Chiropractors successfully treat more than just back pain and neck pain. Dr Collin Dolan of Dolan Family Chiropractic in Aurora, IL specializes in the treatment of sports injuries including Tennis Elbow. Tennis elbow is defined as the painful inflammation of the common extensor tendon at its insertion to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus bone. Treatment of Tennis Elbow varies but usually begins with RICE protocols. The elbow is rested, iced using an ice pack or massaged with an ice applicator, compressed with bracing or athletic support tape, and elevated to promote healing and decrease localized inflammation and swelling at the point of injury. If the pain persists or worsens following 2-3 weeks of this treatment then it should be examined by a doctor to determine if extra treatment is needed. In severe cases or when traditional conservative treatments do not help, an MRI is needed to check for serious tears in the tendon. Surgical repair and pain injections are sometimes needed to deal with the pain but should only be done after less invasive methods have failed. Conservatively this injury can be successfully treated by chiropractors using chiropractic care and physical therapy. Soft tissue therapy of the involved muscles of the forearm is very incorporated into the treatment plan which includes massage, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, gua sha, and muscle stripping. Manipulation of the elbow and bones of the arm and wrist are used to relieve stress from the tissues and physical therapy modalities including therapeutic ultrasound, microcurrent, and electric muscle stimulation can help reduce inflammation and swelling and reduce pain. Chopat braces and kinesio taping protocols are used to stabilize the joint and to limit motion in order to relieve stress from the extensor tendon. Home stretches should be done to lengthen the extensor muscles of the forearm and to relieve stress from the insertion into the humerus bone of the arm. Later, strengthening exercises are used to increase elbow and hand strength. Exercises should not be prescribed while in the acute phase of injury in order to avoid exacerbating the injury. Lifestyle modifications must be taken following treatment in order to avoid aggravating or reinjuring the elbow. This may include changing work or recreational activities to avoid the above listed causes.
If you have any questions about how chiropractic can help with Tennis Elbow injuries of if you have any questions for Dr Dolan of Dolan Family Chiropractic in Aurora, IL check out the website at www.Dolanchiro.com or call 630-236-3090 to speak to one of the doctors privately. Dolan Family Chiropractic treats many of the top athletes in the Aurora and Naperville areas of Illinois. Dr Collin Dolan specializes in the treatment of sports injuries.
