Triceps Tendonitis

How to Care For Weight Lifters Elbow

Triceps tendonitis, also known as a weight lifter’s elbow, can be a painful condition that affects the triceps tendon.  

How to Care for Triceps Tendonitis and Return to Your Training Routine

First, Understand the Symptoms and Causes of Triceps Tendonitis

Triceps tendonitis is a condition that occurs when the triceps tendon becomes inflamed or irritated. But elbow or triceps pain can include other tendinopathies that do not involve inflammation. Triceps tendinopathy is a more accurate term for an injury to your triceps tendon, however, triceps tendonitis is the most popular term, so that is what we will use all-encompassing triceps injuries here to avoid confusion.  

Injuries to the triceps tendon often occur when the tendon in the triceps muscle becomes weakened and cannot handle the same level of stress as before. This can cause pain when straightening the arm or when the tendon is stretched or compressed against the bones in the elbow while bending the arm. Injured tendons are sensitive to stretching and compression, similar to pressing on a fresh bruise.

Repetitive motions, such as weightlifting, can cause this, but other activities strain the triceps muscle. Common symptoms of triceps tendonitis include:

• Pain and tenderness in the back of the elbow.
• Weakness in the arm.
• Difficulty fully extending the arm.

Getting an Accurate Diagnosis and Understanding the Symptoms and Causes of Triceps Tendonitis is Essential to Properly Care for and Treat the Condition

Chiropractic Care and Physical Therapy

At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, we use safe and effective chiropractic and physical therapy treatment options for triceps tendonitis. Chiropractic care aligns the spine and joints to reduce inflammation and promote healing. A chiropractor may use advanced techniques such as high-intensity laser, which we will discuss below, as well as traditional joint and spinal adjustments, soft tissue manipulation, and therapeutic exercises to alleviate pain and improve the range of motion in the affected arm. 

We use targeted exercises and stretches to strengthen the triceps muscle and improve flexibility. Our Physical Therapy team may also use ultrasound or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation. Chiropractic and physical therapy can be beneficial in treating triceps tendonitis, and a combination of the two may provide the best results.

Our chiropractor is SFMA certified and has over 20 years experience in treating triceps tendonitis.   

High-Intensity Laser

High-intensity laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment option for triceps tendonitis that can provide significant pain relief and promote healing. This type of therapy uses a focused beam of light to target the affected area and stimulate cellular activity. The laser energy helps to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and accelerate tissue repair. At Ravenswood Chiropractic in Chicago, we use a Class IV Laser, the most effective laser currently available in a doctor’s office. The treatment usually takes only a few minutes per session. Multiple sessions are typically required to achieve optimal results. If you’re experiencing triceps tendonitis and live in the Chicago area, call us to see whether high-intensity laser therapy may suit you or book a free consultation online.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is another alternative treatment option for triceps tendonitis. This ancient Chinese practice involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and relieve pain. Acupuncture is believed to help balance the body’s energy flow, known as Qi, and promote the body’s natural healing processes. Many people find acupuncture a safe and effective treatment for various types of pain, including tendonitis. Our acupuncturist can create a personalized treatment plan based on your needs and goals.

Home Care

If you’re dealing with triceps tendonitis, taking care of your body and giving it the rest it needs is essential. One of the best ways to do this is by using ice and rest as part of your home care routine. Ice can help reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in the affected area, while rest gives your body the time it needs to heal and recover.

To use ice for pain relief, apply a cold compress to the affected area for 10 – 20 minutes or until numb several times daily. See our ice instructions here. Rest, on the other hand, involves avoiding activities that aggravate the condition and giving your body a chance to heal.

While pushing through the pain and continuing your routine may be tempting, this can worsen the condition. Using ice and rest as part of your home care routine, you can speed up the healing process and return to normal activities as soon as possible.

Your chiropractor can help modify your routine or daily activities so you can further participate in your workouts without injuring your elbow.

Seek Professional Help if Symptoms Persist

If you have been experiencing symptoms of triceps tendonitis that are moderate to severe or last more than a week, and home remedies have not provided relief, it is essential to seek professional help. A healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, can assess your condition and provide appropriate treatment options. They may recommend additional therapies, such as High-Intensity Class IV Laser, Radial Shockwave Therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation, to help alleviate pain and promote healing. Addressing persistent symptoms to prevent further damage and ensure recovery is crucial.

IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Triceps Tendon Tear vs. Tendonitis

If you experience sudden, intense pain in your triceps may be a sign of a torn tendon. It is essential to seek medical attention promptly if this occurs.