When treating elbow conditions, I take an integrated approach that combines chiropractic extremity adjustments, fascial release, and neurostructural restoration. The elbow is not just a local joint—it’s part of a kinetic chain involving the wrist, shoulder, and cervical spine, and it’s deeply influenced by both mechanical alignment and neurological input. Two of the most common elbow conditions I treat are lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow), both of which are often mismanaged as purely muscular or tendon issues when, in fact, joint mechanics and nerve interference play critical roles in both the development and persistence of symptoms.
Tennis elbow typically arises from repetitive overuse of the wrist extensor group, placing chronic strain on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. It’s most common in people who frequently grip, twist, or extend the wrist—whether athletes, tradespeople, or office workers.
In almost every case I see, there’s an underlying misalignment in the radial head or distal radioulnar joint. This shifts the mechanical stress away from the muscular belly and into the tendon insertion, which begins to fray or degenerate. More importantly, a misaligned elbow joint disrupts proprioceptive feedback and creates abnormal joint loading, making it harder for the body to access its natural healing mechanisms.
But it doesn’t stop there. These same patients often have subluxations or dysfunctions in the cervical spine, particularly at C5-C6, the neurological root levels that supply the extensor muscles of the forearm. If the nerve supply is compromised, the healing process is slowed, the muscles fatigue faster, and compensatory fascial patterns begin to form through the upper limb and shoulder girdle. In my treatment, I adjust not just the elbow, but also assess and correct the entire chain, including the wrist, shoulder, and neck. I also use targeted fascial release, often along the lateral arm line, to reduce tension and restore tissue glide.
Golfer’s elbow, by contrast, involves the wrist flexor group and stresses the medial epicondyle of the elbow. It’s common in activities involving repetitive wrist flexion, forearm pronation, and gripping, but also appears frequently in those compensating for shoulder or thoracic dysfunction.
In these cases, I often find misalignments in the ulnohumeral joint, sometimes with internal rotation of the forearm or a distal ulna that’s fixated. This alters the line of pull on the flexor tendons and leads to chronic overload. Just like in tennis elbow, these joint restrictions inhibit proper neuromuscular function and slow recovery by disrupting the afferent (sensory) and efferent (motor) signaling through the brachial plexus.
The neck is again crucial here, particularly the lower cervical and upper thoracic segments (C6-T1). These segments supply the flexor muscles and contribute to grip strength and forearm control. Any cervical misalignment or fascial adhesion in the deep front line (a fascial chain that includes the scalene and pectoral region) can interfere with that nerve flow and create a “traffic jam” that slows healing. That’s why I always assess the spine, ribs, and shoulder girdle when treating medial elbow pain.
My approach blends precise chiropractic adjustments of the elbow and spine with fascial therapy to release adhesions and improve tissue glide. Once alignment and neurological flow are restored, I add neuromuscular re-education and corrective rehab to rewire healthy movement patterns. The goal isn’t just symptom relief—it’s full functional restoration.
Whether it’s tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, the key is to understand that the problem is rarely just at the elbow. True healing comes from correcting misalignments, restoring nerve supply, and freeing the fascial network that connects the body head to toe.
