Extremities & Joints
Tennis Elbow
Pain on the outside of the elbow, usually aggravated by gripping.
Also called: Lateral epicondylitis, Lateral elbow tendinopathy.
Despite the name, most cases have nothing to do with tennis. The common extensor tendon on the outer elbow becomes sensitive to load, often from repetitive gripping or wrist movement at work or home.
It tends to develop gradually and can persist for months if the aggravating activity continues unchanged. Identifying what is loading the tendon is part of the evaluation.
Why this matters
Carrying a kettle, shaking hands, and using tools become the daily reminders. These small, repeated movements are often more aggravating than anything strenuous.
Because it tends to be slow to resolve, understanding what is driving it early helps avoid months of low-grade frustration.
The brain & nervous-system connection
Where the nervous system fits in
Neck findings are checked as well, because the nerve supply to these muscles comes from the cervical spine, and neck-related referral can mimic or add to tendon-related elbow pain.
Grip strength and pain response both involve nervous-system input, so the evaluation looks beyond the tendon itself to how the arm is functioning as a whole.
What we look at
We look for patterns, not a single test
- Detailed health history and consultation
- NeuroInfiniti Stress Response Evaluation
- Posture and movement
- Balance and coordination testing
- Eye movement or neurological screening when appropriate
- Grip or motor-function testing when appropriate
- Palpation and spinal function
- Other examination procedures based on the individual
Not every person receives every test. What we perform depends on your history, your age and what the examination shows as we go.
Scope of care
What this does — and doesn't — mean
What we do
- • We evaluate chiropractic and musculoskeletal function.
- • We look at nervous-system-related functional findings that fall within our scope.
- • We assess movement, balance and coordination findings.
- • We measure stress-response patterns with the NeuroInfiniti evaluation.
- • We make individualized chiropractic care recommendations and re-measure over time.
What we don't claim
- • We do not diagnose, treat or cure diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a treatment for dementia, Alzheimer's disease or other neurological diseases.
- • Chiropractic care is not a replacement for medical care, testing or medication.
- • No outcome is promised. Results vary from person to person.
Common questions
- Will I be adjusted on the first visit?
- Generally no. The first visit is an evaluation visit. Dr. Geran reviews the findings and makes recommendations at the follow-up visit.
- Do I need imaging before I come in?
- Not usually. If your history or examination suggests imaging is needed, we will say so and help arrange the right next step.
When medical evaluation may be needed
Some symptoms need medical evaluation first. If anything in your history or examination suggests that, we will say so and help point you in the right direction.
Related at Foothills Chiropractic
- Joint Pain & Staying Active — Shoulders, hips, knees, ankles — extremity function matters as much as the spine.
- Achilles Tendinopathy — Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, usually load-related.
- Ankle Instability — A repeatedly rolling or unreliable ankle, usually following earlier sprains.
- Ankle Pain — Pain or restriction at the ankle, often after an old injury.
Think Foothills Chiropractic might be right for you?
Start Here walks you through what the process looks like, so you can decide whether taking the next step makes sense for you.