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Pura Vida Chiropractic
Tennis Elbow treatment at Pura Vida Chiropractic San Antonio

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes debilitating pain at the outer elbow that limits gripping and daily activity. Our combination of chiropractic correction and regenerative therapy gets to the root of this tendon injury.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Lateral epicondylitis is a degenerative tendinopathy affecting the common extensor tendon origin at the lateral epicondyle of the humerus — primarily the extensor carpi radialis brevis. Despite the name 'epicondylitis' (implying inflammation), the primary pathology is tendon degeneration (tendinosis) with failed healing, not acute inflammation. Cervical nerve root involvement (C6–C7) is frequently overlooked — nerve root irritation at these levels directly innervates the forearm extensors and can maintain tendon pain even when the tendon itself has partially healed. A complete evaluation must include the cervical spine, not just the elbow.

Common Symptoms

  • Pain at the outer elbow, especially with gripping or wrist extension
  • Weakness in grip strength
  • Pain when shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or lifting with the palm down
  • Morning stiffness at the elbow
  • Tenderness directly over the lateral epicondyle
  • Pain radiating down the forearm toward the wrist

Common Causes & Contributing Factors

  • Repetitive wrist extension and gripping activities
  • Cervical nerve root irritation (C6–C7) sensitizing the lateral forearm
  • Poor technique in racquet sports or manual work
  • Weakened rotator cuff altering shoulder and elbow mechanics
  • Prolonged keyboard and mouse use
  • Prior cortisone injections weakening the tendon

The Pura Vida Protocol: Chiropractic Care for Tennis Elbow

Dr. Foss evaluates the cervical spine (C6–C7), elbow, and wrist as part of a comprehensive upper extremity assessment. SOT cervical corrections address the nerve root component that sensitizes the lateral forearm and perpetuates tendon pain. Elbow joint adjustments restore normal radiohumeral mechanics. Regenerative therapies are then applied to the lateral epicondyle to directly stimulate tendon healing. This combined approach addresses both the local tendon pathology and the cervical neurological sensitization — producing better outcomes than treating the elbow in isolation.

At Pura Vida Chiropractic, Dr. Foss uses Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT) — a gentle, category-based system that addresses the spine, pelvis, and craniosacral rhythm as one integrated unit. SOT restores proper biomechanics, reduces nerve interference, and creates the neurological environment your body needs to heal itself.

Advanced Therapies We Combine With Chiropractic

For many patients, combining spinal correction with regenerative therapies produces faster and more lasting results. Depending on your condition, Dr. Foss may incorporate one or more of the following:

Shockwave Therapy

High-energy acoustic waves penetrate deep into tissue to break up calcifications, stimulate collagen production, and accelerate the body's natural repair process — all without surgery or downtime.

SoftWave Therapy

Patented unfocused shock waves spread over a broad treatment area to reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and activate stem cells — promoting cellular regeneration and long-term pain relief.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation with a 10–15W Class IV laser delivers therapeutic light energy deep into tissue, reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals, and speeding healing at the cellular level.

Why Choose Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio?

Pura Vida Chiropractic is a family-friendly, bilingual (English/Spanish) clinic serving San Antonio, TX. Dr. Dan Foss is trained in Sacro-Occipital Technique (SOT), a comprehensive chiropractic system that addresses the whole body — not just the area of pain. We combine hands-on spinal correction with the latest regenerative technology to help patients resolve the root cause of their condition rather than masking symptoms.

We are insurance friendly with most insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Ambetter, Oscar Health, Community First, and Molina Healthcare. New patient appointments are available promptly.

Ready to Get Relief from Tennis Elbow?

Schedule your new patient appointment with Dr. Foss at Pura Vida Chiropractic in San Antonio, TX. We'll identify the root cause and build a personalized care plan.

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