Elbow and wrist complaints are common among athletes. They often creep in gradually: first some stiffness, then a nagging ache, and eventually symptoms that limit your training. What starts as mild overuse can develop into a persistent problem if the underlying cause isn’t addressed.
Why the elbow and wrist are particularly vulnerable
The elbow and wrist are key links in the chain. They absorb forces that are transferred from:
- shoulder and upper arm
- forearm and hand
- neck and upper back
In many sports, these joints are loaded repeatedly—often with both force and speed. Think of lifting, pushing, pulling, striking, or supporting your weight on your hands. When the load exceeds what the body can handle, overuse develops.
Common causes of overuse
Elbow and wrist complaints usually arise from a combination of factors:
- repetitive movements without sufficient recovery
- training intensity or volume that is too high
- insufficient strength or stability higher up in the chain
- limited mobility in the neck, shoulder, or upper back
- prolonged tension in the forearm muscles
The symptoms are felt in the elbow or wrist, but the cause is often elsewhere.
Symptoms that often occur
With overuse of the elbow and wrist, you may notice:
- pain on the inside or outside of the elbow
- a sharp or burning sensation when gripping or lifting
- loss of strength in the hand or forearm
- stiffness or pain when doing push-ups or leaning/supporting on the hands
- tingling that radiates toward the hand or fingers
Well-known examples include tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or wrist instability—but not every complaint fits neatly into such a label.
Why the complaint often keeps coming back
Many athletes try to:
- rest
- use tape or a brace
- massage or stretch the area locally
That can provide temporary relief, but if:
- the movement chain isn’t restored
- compensations persist
- the control from the nervous system is disrupted
then the symptoms often return as soon as you start training again.
The role of the neck, shoulder and upper back
The nerves that control the elbow, forearm and hand originate in the neck and upper back. A dysfunction in this area can lead to:
- increased muscle tension in the arm
- reduced coordination
- faster muscle fatigue
As a result, the elbow or wrist becomes overloaded more quickly, even if your technique seems fine at first glance.
What can chiropractic care mean for these complaints?
With a chiropractic approach, we don’t just look at the painful area, but at the overall movement pattern. This includes assessing, among other things:
- how the spine moves
- whether nerve signals are transmitted properly
- where compensations develop
- how the shoulder, elbow and wrist work together
By correcting dysfunctions and improving coordination, the body can distribute load better again.
Overuse is rarely a coincidence
Elbow and wrist complaints in sports are usually not a purely local problem. They are often a signal that the body is falling short somewhere else. By looking beyond the complaint itself, you help prevent temporary pain from becoming a long-term injury.
Questions or want to book an appointment?
Do elbow or wrist complaints keep coming back during or after sports?
At Chiropractie Blaauw we look at the underlying cause behind the complaint.
Feel free to contact us via email or call 0182 – 570124.
