Tennis Elbow Treatment in Palm Desert & Rancho Cucamonga
Tennis elbow — clinically known as lateral epicondylitis — is a painful overuse condition affecting the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow). Despite the name, the majority of tennis elbow cases occur in non-tennis players. At Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center, our doctors use targeted chiropractic and soft tissue techniques to resolve lateral elbow pain, restore full arm function, and prevent recurrence. Call us at (760) 340-1264 - Palm Desert Office or (909) 921-8415 - Rancho Cucamonga Office for an evaluation.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow develops through a process of repetitive micro-trauma to the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon — the primary tendon affected — and the surrounding extensor tendons at their attachment point on the lateral epicondyle. With repeated loading beyond the tissue’s recovery capacity, degenerative changes occur in the tendon (tendinosis), producing the chronic pain and weakness characteristic of the condition.
Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, pain radiating into the forearm and wrist during gripping or wrist extension activities, weakness with gripping — particularly when lifting objects with the palm facing down — and stiffness in the elbow after periods of rest. Activities that commonly cause or aggravate tennis elbow include backhand racket strokes, painting, carpentry, plumbing, repeated computer mouse use, and any task requiring repeated wrist extension and forearm supination.
Treatment at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center includes active and passive release treatment targeting the extensor tendons and radial head joint, Low Force Impulse IQ5 adjustment for elbow and wrist joint mechanics, therapeutic ultrasound for tendon healing, electrical muscle stimulation for pain relief and muscle re-education, and a prescribed eccentric strengthening program proven to be the most effective rehabilitative approach for lateral epicondylitis. Compare with our related golfer’s elbow treatment. Contact Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center at (760) 340-1264 - Palm Desert Office or (909) 921-8415 - Rancho Cucamonga Office today.
Tennis Elbow FAQs
How is tennis elbow different from golfer’s elbow?
Both are overuse tendinopathies of the elbow, but they affect different sides. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of the elbow and is associated with wrist extension and forearm supination activities. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) causes pain on the inside and is associated with wrist flexion and forearm pronation. Both are treated effectively at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center.
Can chiropractic care resolve tennis elbow without surgery?
Yes. The vast majority of tennis elbow cases respond well to conservative chiropractic and soft tissue treatment, particularly when combined with an appropriate eccentric strengthening program. Surgery is rarely necessary and is generally only considered after prolonged failure of conservative management.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
With consistent treatment, patients with mild to moderate tennis elbow often see meaningful improvement within four to eight weeks. Chronic or severe cases may require three to six months of care. Starting treatment early significantly improves outcomes and reduces total treatment time at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center.
What activities should I avoid with tennis elbow?
Avoid activities that reproduce your symptoms — particularly those involving repeated wrist extension, gripping, or forearm rotation against resistance. Your doctor at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center will provide specific activity modification guidance and advise on when you can safely return to full activity.
What is eccentric exercise and why is it used for tennis elbow?
Eccentric exercise involves lengthening a muscle under load — for example, slowly lowering a weight rather than lifting it. Research consistently shows that eccentric exercise programs for tendinopathy stimulate collagen remodeling and tissue regeneration in a way that concentric exercise does not. Our doctors at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center prescribe a specific eccentric wrist extension program as a core component of tennis elbow rehabilitation.
Can tennis elbow cause numbness in the fingers?
Tennis elbow itself does not typically cause numbness, but the nearby radial nerve — which passes over the lateral elbow — can become irritated or entrapped in association with lateral epicondylitis, producing tingling and numbness into the forearm or fingers. Our doctors at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center assess for radial nerve involvement during evaluation and incorporate nerve-specific treatment when indicated.
Is a counterforce brace helpful for tennis elbow?
Yes. A counterforce or epicondyle brace — worn just below the elbow during activities — reduces the mechanical load on the lateral epicondyle by dispersing forces before they reach the tendon attachment. Our doctors at Avalon Chiropractic Healing Center will advise on whether a brace is appropriate for your situation, what type to use, and how to wear it correctly for maximum benefit.