicondylitis] is a painful condition that happens when tendons in your elbow are overworked, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm” (Mayo Clinic Staff, 2010, http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tennis-elbow/DS00469/DSECTION=symptoms). Tennis elbow is also called “golfer’s elbow” and according to Owens, Wolf, and Murphy (2009), “…has been demonstrated to occur in up to 50% of tennis players. However, this condition is not limited to tennis players and has been reported to be the result of overuse from many activities. Lateral epicondylitis is extremely common in today’s active society” (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1231903-overview).
Owens, Wolf, and Murphy (2009) go on to explain, “Any activity involving wrist extension [upward bending] and/or supination [twisting] can be associated with overuse of the muscles originating at the lateral epicondyle [outer elbow]. Tennis has been the activity most commonly associated with the disorder. The risk of overuse injury is increased 2-3 times in players with more than 2 hours of play per week and 2-4 times in players older than 40 years. Several risk factors have been identified, including improper technique, size of racquet handle, and racquet weight [and the same holds true for any sport or activity]. For work-related lateral epicondylitis, a systematic review identified 3 risk factors: handling tools heavier than 1 kg, handling loads heavier than 20 kg at least 10 times per day, and repetitive movements for more than 2 hours per day…Patients present complaining of lateral elbow and forearm pain exacerbated by use. The typical patient is a man or woman aged 35-55 years who either is a recreational athlete or one who engages in rigorous daily activities” (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1231903-overview).
In tennis, the USTA (United States Tennis Association), and in golf, the PGA (Professional Golf Association), along with almost every professional sports team in the United States and internationally, now employ chiropractors as part of their medical staff. They recognize the competitive edge that it gives their players in both avoiding and treating injuries. Professional sports are a big business and the owners want to protect their investments, the players. On a daily basis, as highlighted above, many of us are exposed to the negative effects of lateral epicondylitis.
According to Fernández-Carnero, Fernández-de-las-Peñas, & Cleland (2008), the application of a cervical spine thrust manipulation (chiropractic adjustment) produced an immediate bilateral increase in pain pressure thresholds, or less pain at the elbow in patients with lateral epicondylitis and an increased pain free grip on the affected or painful side. The implication in sports and everyday life is that lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow, golf elbow, packaging elbow or any other name attached to the activity causing this problem, has been clinically proven in randomized clinical trials to have positive outcomes with chiropractic care.
These studies along with many others conclude that a drug-free approach of chiropractic care is one of the best solutions for patients with lateral epicondylitis. I welcome comments from you, your family, or your friends about this topic.
References
1. Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010, Obtober 21). Tennis elbow, symptoms. MayoClinic.com. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/tennis-elbow/DS00469/DSECTION=symptoms
2. Owens, B. D., Wolf, J. M., & Murphy, K. P. (2009, November 3). Lateral epicondylitis. emedecine from WebMD. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1231903-overview
3. Fernández-Carnero, J., Fernández-de-las-Peñas, C., & Cleland, J. A. (2008). Immediate hypoalgesic and motor effects after a single cervical spine manipulation in subjects with lateral epicondylalgia. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 31(9), 675-681.
The golf swing is all about efficient energy transfer from the lower body into the hips, through each of the joints of the spine, into the shoulder girdle, down the arm, through the golf club, and finally into the golf ball. If any one of the joints involved is injured, or not moving effectively, your handicap will suffer.