LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS AKA “TENNIS ELBOW”

What is it and who gets it?

Tennis Elbow is a painful condition of the elbow, caused by overuse. Inflammation, or in some cases- micro-tears of the tendons located on the outside of the elbow cause pain associated with Tennis Elbow. Racket sports players including pickleball and racquetball are very commonly affected by Lateral Epicondylitis because of the repetitive motions involved in striking the ball.

tennis elbox image

Influence of Paddle Properties on Injuries

Paddle Core Thickness: Energy transference is key here. A thin core paddle absorbs less energy than a thicker core, and the body absorbs more of the mechanical load of the hit. Thin Core Paddles will likely be lighter, and provide more agility and “pop”, while paddles with a thicker core will provide more consistency and control. A thicker paddle will reduce strain on the arm.

Grip: lower force grips have been shown to reduce mechanical
loads placed on the arm.

Strike Location: Off- center ball impacts result in greater vibration magnitude than hits at center.

Why does it happen?

Capacity vs. Demand: All musculoskeletal structures in the body have a limited capacity for stress. Once demand placed on structures is higher than tissue capacity, injury can occur. Tennis elbow is a prime example of demand exceeding capacity over time.

Prevention

Make sure your paddle or racket is a good fit for you! Lighter weight, thicker core and larger grips may help to reduce strain on tendons. Use your core and lower body to generate power rather than just your arm
Stretch & Strengthen forearms daily

At Home Exercises

Exercise 1

tennis elbow exercise image

Step 1: Palm faces up and away from you, gently press fingers back toward your body

tennis elbow exercise image

Step 2: Continue the stretch by alternating between bending your elbow and straightening

Tip:  Y ou can try this stretch on the wall, or with your hand on a table, fingers facing you

Exercise 2

Tennis Elbow Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Tennis Elbow Exercise 3

We Can Help! The team at Linebarger Chiropractic is ready to help guide you through recovery and strengthening! Feel free to call or walk-in to our clinic and we can help you get back to the game you love!

View, download and/or print this as a pdf flyer here. 

 Meet Dr. Erica

Dr. Erica is a chiropractor who helps active people of all ages overcome chronic pain patterns and injuries, while restoring and optimizing movement. She focuses on finding the root cause of dysfunction and addresses issues using a combination of chiropractic techniques, dry needling, myofascial muscle work, mobility and strength exercises.

In addition, Erica specializes in helping women maintain and build their athleticism through all of life’s stages – including pregnancy and postpartum.  Dr. Erica is a Webster Certified prenatal chiropractor, a specialty training specific to addressing common musculoskeletal pain during pregnancy.

Experiencing the positive impacts of chiropractic care sparked Dr. Erica’s interest in becoming a chiropractor herself, after chiropractic helped her to find lasting relief from chronic migraines. After graduating from Rocky Mountain College, she attended Parker University in Dallas, Texas for her chiropractic education. Dr. Erica also holds a Masters Degree in Strength and Human Performance – giving her even more depth of knowledge when it comes to working with athletes and active people of all ages.

Dr. Erica is excited to be back in her hometown helping people recover faster, move better and keep doing all things they love to do!

Dr. Erica is certified in a variety of techniques including : Dry Needling, Myofascial Decompression Cupping, Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization, Functional Range Conditioning and Taping. She uses a variety of chiropractic techniques including manual adjustments, as well as gentle styles including Thompson, Sacro Occipital Technique (SOT)  and Activator.

 COVID-19 Response

Linebarger Chiropractic is concerned about the occurrence of the COVID-19 (Novel coronavirus). As we respond to the rapid changing environment, the safety of our patients, staff and doctor remain our highest priority.

During these challenging times we are planning on staying open to serve our patients and the community.

We continue to closely monitor recommendations and protocols established by the World Health Organization (WHO), the CDC, and local health departments.

As a pre-cautionary measure, we have implemented increased hygiene routines, check in process that considers social distancing and clinic procedures outlined by healthcare organizations in the chiropractic profession.

We recommend patients follow guidelines issued by the CDC and local Health Department. If you are ill, been in contact with anyone that is ill or recently traveled to a high risk COVID-19 region or if you are in a high risk demographic please do not come in.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation during these challenging times.