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Patient holding thier elbow due to pain often caused by tendonitis and overuse/repetitive movements in their job or sports.

Through diligent practice, we provide Calgary, AB with quality chiropractic services, helping the community get back to pain-free health. With a focus on quality service and the scientific approach, Associate Chiropractic Clinic offers wide-ranging therapy options at affordable rates. Research has shown that chiropractic, acupuncture, and massage therapy may be helpful for a wide variety of conditions:

ARE YOU SUFFERING FROM ELBOW PAIN?

Elbow pain is often caused by overuse, repetition, and or improper mechanics when performing a job or sport.
Healthy arms are capable of performing many tasks and activities. We rely on our arms for countless daily activities. So, when our elbows start acting up, it is immediately noticeable. Tasks that you may have thought previously relied little on your arms can become strenuous and challenging when you experience elbow pain.

Elbow pain is a bothersome problem that can affect anyone, and it can occur due to a wide range of causes. It can make doing almost any activity — or even resting peacefully challenging. Although the severity of arm pain is different case by case, even mild arm pain can get in the way of life. Below we go over the symptoms of arm pain along with the causes, treatment, and what you can do for treatment:
General Arm Pain
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There are many causes of arm pain, which range from impinged nerves to sprains, joint injuries, and more. In addition, the cause of arm pain can affect how quickly the problem comes. For example, it can vary from immediate pain or gradual pain building over time.

Below are some common causes of arm pain:
  • Car accidents are a common cause of arm pain. Car accidents can result in injuries to the spine, neck, or the arm itself, all of which may contribute to arm pain.
  • Injuries to the arm, spine, or neck can cause arm pain. Common injuries are broken arm or broken wrist, sprains, and dislocated elbow.
  • Tendonitis is inflammation in the tendon. It is most common in the shoulders, elbows, and wrists, all of which can contribute to arm pain.
  • Rotator cuff injuries are most common for people who regularly use overhead movement, like tennis players, baseball players, or painters.
  • Pinched nerves in the neck and shoulder region occur due to added pressure on the nerve from nearby cartilage, bones, tendons, or muscles.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis is inflammation usually in the joints. It can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness, making arm movement painful and difficult.
  • Angina happens when your heart isn’t receiving enough oxygen, it commonly results in chest pain, arm pain, and shoulder pain. Also, it may feel like you have added pressure on your back, chest, and neck.
 
Sudden arm pain radiating down your left arm may be a sign of a heart attack. If you think you may be experiencing a heart attack, dial 911, and seek immediate medical attention.
Top Causes of Elbow Pain/Tendonitis 
 
Despite our awareness of tennis and golfer’s elbow, these conditions are surprisingly uncommon, with only 1 – 3% of adults receiving these diagnoses each year. Most sufferers are between 30 and 50 years of age.
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Elbow tendonitis is a repetitive use injury typically caused by gripping objects using the thumb and first two fingers. Hence the names tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) come from the way you hold a racquet or club. 
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The repetitive motions stress your tissues and cause elbow tendons to become irritated and inflamed. Tiny tears in these tendons can also occur.
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Athletes are more likely to get elbow tendonitis as a type of sports injury. Individuals with careers or hobbies involving repetitive movements are disproportionately affected as well: 
  • Butchers
  • Painters
  • Carpenters
  • Plumbers 
  • Those frequently using a computer mouse
  • Weight lifters 
Poor form makes injury more likely. See a sports medicine doctor to correct your technique and avoid reinjury. 
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Pre-existing injuries or chronic issues in the elbow can also lead to tendonitis, including dislocation, sprain, arthritis, or elbow bursitis. 
When to see a chiropractor for Elbow pain?
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Chiropractic care is a great option for any arm pain that is not an emergency. Our doctors at Associate Chiropractic Clinic are highly trained and can treat arm pain by diagnosing the exact problem, relieving pain and stiffness, and restoring mobility. There are many chiropractic care options that leave patients experiencing arm pain feeling much better and with a greater range of motion in their arms.
 
