What is Tennis Elbow and how Corrective Chiropractic helps

Introduction

Whether you’re smashing volleys on a downtown Toronto tennis court or rallying with friends at a paddle club in Port Lands, that nagging ache on the outside of your elbow that worsens when you grip, lift or swing could be something more than just “over-doing it”. It might be Tennis Elbow (or lateral epicondylalgia)—and yes, even if you’re playing Pickleball instead of tennis. At my clinic, Dr. Mateusz Krekora Chiropractic Clinic, we specialise in the NeuroStructural Corrective Care approach — helping you fix the root cause of pain, not just mask it — so you can “feel strong, live to the fullest’’.

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The Problem or Symptom

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) is characterised by pain and tenderness on the outer (lateral) part of the elbow, particularly when gripping, lifting, or using the wrist and forearm extensors. [Advance Chiropractic – Tennis Elbow Calgary] (https://advancechiro.on.ca/tennis-elbow-2/) Advance Chiropractic

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Typical signs include:

• Dull or burning ache on the outside of the elbow, especially when gripping or lifting small objects. [Allied Physio – Tennis & Pickleball Players] (https://alliedphysio.ca/tennis-elbow-injury-prevention-for-tennis-pickleball-players/) Allied Physiotherapy Health Group
• Pain that occurs or worsens when you extend your wrist or straighten your arm while the forearm is pronated. [Advance Chiropractic] (https://advancechiro.on.ca/tennis-elbow-2/) Advance Chiropractic
• In racquet sports like tennis and in pickleball, overuse of the forearm extensor muscles (via repetitive gripping, wrist motion) is a common contributor. [Harvard Health – Pickleball injuries] (https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/how-to-avoid-this-common-pickleball-injury) Harvard Health

Why this matters for pickleball players in Toronto:

New or enthusiastic players in downtown courts or suburban clubs often increase their play volume rapidly, change equipment, adopt aggressive wrist/forearm technique—and this heightened load can trigger or worsen tennis-elbow like conditions. For instance, one study found overuse elbow injuries (epicondylalgia) to be the most common overuse injury among pickleball players. Racket Sports Science Journal+1

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What’s the underlying mechanism?

Contrary to older belief that “tendinitis” (inflammation) was the main issue, current literature favours the description of “tendinosis” (degenerative tendon change) because chronic cases often lack classic inflammation. For example, the Canadian Chiropractic Association states: “the term tendinitis is inappropriate… the term tendinosis should be utilized preferentially” in cases of lateral epicondylalgia. Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA)

Essentially:

• Repetitive wrist extension and forearm supination/pronation load the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon at its anchor on the lateral epicondyle.
• With structural or postural dysfunction (eg. shoulder/neck misalignment), compensation increases load on the forearm chain.
• The tendon fails to adapt, micro-tears accumulate, pain manifests, and without intervention the cycle continues.

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Expert Insight (Dr. Mateusz’s Perspective)

In my Toronto practice, I frequently see patients labelled with “tennis elbow” who either work long hours at their computer on Bay Street or are avid pickleball players at the Harbourfront or the Beaches—both profiles prone to posture and overuse risks. Here’s how I approach it:

1. Comprehensive structural & neuro-functional assessment
   I evaluate more than your elbow. At my clinic we look at cervical/shoulder alignment, thoracic mobility, scapula/forearm linkage and even wrist posture. Why? Because poor upper body posture (forward head, rounded shoulders)—common in desk workers—can increase tension in the forearm chains and reduce capacity of the extensor system to handle load.
2. NeuroStructural Corrective Adjustments
   When the cervical spine, shoulder or elbow joints are misaligned, they can alter biomechanical loading on the forearm muscles. By delivering targeted chiropractic adjustments to restore alignment and joint motion, we reduce compensatory load on the extensor tendons, thereby reducing the stress associated with tennis-elbow type presentations. Evidence suggests manual therapy (adjustments/manipulation) can reduce pain in lateral epicondylalgia. PubMed+1
3. Neuro-Functional Acupuncture & Soft-Tissue Techniques
   At my clinic we combine adjustments with acupuncture tailored to nerve/vascular pathways and soft-tissue release of the forearm extensors and scapula-humeral musculature. While research is ongoing, studies indicate acupuncture and manipulation both offered benefit for lateral epicondylalgia in a randomised trial. PubMed The goal: reduce local tendon irritation, improve micro-circulation, enhance nerve and tissue glide, and promote healing.
4. Load-management, technique coaching & habit correction
   Whether you’re picking up more pickleball games or working at your laptop, coaching on ergonomic/technique factors is key. New paddle players may need to change grip size, or work on their swing mechanics. Research in pickleball shows equipment and technique contribute to risk. Center for Bone and Joint+1
5. Progressive strengthening and preventive care
   After initial relief, we implement a home-plan focused on eccentric strengthening of forearm extensors, scapula stabilisers, and wrist mobility—plus postural stretches and micro breaks for desk work. This ensures lasting resilience rather than a quick fix.

