Elbow Pain
The most common sources of localized elbow pain stem form either nerve pressure or tendonitis. Nerves which exit the cervical spine travel through a bundle called the brachial plexus and run through the shoulder, wrist and fingers. Irritation to these nerves can lead to referred pain anywhere along this nerve path. Nerve pain is typically a sharp, radiating, “tooth ache” type of pain.
Tendonitis is very common in the elbow and is commonly referred to as tennis elbow (tendonitis on the outside or lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (tendonitis on the inside or medial epicondylitis). The damage that tennis or golfer’s elbow incurs consists of tiny tears in the tendon and muscle covering. This usually results from trauma, repetitive motion, or overuse. The small tears may heal and tear repeatedly leading to hemorrhaging and the formation of rough, granulated fibrous tissue (scar tissue) and calcium deposits within the surrounding tissues. Collagen, a protein, leaks from the injured area causing inflammation. The resulting pressure can result in pinching of the radial or ulnar nerves which run through the elbow. Tendons, which attach muscles to bones, do not receive the same amount of blood and oxygen as muscle does and consequently heals more slowly.
Symptoms of tendonitis include pain in the upper forearm just below the bend of the elbow, reduced range of motion, and increased pain with lifting or bending the arm or grasping objects.
Gonstead doctors aim to find the cause or causes of a patients health concern. For elbow pain this means not just examining the elbow itself, but also the nerve pathways running to and through the elbow to rule out irritation as well as the wrist and shoulder. Alignment issues are critical for optimum elbow function, and Gonstead doctors are some of the few health care providers who evaluate for subluxation in the elbow. A subluxated elbow can predispose it to tendonitis by altering the normal mechanics of the joint putting unnecessary strain to the tendons. Chiropractic’s success with shoulder, arm and hand problems is well documented.
At Holistic Health Solutions, we believe that at the root of every symptom there lies a cause. We aim not only to bring rapid relief, but understand that only treatments that address the actual cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptom suppression. Our unique approach assesses biomechanics, lifestyle, genetics and laboratory testing to custom tailor a treatment plan for optimized recovery.
About The Team
At Holistic Health Solutions, we believe that at the root of every symptom there lies a cause. We aim not only to bring rapid relief, but understand that only treatments that address the actual cause will have lasting benefit beyond symptom suppression. Our unique approach assesses biomechanics, lifestyle, genetics and laboratory testing to custom tailor a treatment plan for optimized recovery.
Upon graduating from graduate school, Dr. Matt French headed west and began practice in 1998 in the valley. It was after sustaining a neck fracture in a diving accident at the age of 20 that he first developed an interest in health care as a profession. His own experiences with pain and recovery gives him true understanding as to what his patients endure. In his over 20 years of practice, Dr. French has seen many thousands of patients including doctors, surgeons, celebrities and professional athletes. As a sought out health consultant he has appeared on FOX 10, Good Morning Arizona, 12 News NBC, ABC15, CBS 5 and talk radio. Often described as “the man with the magic hands”, Dr. French has an uncanny ability to pinpoint and relieve pain.
He and wife, Megan, have 2 daughters. Both he and his wife are avid cyclists and have both been Arizona state champions. Dr. French has played drums professionally, and regularly plays for his church. He is also an Adjunct Professor teaching both Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology to pre-med students.
Upon graduating from graduate school, Dr. Matt French headed west and began practice in 1998 in the valley. It was after sustaining a neck fracture in a diving accident at the age of 20 that he first developed an interest in health care as a profession. His own experiences with pain and recovery gives him true understanding as to what his patients endure. In his over 20 years of practice, Dr. French has seen many thousands of patients including doctors, surgeons, celebrities and professional athletes. As a sought out health consultant he has appeared on FOX 10, Good Morning Arizona, 12 News NBC, ABC15, CBS 5 and talk radio. Often described as “the man with the magic hands”, Dr. French has an uncanny ability to pinpoint and relieve pain.
He and wife, Megan, have 2 daughters. Both he and his wife are avid cyclists and have both been Arizona state champions. Dr. French has played drums professionally, and regularly plays for his church. He is also an Adjunct Professor teaching both Anatomy & Physiology and Kinesiology to pre-med students.