Tennis Elbow: What Is It and How Chiropractic Care Can Help
Matthew Wittwer
December 18, 2025
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and inflammation around the outside of the elbow joint. It is usually caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm, which can lead to tiny tears in the tissue. Tennis elbow is often associated with activities that involve repetitive arm and wrist movements, such as playing tennis or other racquet sports, but it can also be caused by other activities such as typing or painting. Symptoms of tennis elbow may include pain when gripping objects, weakness in the hand and wrist, and pain when extending the wrist or elbow.
Treatment for tennis elbow may include rest, ice, physical therapy, and chiropractic care. Chiropractic treatment for tennis elbow offers non-invasive and all-natural techniques to help alleviate pain and swelling in the area and improve healthy functioning going forward.
Yes, a chiropractor may be able to help with tennis elbow. Chiropractic care is a form of alternative medicine that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of neuromuscular disorders, including those that affect the musculoskeletal system. A chiropractor in Ponderay may also recommend changes to your tennis technique or the use of a tennis elbow brace to help manage the condition.
It is important to follow a chiropractor’s recommendations and to give the elbow time to heal properly. A chiropractor can work with you to develop a plan that addresses the underlying cause of your pain and helps you recover as quickly as possible.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
The most common symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of the elbow. This pain may be mild or severe, and it may be constant or come and go. Other symptoms of tennis elbow may include:
Weakness in the hand and wrist
Pain when gripping objects
Pain when extending the wrist or elbow
Tenderness or swelling on the outer side of the elbow
These symptoms may be worse when you lift or grip objects, or when you straighten your wrist or elbow. In some cases, the pain may be present even when you are not using your arm, and it may interfere with your ability to perform everyday activities.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain
Tennis elbow is more common in people who are between the ages of 30 and 50, and it is more common in men than in women. It is also more likely to occur in people who have occupations that require repetitive arm and wrist movements, such as carpenters, plumbers, and assembly line workers.
Tennis elbow is a common result of activities that may include the following:
Playing tennis or other racquet sports
The repetitive arm and wrist movements involved in these activities can put strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow and forearm, leading to inflammation and pain.
Repetitive arm and wrist movements
Typing, painting, and other activities that involve repetitive arm and wrist movements can also lead to tennis elbow.
Improper technique when lifting heavy objects
Using improper lifting techniques can put strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow and forearm, leading to inflammation and pain.
Poor posture can put unnecessary strain on the muscles and tendons in the elbow and forearm, leading to inflammation and pain.
Short Term Tennis Elbow Relief
In chiropractic care, “RICE” is an acronym that stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. These are the four basic steps that are often recommended to help manage pain and inflammation in the early stages of an injury.
Rest: The affected area should be protected from further injury and given time to heal. This often means avoiding activities that cause pain and using crutches, a brace, or other assistive devices to help you avoid putting weight on the affected limb or joint.
Ice: Applying ice to the affected area can help to reduce swelling, numb pain, and slow down the flow of blood to the injury. It’s important to not apply ice directly to the skin. It’s best to wrap ice in a towel or cloth.
Compression: Wrapping the affected area with an elastic bandage or brace can help to reduce swelling and support the injured joint or muscle. Be careful not to wrap too tightly, as this can cause additional swelling and impede blood flow.
Elevation: Elevating the affected limb can help to reduce swelling by allowing gravity to drain fluid away from the injury site. It’s important to elevate the limb above the level of the heart, so blood can drain away from the injury site.
It’s important to note that the application of RICE method should be done in the first 72 hours of an injury, and that if the pain or symptoms persist, you should consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and treatment.
Chiropractic Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Chiropractic treatment for tennis elbow can involve a combination of techniques to help reduce pain and inflammation, and improve function in the affected area. One of the most common techniques used is spinal manipulation, which can help to improve the function of the nervous system, reduce pain and inflammation, and improve range of motion in the elbow and forearm.
Therapeutic exercises are also an important component of chiropractic treatment for tennis elbow. These exercises may include stretching, strengthening, and range of motion exercises that help improve function and reduce pain. The chiropractor may also provide specific exercises and activity modifications to aid in healing and preventing re-injury.