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How NeuroStructural Care Solves It

1. Structural Decompression & Joint Mobility

By restoring normal joint motion in the upper spine, shoulder and elbow, we reduce undue load on the forearm chain. This means the affected tendon isn’t doing “extra work” to compensate for upstream dysfunction.

2. Tendon & Tissue Healing Support

Combined with neuro-functional acupuncture, the treatment helps improve local circulation and reduce irritating strain on the tendon. While “tendinosis” is a degenerative change rather than acute inflammation, mechanical off-loading plus improved tissue environment supports healing.

3. Muscle-Chain & Soft-Tissue Release

We perform targeted soft-tissue release (forearm extensors, brachioradialis, supinator) and provide nerve/soft-tissue mobilisations. Research supports manual therapy and exercise together in improving pain and disability for lateral elbow pain. Cochrane

4. Coaching & Preventive Guidance in a Toronto Context

We tailor ergonomics: for you desk-bound professionals we optimise keyboard/mouse reach, monitor height and forearm posture; for recreational/evening pickleball players we review paddle grip size, swing mechanics, warm-up and cooldown routines. For example, Harvard Health emphasises proper warm-up, correct grip and easing into play rather than jumping in full throttle. Harvard Health

5. Long-Term Resilience

Our goal: Not just symptom relief, but prevention of recurrence. By combining spinal corrections + neurofunctional acupuncture + technique/ergonomics + rehab exercises, you’re far less likely to re-injure when you shift from your office chair to the court.

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Local Tips for Recovery and Maintenance in Toronto

• Warm up before play or desk-work: Start with 5–10 minutes of wrist circles, Banded shoulder and wrist activation. This applies whether you’re suiting up for the court or prepping for a long work-day.
• Check your gear & grip: For pickleball, use a paddle with correct grip size and minimal vibration; heavy or poorly balanced paddles increase elbow strain. Pickleheads
• Ergonomic set-up: At your Bay Street or King Street office, ensure your mouse, keyboard and desk height allow your forearms to rest neutrally (parallel to the floor), avoiding prolonged wrist extension/pronation.
• Take micro-breaks: Every 30–60 minutes, stand, shake out your arms, stretch your forearms and relax your grip.
• Mind your load: If you ramped up your pickleball hours after summer or recently shifted from tennis to paddle, ease into it—don’t jump from zero to hours overnight. Studies show increased volume and consecutive days of play boost risk. PubMed
• Strengthen & stretch: After initial relief, perform eccentric wrist-extension exercises (light weight, slow lowering), forearm stretches (wrist flexion + extension), and shoulder/scapula strengthening (rows, band pull-aparts).
• Recognise early signs: If you notice outside-elbow ache when lifting your coffee mug, gripping your padd le handle, or opening a door—it’s time to pause and evaluate rather than push through.

Conclusion

If you’re experiencing persistent lateral-elbow pain, especially when gripping, lifting or swinging your paddle or racket, don’t assume it will “just go away.” Whether you’re a downtown office worker or an enthusiastic pickleball player, the combination of overuse + structural load can set the stage for tennis elbow. At my Toronto clinic, I will evaluate your posture, elbow mechanics, structural alignment and movement patterns—and apply a tailored NeuroStructural Corrective Care plan (chiropractic adjustments, neuro-functional acupuncture, soft-tissue release, ergonomic/technique coaching) to relieve the stress on your extensor tendon and restore function.

Ready to feel like that pain is behind you and you’re “feeling 25 again”? Book Your Free Case Review today and take the first step toward strong, sustained recovery.

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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