Why Shouldn’t Tennis Elbow (Golfer’s Elbow) Be Treated Locally Only?
The elbow is not where energy is generated but where it is transmitted. Problems in the lower extremities, core, or shoulder cause the elbow to compensate and become overloaded. Treating only the elbow provides temporary relief but doesn’t resolve root causes, leading to recurrence.
The Real Reason Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow Recurs
Why Recurrence Rates Are High
Injections or local stretching for the elbow alone may provide temporary relief, but if problems in the lower extremities and core that generate over 50% of total energy are not resolved, the elbow becomes overloaded again.
Four Causes of Elbow Overload
1. Weak Lower Extremities and Core
In tennis serves or throwing motions, over 50% of total energy is generated from legs, hips, and trunk. When the core is weak, the elbow compensates by rotating excessively for the insufficient power.
2. Limited Back (Thoracic Spine) Mobility
If the thoracic spine is stiff, the shoulder must rotate excessively, placing abnormal valgus stress on the elbow. This is a major cause of both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.
3. Scapular Instability
If muscles around the scapula (serratus anterior, trapezius) are weak, the shoulder wobbles and forearm muscles become excessively tense to compensate. This directly stresses elbow tendons.
4. Neck (Cervical) Nerve Compression
With cervical disc or nerve root compression, the elbow area becomes more sensitive (double crush phenomenon). Tissue damage is minimal but pain is felt intensely.
Research Data: Impact of Energy Leaks
Research shows that when energy transmitted from the core decreases by just 20%, shoulder rotation speed must increase by 34%. This compensatory action places loads beyond physiological limits on the elbow.
If Only the Elbow Is Treated?
- Temporary pain relief (1-2 weeks)
- Root cause unresolved (energy leak persists)
- High recurrence rate (within 3-6 months)
Integrated Circulation Therapy Approach
To fundamentally resolve elbow pain, the whole-body kinetic chain must be treated together.
- Circulation HD: Release adhesions in elbow tendon area, reduce nerve sensitivity
- Circulation PT:
- Core stabilization training
- Restore thoracic mobility
- Scapular stabilization
- Movement pattern correction
Related Questions
Does Your Tennis Elbow/Golfer’s Elbow Keep Recurring?
We treat the entire kinetic chain, not just the elbow.
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