Tennis Elbow and Tendinitis Chiropractor in Edmond, OK

If lifting a coffee cup or turning a doorknob sends pain through the outside of your elbow, you likely have what most people call tennis elbow. Plenty of people get tennis elbow without ever picking up a racket. At Hanson Chiropractic Center, your tennis elbow chiropractor in Edmond, OK, we look at your elbow, your wrist, and your daily habits. Then we build a plan to settle the tendon down.

What tendinitis means

A tendon is the tough cord which attaches a muscle to a bone. When you repeat the same motion over and over, the tendon takes on more strain than the body repairs, and small areas of irritation build up. Doctors use the word tendinitis for this, and some now prefer tendinopathy, since long-standing cases involve wear in the tendon rather than only inflammation.

Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow. Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside. The cause is the same in both cases, and the affected tendon sits on the other side of the joint.

Who gets tennis elbow

Racket sports are part of the story, but they aren't the biggest source. Painters, carpenters, plumbers, cooks, and hairstylists get tennis elbow all the time. So do people who type or use a mouse for hours. Anyone who grips, twists, or lifts again and again puts the same tendon to work, and the pain usually builds over weeks.

The pain often hurts most when you grip something, shake hands, or lift with your palm facing down. Rest eases the ache, but the pain returns once you pick the activity back up.

Why a sore elbow isn't always about the elbow

Stiffness in your wrist, shoulder, or neck sometimes shifts extra work onto your elbow. An irritated nerve in the neck also causes arm pain which feels a lot like tendon pain. So we check the whole arm and your neck, not only the sore spot.

How a tennis elbow chiropractor treats the tendon

Tendons heal slowly because they get less blood flow than muscle does. Our care calms the pain and helps the tendon recover, and most plans combine a few of the options below.

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy sends focused pulses of sound energy into the sore tendon to encourage repair. Many people choose shockwave for stubborn tendon pain like tennis elbow. A 2026 review of randomized trials found shockwave reduced pain in most tendon conditions, and results vary by condition. Sessions last 5 to 15 minutes, and most people start with 3 to 6 visits about a week apart. You might feel soreness for a day or two afterward. We review your history first to make sure shockwave fits you. Learn how shockwave therapy works.

Laser therapy, adjustments, and massage

Class IV laser therapy sends light energy into the tissue to calm inflammation and support healing. Most people feel gentle warmth, and a session takes a few minutes per area.

We also use low-force gentle adjustments for stiff joints in the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck. Better motion up and down the arm spreads the load more evenly. Tight forearm muscles pull on the tendon, so our massage therapist works on them when massage fits your plan.

What helps at home

Give the tendon a break from the activity which set the pain off, but keep your arm moving gently. Total rest tends to leave the tendon weaker. Many people find a counterforce strap placed below the elbow helps while they work or lift. Ice for 10 to 15 minutes after a heavy day feels good too. We'll show you wrist and forearm exercises so you don't have to guess which ones help.

Your first visit with a tennis elbow chiropractor

We'll ask when the pain started, what your work and hobbies involve, and what you've tried so far. Then we examine your elbow, wrist, shoulder, and neck. Before you leave, we explain what we found and what we recommend. Fill out your new patient paperwork ahead of time, and see who you'll meet on our team page.

When to see a doctor first

Most elbow pain isn't an emergency. Call 911 if arm pain comes with chest pain, shortness of breath, or sweating. Go to an emergency room if your elbow looks out of place after a fall, or if you hear a pop followed by quick swelling. A hot, red, swollen elbow with a fever needs urgent care too. Call your physician if you have numbness which spreads, if your arm weakens, or if the pain wakes you at night.

Questions about seeing a tennis elbow chiropractor

How long does tennis elbow take to heal?

A recent flare often settles in a few weeks. Long-standing tendon pain takes several months, because tendons heal slowly. Many people notice a difference within the first few visits, and we adjust your plan as your elbow responds.

Does tennis elbow heal without surgery?

Yes, most cases do. Less strain on the tendon, the right exercises, and treatments like shockwave and laser therapy help the tendon recover. Surgery is rare and usually comes up only after months of care with little progress.

What should I avoid with tennis elbow?

Avoid repeated hard gripping and twisting, lifting heavy objects with your palm down, and pushing through sharp pain. Complete rest backfires, so keep your arm moving gently within comfort.

Is massage good for tennis elbow?

Massage on the forearm muscles eases the tension pulling on the tendon. Our massage therapist works on your forearm, upper arm, and shoulder when massage fits your plan. Many people combine massage with shockwave or laser therapy.

Is this tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?

Location tells the story. Pain on the outside of the elbow points to tennis elbow, while pain on the inside points to golfer's elbow. An exam confirms which tendon is involved.

Does shockwave therapy hurt?

We adjust the intensity to what you tolerate, and the sessions are short. Some soreness at the treatment site for a day or two afterward is normal.

Do I have to stop working?

Usually not. We help you change how you grip, lift, or set up your workspace so your arm works without flaring up. Elbow pain sometimes connects to wrist trouble, so read about carpal tunnel and wrist pain too.

Last reviewed October 2026 by the chiropractors at Hanson Chiropractic Center. This page gives general information and does not replace advice from your physician. Individual results vary. Read about other concerns we help with on our Conditions We Treat page.