Elbow Pain: Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow and How Physiotherapy Can Help
Elbow pain can make even simple everyday activities uncomfortable. Whether you're lifting weights, working at a computer, playing sport or simply picking up a cup of coffee, pain around the elbow can quickly become frustrating.
Two of the most common causes of elbow pain are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. Despite their names, you don't need to play tennis or golf to experience either condition.
At Resolution Physio on the Gold Coast, we help people understand what's causing their elbow pain and develop a practical plan to get them moving comfortably again.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy, affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow.
It commonly develops when the tendons are exposed to more repetitive or sustained loading than they can comfortably tolerate.
Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow
Discomfort when gripping, lifting or carrying objects
Pain when twisting a doorknob or pouring a kettle
Reduced grip strength due to pain
Symptoms that worsen after repetitive hand or wrist activities
Although tennis players can develop this condition, it is also common in people who perform repetitive gripping or lifting tasks, including tradespeople, gardeners, office workers and gym-goers.
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow, or medial elbow tendinopathy, affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
These tendons help control wrist flexion and gripping movements.
Symptoms may include:
Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow
Discomfort when gripping or lifting
Pain during pulling exercises or certain sporting movements
Symptoms associated with repetitive wrist or forearm activity
Like tennis elbow, golfer's elbow is not limited to people who play sport. It can develop through everyday activities, manual work or changes in exercise routines.
Tennis Elbow vs Golfer's Elbow: What's the Difference?
The main difference is where the pain occurs.
Tennis ElbowGolfer's ElbowPain on the outside of the elbowPain on the inside of the elbowInvolves the wrist extensor tendonsInvolves the wrist flexor and pronator tendonsOften aggravated by gripping and liftingOften aggravated by gripping, pulling and wrist flexion
While both conditions involve tendon pain, an accurate assessment is important because not all elbow pain comes from the tendons.
Why Does Elbow Pain Develop?
Elbow tendon pain often develops when there is a mismatch between the demands placed on a tendon and its current ability to tolerate those demands.
Common contributing factors include:
A sudden increase in exercise or sporting activity
Repetitive gripping, lifting or twisting
Changes in work duties or workload
Returning to activity after a break
Insufficient recovery between demanding activities
Importantly, tendon pain does not necessarily mean the tendon is torn or permanently damaged.
How Can Physiotherapy Help Elbow Pain?
Physiotherapy focuses on identifying the factors contributing to your pain and helping you gradually return to your usual activities.
1. Assessment and diagnosis
Your physiotherapist will assess your elbow, wrist and surrounding areas to help identify the likely source of your symptoms and rule out other potential causes.
2. Managing painful activities
You may benefit from temporarily modifying activities that aggravate your symptoms, rather than stopping all movement.
3. Progressive strengthening exercises
Gradually increasing the load placed on the affected tendons is a key part of rehabilitation. Exercises are tailored to your symptoms, strength and activity goals.
4. Hands-on treatment when appropriate
Manual therapy may provide short-term pain relief for some people and can be used alongside an active rehabilitation program.
5. Returning to work, sport and exercise
Your physiotherapist can guide a gradual return to activities such as gardening, gym training, racquet sports or manual work, helping you rebuild confidence and capacity.
Should You Rest Your Elbow Completely?
Not usually.
While temporarily reducing particularly painful activities can be helpful, prolonged complete rest may reduce your strength and tolerance for activity.
A more effective approach is often to modify your activity while gradually rebuilding strength.
The right amount of exercise will depend on your symptoms and how your elbow responds over time.
How Long Does Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow Take to Heal?
Recovery varies depending on how long symptoms have been present, their severity and the demands of your daily activities.
Some people notice improvement within several weeks, while persistent tendon pain can take several months to settle.
Consistency with an appropriate rehabilitation program is important, and recovery is not always a straight line.
When Should You See a Physiotherapist?
Consider seeking an assessment if:
Your elbow pain continues despite modifying activities
Pain is affecting work, exercise or everyday tasks
You notice persistent weakness or difficulty gripping
Symptoms repeatedly return when you resume activity
You're unsure whether the pain is coming from your elbow, neck or another structure
Seek prompt medical assessment for severe pain after an injury, significant swelling or deformity, a hot and red joint with fever, or new significant numbness or weakness.
Elbow Pain Physiotherapy on the Gold Coast
Whether your elbow pain started at the gym, at work or during everyday activities, understanding the cause is the first step towards recovery.
At Resolution Physio, we provide individualised physiotherapy assessment and rehabilitation to help you manage pain, improve strength and return to the activities you enjoy.
Experiencing tennis elbow, golfer's elbow or persistent elbow pain?
Contact Resolution Physio to arrange an assessment and start working towards a stronger, more comfortable elbow.
