What You’ll Learn in This Article
- The most common causes of elbow pain, including tennis and golfer’s elbow
- Why elbow pain often becomes chronic and stubborn
- How neck, shoulder, and wrist mechanics affect the elbow
- Evidence-based treatment options beyond rest and medication
- How chiropractic care and shockwave therapy help heal elbow injuries
- When to seek care to avoid long-term damage
Elbow Pain Is More Common Than You Think
Elbow pain doesn’t just affect tennis players. In fact, most people who develop “tennis elbow” have never picked up a racket. Elbow pain commonly shows up in people who work with their hands, lift weights, type at a computer, use tools, or participate in repetitive activities like pickleball, golf, or home improvement projects.
At Vector Spine and Sport in Murray, Utah, we frequently see elbow pain in active adults, tradespeople, office workers, and athletes alike. While the pain may feel localized to the elbow, the true cause is often more complex than a single irritated tendon.
What’s Really Going On With Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become overloaded and degenerative. Over time, tiny micro-tears develop in the tendon tissue. Instead of healing properly, the tissue weakens, thickens, and becomes painful with gripping, lifting, or repetitive motion.
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the inside of the elbow and follows a similar pattern. In both cases, the issue is less about inflammation and more about poor tissue healing and altered mechanics.
This is why rest alone often doesn’t solve the problem — and why symptoms tend to return as soon as activity resumes.
Why Elbow Pain Often Becomes Chronic
One of the biggest reasons elbow pain lingers is that the elbow doesn’t work in isolation. It relies on proper movement from the shoulder, wrist, and neck. If any of these areas are restricted or compensating, extra strain is placed on the elbow tendons.
Poor posture, limited shoulder mobility, weak grip mechanics, or nerve irritation from the neck can all contribute to ongoing elbow pain. Without addressing these contributing factors, even the best exercises or braces may fall short.
How Chiropractic Care Helps Elbow Pain
Chiropractic care plays an important role in treating elbow pain by restoring proper movement throughout the entire upper extremity. At Vector Spine and Sport, Dr. Jacob Reesor evaluates how the neck, upper back, shoulder, elbow, and wrist work together.
Gentle chiropractic adjustments help improve joint mobility and reduce abnormal stress on the elbow tendons. Soft tissue techniques address muscle tension and trigger points that can perpetuate pain. When movement patterns improve, the elbow is no longer forced to compensate — allowing healing to occur.
Patients often report improved grip strength, reduced pain with daily activities, and better overall arm function.
Shockwave Therapy: A Breakthrough for Chronic Elbow Pain
For stubborn or long-standing elbow pain, Shockwave Therapy (EPAT) is one of the most effective non-surgical treatments available. Shockwave therapy uses acoustic sound waves to stimulate blood flow, promote collagen remodeling, and break down scar tissue within degenerative tendons.
Clinical research supports shockwave therapy for both tennis and golfer’s elbow, showing significant improvements in pain and function compared to rest or exercise alone. Because the treatment targets tissue healing rather than just symptom relief, results tend to be longer-lasting.
At Vector Spine and Sport, we use both focused and radial shockwave therapy, allowing us to tailor treatment based on the depth and severity of the tendon injury. Sessions are quick, require no downtime, and are well tolerated by most patients.
Elbow Pain After a Car Accident
Elbow pain can also develop after a car accident, even if it wasn’t the primary area of impact. Bracing against the steering wheel, seatbelt forces, or sudden arm movement can strain elbow structures and surrounding joints.
In Utah, chiropractic care for auto injuries is typically covered under Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance, meaning evaluation and treatment may be provided with little to no out-of-pocket cost. Early care helps prevent minor elbow injuries from turning into chronic problems.
When Should You Get Your Elbow Checked?
If elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks, interferes with gripping or lifting, or keeps returning when you try to be active, it’s time for a professional evaluation. Early, conservative treatment leads to better outcomes and helps many patients avoid injections or surgery.
Helping the Murray Community Stay Active
At Vector Spine and Sport, our goal is to help you keep doing the activities you enjoy — without pain holding you back. Whether your elbow pain comes from work, sports, or daily life, effective, evidence-based treatment options are available.
📍 Vector Spine and Sport — Murray, Utah
📞 801-456-0352