What is Radial Tunnel Syndrome and How does Corrective Chiropractic help

Introduction

If you’re a professional working long hours at your Bay Street desk, an avid cyclist on the Don Valley Trail or simply someone who grips your smartphone too tightly—­you might be familiar with that nagging ache on the outside of your elbow and forearm. What you might not realise is that this could be Radial Tunnel Syndrome (RTS)—a form of nerve compression often mis-diagnosed as “tennis elbow.”
Dr. Krekora uses the NeuroStructural Chiropractic method to identify RTS and uses the appropriate treatment to relieve pressure on the nerve, restore function and help you “feel strong, live to the fullest.”

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The Problem or Symptom

Radial Tunnel Syndrome occurs when the Radial Nerve (or more specifically the posterior interosseous branch) is compressed as it travels through a narrow region near the elbow called the radial tunnel. In Balance Physio+4Physiopedia+4ASSH+4

Typical signs:

• A deep, aching or burning pain on the outer (lateral) side of the elbow, often extending into the forearm. Cleveland Clinic+1
• Pain worsened by activities that involve forearm rotation (pronation/supination), wrist extension, or gripping and lifting. ASSH+1
• Sometimes weak grip or reduced wrist/finger extension—not always, which can make diagnosis tricky. Cleveland Clinic+1
• Because the symptoms can overlap with Lateral Epicondylitis (tennis elbow), many people are mis-labelled and stick to symptomatic care without addressing the root nerve issue. ChiroUp

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Why this happens frequently for Toronto residents

• Desk workers on Bay Street might be holding their forearm in pronation for hours, typing, clicking, texting—which places repeated stress on forearm musculature.
• Many people cycle to comute which means excess time gripping handlebars which may place sustained pressure on the forearm compartments and radial tunnel region.
• Repetitive motions and over use constructs (tool-use, hobbies, home-DIY)—common in busy Toronto lives—are risk factors. Cleveland Clinic+1

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What’s the root mechanism?

In the radial tunnel, structures like the supinator muscle’s fibrous edge (arcade of Fröhse), fascia, blood vessels (“leash of Henry”) and overlying muscle bellies can compress the radial nerve branch as it passes through. Physiopedia+1 When nerve compression persists, inflammation, nerve irritation or even subtle dysfunction can develop. Thus you may end up with nerve-related pain even if classic “nerve conduction” studies are negative. PubMed+1

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Expert Insight (Dr. Mateusz’s Perspective)

As a NeuroStructural chiropractor based in Toronto, I often see patients who have been managing “tennis elbow” or “just joint strain” for months—but the real culprit is nerve pressure compounded by SPINE/POSTURE issues.

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Here’s how I approach it:

1. Comprehensive structural assessment – not just the elbow, but the cervical spine, thoracic outlet region, shoulder girdle and forearm compartments. Why? Because the “double-crush” phenomenon means that a nerve already stressed proximally (e.g., at the neck) is more vulnerable to distal entrapment. Physiopedia+1
2. Biomechanical corrections – Poor posture (forward head, rounded shoulders) common among urban professionals shifts load patterns; this can increase tension in the forearm/upper arm chain. By addressing spinal alignment and shoulder biomechanics, we reduce secondary stress on the radial nerve.
3. NeuroFunctional Acupuncture & Adjustments – At my clinic, I integrate acupuncture (targeting neuro-vascular/nerve pathways) and chiropractic adjustments to unload the nerve path and improve regional circulation and nerve glide. There is emerging case-report evidence showing chiropractic care may benefit radial nerve entrapment. PMC+1

In short: I look beyond the elbow. True relief comes when we correct the root structural causes, release the compressed nerve, restore mobility and teach you long-term habits so you don’t return to square one.

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How NeuroStructural Care Solves It

1. Chiropractic Adjustments & Structural Correction

• We identify and correct misalignments in the cervical, thoracic and rib cage joints that may be contributing to nerve tension and altered mechanics.
• By restoring joint motion and posture, we decrease the mechanical load on the radial tunnel region, helping the nerve decompress more easily.

2. NeuroFunctional Acupuncture

• Acupuncture can improve micro-circulation around the nerve, reduce local inflammation, facilitate nerve healing and increase nerve glide capacity.
• In the context of radial tunnel syndrome, targeted acupuncture (to release key muscles such as the supinator, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis brevis) may help modulate pain and reduce sensitisation of the nerve’s surrounding tissues, which allows the nerve to recover faster.

3.Soft-Tissue Techniques & Nerve Gliding

• My approach incorporates soft-tissue release for the supinator, brachioradialis, extensor carpi radialis brevis and other forearm muscles that border the tunnel. Research supports soft tissue manipulation and nerve flossing as useful in managing RTS. Illinois Chiropractic Society
• Nerve-glide exercises (sometimes called “flossing”) help improve dynamic mobility of the radial nerve so it doesn’t adhere or become entrapped during movement.

4. Load Management & Ergonomic Re-education

• We coach you on modifying the repetitive motions (keyboard use, mouse grip, tool manipulation, cycling posture) that may have contributed to the syndrome.
• At your Toronto office or home workstation, we’ll optimise your set-up (desk height, keyboard/mouse placement, forearm positioning) to reduce forearm pronation/supination and wrist extension angles.
• For cyclists or manual-workers: we advise adjustments in grip size, handlebar position, rest intervals, warming up the forearm musculature.

5. Home-care & Prevention

• You’ll receive forearm stretching and strengthening protocols to build up the musculature around the radial tunnel and improve nerve resilience.
• Habit shifts: Regular micro-breaks, forearm shakes, wrist stretches, posture checks through the day help prevent recurrence.
• With this multi-modal corrective strategy, our goal is not just symptom relief—but to fix the root cause and attain long term relief

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Local Tips for Recovery and Maintenance in Toronto

• If you work downtown in a high-rise, set a timer every 30 minutes to stand, roll your shoulders back, stretch your hands and release wrist tension.
• While commuting on the TTC or cycling in the city, pause at signal lights to shake out your wrists and forearms, especially if gripping handlebars or straps.
• Use a forearm support or ergonomic mouse pad at your desk to keep your wrist neutral rather than extended for prolonged periods.
• In winter months, forearm and wrist muscles stiffen more quickly—warm them up before longer rides or ski sessions on the edge of the city.
• If you’ve recovered from radial tunnel syndrome once, be proactive: maintain alignment and habit checks rather than waiting for symptoms to return.

Conclusion

If you’ve been experiencing persistent outer-elbow or forearm pain—especially when rotating your forearm, lifting or gripping—don’t assume it’s just “tennis elbow.” At my Toronto clinic, I will assess whether you have radial tunnel syndrome or a similar nerve-compression issue, then apply a tailored NeuroStructural Corrective Care plan (adjustments, neuro-functional acupuncture, nerve mobilisation, ergonomic coaching) to relieve the pressure on your nerve and restore full function.

Ready to feel like you’re 25 again? Book Your Free Case Review today and take the first step towards strong, sustained recovery.

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This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult a licensed chiropractor before starting any treatment.

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