A chiropractor may also recommend orthotic devices or bracing to help reduce stress on the affected area and support healing. If you are experiencing tennis elbow pain, it is important to seek treatment from a chiropractor at By Design Chiropractic in Ponderay to get relief and prevent further injury. Book your appointment now and start getting relief today!
Born and raised the son of a chiropractor in the California Bay Area, Dr. Matt was able to witness the results experienced by the patients in his fathers practice, as well as be under care himself. Deciding to become a chiropractor himself while still in high school he completed the necessary prerequisite courses and enrolled at Life West Chiropractic College at the age of 19, going on to be one the youngest to ever graduate from the school in March of 2019. Dr. Matt then joined his father in practice in the Bay Area for 3 years before starting his own practice in Ponderay ID, By Design Chiropractic.
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The doctor and staff are friendly and make you feel comfortable. They explain the process and if there are any delays they let you know why and what to expect. The Doctor explains how it all works and even asks your preferences and tells you what to do when you get home. Very thorough. I was so happy with the outcome. I was leaving and half way to my car when I realized my pain was gone. I had to turn around and go back and thank him! I had spent months suffering, I wish I had gone sooner.
I became a patient from the time I visited the open house. Dr Matt is extremely knowledgeable about body structure and The effects a misaligned spine can have on other parts of the body. Actually, overall health. He’s very good at communicating and his entire staff is warm and welcoming.
Dr Matt does great work, I had pretty bad pain in my lower back, when I got pregnant it got 10x worse, spreading down my leg. I went to him before, during, and after pregnancy and he has helped tremendously. He even adjusted my daughter, 3 days after she was born and it even helped her with breastfeeding. I’ve also struggled with migraines for years, and he has helped to where I rarely get one when I stay on track with his recommended care plan. Dr Matt does incredible work, and the staff is amazing, Linda is extremely knowledgeable about insurance, Brady and Pierce do great with decompression and shockwave, and Mattie and Haley are just amazing to be around. They are all extremely knowledgeable about what they do, and they all truly care about their patients. Truly a great office!
Caring. Professional. Healing. Can’t ask for more. Excellent experience every single visit - moved into maintenance on a monthly visit after a very intense period of weekly then bi-weekly appointments to address my initial problem visits. Have been pain free for months!
I went to By Design Chiropractic for hip tendonitis and a painful 3 cm calcification. I had been told it wouldn’t go away, but after extracorporeal shockwave therapy with Dr. Matthew, it’s now essentially gone.<br><br>I’m incredibly impressed with the results—the improvement in pain and mobility has been significant. They got me in quickly, the staff is professional and friendly, and the clinic is clean and well run.<br><br>I would absolutely recommend this treatment and this clinic.
I had given up finding relief for my back issues until I went to By Design Chiroractic. Dr Matt’s holistic approach to treatment is much more than spinal adjustment. He treats the issues of the muscles and nerves that are affected by the spinal issues.<br><br>The staff is efficient while being warm and friendly, making each patient feel like an honored guest.
Dr. Matt and his team were extremely thorough and efficient. I was able to receive treatment on the same day as my initial appointment. Very excited to see how this will improve my overall health and quality of life
I’ve been havin bad neck and back issues for months with the back of my neck going numb and not being able to turn.<br>My lady found By Design and the first visit was X-rays and my neck looks like a snake!<br>Every session so far has been crazy popping and realignment in all the right ways. Looking forward to the rest of my visits going forward.
This was my first appointment with Dr. Matt and his staff. They were all very friendly, professional and concerned about my situation. The exam was very thorough. I look forward to my next appointment.
Very friendly and helpful front office staff, Dr.Matt is awesome and knowledgeable in his line of work and consults with you and takes the necessary steps to provide you with a personalized plan to get you back to feeling your best. Will definitely be going to By Design Chiropractic from now on.
I had a great adjustment today from Dr. Matt. I didn't know how far out of adjustment I was until I walked out of there feeling a lot better. I always appreciate how Dr. Matt seems to remember all of my issues and "quirks", even if I haven't been in to see him for a while. It's great to receive that personalized care. The girls at the front desk are always friendly and gracious. It's easy to leave 5 stars for these folks.
I went through a few chiropractors to find the right one, after my initial consultation in first adjustment with the doctor, I knew I’d found a place that could help me out. He listens he cares he’s willing to work with you and do what works for you.
