Understanding and Treating Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow: A Chiropractic Perspective
Elbow pain is a common complaint among both athletes and non-athletes alike. Two of the most frequent conditions are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow—terms that can be misleading, as you don’t need to play either sport to develop them. From a chiropractic standpoint, these conditions are not just localized issues but often part of a broader pattern involving joint mechanics, muscle imbalance, and repetitive strain.
What’s the Difference?
Although both conditions involve elbow pain and are forms of tendinopathy (irritation or degeneration of tendons), the key difference lies in location and affected muscle groups.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
This condition affects the outer part of the elbow. It involves the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, primarily the wrist extensors. These muscles are responsible for lifting the wrist and stabilizing the hand during gripping activities. Pain is typically felt on the outside of the elbow and may radiate down the forearm. It’s often aggravated by activities like lifting, gripping, or typing.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
This affects the inner part of the elbow, involving the wrist flexor tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle. These muscles help bend the wrist and fingers. Pain is felt on the inside of the elbow and may worsen with gripping, wrist flexion, or forearm rotation.
Why Do These Conditions Develop?
From a chiropractic perspective, both conditions are usually the result of repetitive stress combined with poor biomechanics. Contributing factors may include:
- Repetitive hand and wrist motions (sports, typing, manual labor)
- Poor posture, especially forward head and rounded shoulders
- Reduced mobility in the shoulder, wrist, or upper spine
- Muscle imbalances between flexors and extensors
- Improper technique or ergonomics
Rather than viewing the elbow in isolation, chiropractors assess the entire kinetic chain—how the neck, shoulder, arm, and wrist interact during movement.
Chiropractic Treatment Approach
A comprehensive chiropractic approach focuses on reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing recurrence.
1. Joint Assessment and Adjustments
Restricted movement in the cervical spine, shoulder, elbow, or wrist can alter biomechanics and overload the elbow tendons. Gentle chiropractic adjustments help restore proper joint motion and reduce compensatory strain.
2. Soft Tissue Therapy
Techniques such as myofascial release, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), and trigger point therapy target tight or dysfunctional muscles and tendons. This helps improve circulation, reduce adhesions, and promote healing.
3. Corrective Exercises
Rehabilitation is essential. For tennis elbow, emphasis is placed on strengthening the wrist extensors eccentrically. For golfer’s elbow, focus shifts to the wrist flexors. Additionally, shoulder stabilization and scapular control exercises are often included to address upstream dysfunction.
4. Postural and Ergonomic Correction
Poor posture—especially prolonged sitting with forward head posture—can contribute to altered arm mechanics. Chiropractors provide guidance on workstation setup, lifting mechanics, and sport-specific technique to reduce strain.
5. Activity Modification
Temporary modification of aggravating activities allows tissues to heal. This doesn’t always mean complete rest but rather adjusting intensity, frequency, or technique.
6. Adjunct Therapies
Depending on the case, supportive therapies such as bracing, taping, or modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be used to reduce inflammation and support recovery.
Prevention Matters
Preventing recurrence is just as important as treatment. Patients are encouraged to maintain mobility and strength throughout the upper body, take regular breaks from repetitive tasks, and address minor symptoms early before they become chronic.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow may seem like simple overuse injuries, but they often reflect deeper biomechanical issues. A chiropractic approach looks beyond the site of pain to identify and correct contributing factors throughout the body. With the right combination of manual therapy, exercise, and education, most patients can achieve lasting relief and return to their normal activities stronger and more resilient.