Background: The elbow is the joint where three long bones meet in the middle portion of the arm. The bone of the upper arm (humerus) meets the inner bone of the forearm (ulna) and the outer bone of the forearm (radius) to form a hinge joint. The radius and ulna also meet in the elbow to allow for rotation of the forearm.

The biceps muscle is the major muscle that flexes the elbow hinge. The triceps muscle is the major muscle that extends the elbow hinge. Muscles that function for wrist motion are also involved in actions of the elbow joint. Tendons that insert on the inner or outer elbow can become inflamed leading to the conditions of medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow) or lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) respectively. A bursae at the elbow may also become inflamed from any blunt trauma leading to bursitis.

Signs or Symptoms:  Pain with movement, swelling, numbness, cold hands, problems with shoulder or wrist movements

Causes: Trauma, repetitive movements, shoulder dysfunction, cervical dysfunction, Acupuncture points, posture, opposite knee dysfunction.

Standard treatment: Physical therapy, stabilization, medication and surgery.

Applied Kinesiology Approach:  After a detailed history and exam, treatment is individually oriented to the areas affecting the joint. Rebalancing of supportive muscles and proper alignment of involved joints are critical for healing. Without these procedures the area will remain weak and dysfunctional.  Testing is used to determine if there are nutritional imbalances that are limiting your body’s ability to produce natural anti-inflammatory chemicals to effectively speed the recovery. Other lifestyle modifications are used to prevent or minimize exacerbating the condition.