My first experience with chiropractic services has been exceptional. Matt is thorough, explains what needs to be done and why. I am feeling good with my progress and am mostly pain free. The staff at By Design is welcoming, friendly and attentive. The atmosphere is pleasant. I highly recommend By Design Chiropractic.
Dr. Matt and crew are top notch! Even though I have not been in for an appointment for several years they welcomed me back and still had all my information!<br>They squeezed me in on the busy post Thanksgiving Monday and quickly adjusted the pesky kink in my neck! Awwwww relief!<br>I will follow up in the new year with a few more adjustments!<br>I am in training for another attempt at riding a motorcycle to the Arctic Ocean up the Infamous Death Gravel highway AKA the Dempster, in the summer of 2026 ! Now I can look left!<br>Thanks Team Matt!<br>Cheers
I LOVE this team of people. Dr Matt may be “young” but his experience is noticed and appreciated and stems from observing many years of his father practicing. He’s conservative with his adjustments and supports the end goal of feeling and moving better without constant “maintenance “ schedules. His staff are friendly and professional and very responsive.
Service is always above and beyond what you expect. I was a little sore in my lower back, and Doc took the extra time to try and see what was going on. He didn't just adjust me and say, there you go. So many place just do the bare minimum. I will be a life long client! Being in construction, I will always need it. Lol
Could hardly stad the pain in my lower back until I went and saw Dr.Matt<br>Wasn't until the third visit until I started noticing a difference but am I forever grateful I kept it up. I went from three times a week for about a month and then it's when I started feeling relief. After then he slowly reduce my visits and now I only see him once every two weeks and boy do I ever feel better almost no pain in between visits. Thank you guys for all that you do.<br>Sincerely<br>Jimmy<br>Sandpoint Siding
They've helped me with back, neck, and hip issues. The staff is always friendly and easy to work with. I don't use insurance, and I find their services are a good value
Best team ever! I went in for a problem I’ve had on my knee for 5+ years and have been receiving shock wave therapy and adjustments. This is the first time in 5 years of trying multiple things, that I’ve seen and felt a difference in my knee!!!
Very, very pleased! Dr Matt knows his stuff. I've been a believer in the benefits of chiropractic for 30 years or more. It's nice to find another competent practitioner to work on me. Looking forward to solving my foot issues too!
I have never had a more thorough health assessment ! For the first time in many years, I am pain-free in my hips and lower back! I feel 10 years younger! The clinic is beauiful, the staff is friendly, very professional and Dr Matt is Heaven-sent. My only regret is that I didn't find him sooner! I highly recommend Design Chiropractic! Make an appointment today!
I am so grateful to have found Dr Matt and his kind staff. I am feeling pain relief and returning mobility in my neck, shoulder knee and ankle for the first time in a year. I appreciate his kind and professional manner- he is like the perfect blend of my favorite chiropractors in both skill and presence (who have now retired) over the last 20 years- We are lucky to have you here in town!<br>Update 8/25- I was able to have a shock wave treatment series for plantar fascitis in my left foot- I have almost no pain now and a huge improvement in my overall recovery there. Highly recommend if you are struggling with scar tissue and mobility issues!
Dr. Matt provides compassionate and professional chiropractic care while utilizing high-tech equipment throughout his business. His office is neat and clean, and his team is friendly and efficient. Evening and Sunday appointments make scheduling more convenient. Thank you for your help!
All the staff there is super amazing and makes every visit personal remembers my name (which isn’t an easy name (Amarissa) )and makes me feel like I actually matter and not just another face walking in like so many other places do<br>Thank you all for all the amazing help in my recovery process to getting back to “normal” I still have a way to go, but it’s like day and night from the day I walked in to today and I cannot express how much I appreciate you Dr Matt and all his sweet friendly staff 🥰
This is a great place to receive caring & effective treatments for body aches, pains and injuries! Dr Matt knows his stuff & both my husband & I have been helped during the past year. His office staff are efficient, kind and happy!
Kind, professional, & informative staff! I am new to town and grateful I found this office to treat for scoliosis, neck, & low back ache. I received an affordable “new patient” in-take, x-rays, and follow-up adjustment. It’s the quality experience that I’ll be returning for and I look forward to future visits!