Six Symptoms of Elbow Tendonitis 
 
If you’re suffering from elbow tendonitis, you will likely have some or all of the following symptoms:
  • Pain and tenderness in your elbow, often centered around where the tendons of the forearm attach to the elbow 
  • A burning sensation in the painful area 
  • Stiffness in the elbow, often worse in the morning or at night
  • Pain when using your hand or arm, impacting your ability to grip or lift items
  • Reduced range of motion in the affected arm
  • Tingling in the hand or arm 
 
Even though the offending issue may be in the elbow, the pain may actually be worse when you’re using your hands. Because your muscles, tendons, and nerves like the ulnar nerve run through your arm, the pain can extend into your arm, wrist, and hand. It can be difficult to shake hands, grip everyday objects (like a coffee cup or doorknob), or lift things.

How can a chiropractor help with arm pain?
A good chiropractor is no stranger to treating arm pain and will be able to expertly diagnose your arm pain with orthopedic tests, examinations, x-rays, ultrasounds, and MRI scans if needed. Then, once the cause of the problem is diagnosed, your chiropractor will select the right treatment method.

It bears repeating: Any arm pain that is related to a potentially life-threatening emergency, like a heart attack, should be handled by emergency services. Also, a broken arm should be fixed immediately at a hospital or specialist. However, whether you are recovering from an injury like a car accident, or experience any non-threatening arm pain that is not life-threatening, you can seek out our doctors at Associate Chiropractic Clinic.
Chiropractic care uses a variety of treatment options that target specific causes of patients’ arm pain. Common chiropractic treatments include manual manipulation, massage therapy, active muscle release techniques, Graston therapy, and exercises to restore strength to the arm:

Adjustments
Chiropractic adjustments can be used along the neck, back, and spine and specifically the elbow joint. They properly align the vertebrae in your spine and restore elbow joint motion, which can help to reduce elbow stiffness and pain. Improper alignment, specifically in the neck and upper back, can put added stress and pressure on the elbow and the nerves around the shoulder. Realignment from manipulation can reduce and remove stress and pressure and can result in immediate relief from pain and stiffness.

Active Muscle release
This therapy relaxes tight muscles and releases the fascia over the muscle, allowing the elbow to move better resulting in pain relief. It also promotes the flow of blood to the region thus aiding in tissue healing.

Massage therapy
Massage therapy helps to increase blood flow and oxygen to the shoulder muscles while also stretching and relaxing the muscles. This can result in pain relief and help your muscles to heal themselves.

Graston technique
If your shoulder pain is a result of tearing and scarring, then this technique may be used. It uses a chiropractic tool to break up scar tissue and increase the range of motion in the shoulder.

Ultrasound
Ultrasound treatment promotes blood flow and healing of the shoulder while reducing inflammation.
Medial elbow pain also known as golfers elbow is an overuse and repetitive injury. Chiropractic adjustments and Active Release may help fix the cause of this pain.
Treatment of Elbow Pain
​Chiropractic Services
A chiropractor can help ease your elbow pain naturally by using the following techniques:
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  • Spinal manipulation: Adjustment is made to the spine and elbow joint using a wide range of motion and applying force to the joints and muscles thus restoring proper motion.
  • Flexion-distraction: Spinal decompression to treat disc and joint disorders in the cervical spine.
  • Soft tissue release techniques: Utilizes precise pressure combined with stretching to release tight muscles, restore joint motion, and decrease pain and promote blood flow required in healing.
  • Exercise and stretches: muscles are stretched to relieve pain and improve spine mobility.

 

Seek Elbow Pain Relief at Associate Chiropractic Clinic

Elbow pain, if left untreated, can have long-term consequences. We at Associate Chiropractic Clinic can provide the best possible care and customized treatment for your unique needs.

Whether your elbow pain is work-related, a result of an auto injury, or some other reason, our experienced doctors can diagnose your condition to discuss your back pain treatment options. The right treatment can provide immediate pain relief, and help to prevent it from becoming chronic.

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We’ve got your back

From massage to adjustments, we help you get back to your best.

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