Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

What’s the Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?

Both conditions are forms of tendon irritation or damage (tendinopathy). The difference is in where they occur in the arm:

• Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow, often from activities that involve repeated gripping or lifting.
• Golfer’s elbow affects the inside of the elbow and is usually caused by motions like swinging a golf club, lifting weights or everyday tasks like carrying groceries.

What Causes Elbow Tendinopathy?

Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are caused by repeatedly straining the muscles and tendons around your elbow. You don’t need to be an athlete for this to happen. Common causes include:

• Carrying heavy loads on one side
• Clenching or gripping objects tightly
• Heavy or repetitive lifting
• Poor technique during sports or workouts
• Prolonged use of hand tools
• Repetitive arm or wrist movements
• Typing or computer use without breaks (computer elbow)

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

The symptoms of elbow tendinopathy include:

• Aching or burning sensation
• Difficulty gripping or holding objects
• Elbow stiffness, especially in the morning
• Pain that worsens with activity
• Tenderness when pressing on the elbow
• Weakness in the forearm or hand

Easy Access, Close to Home

With more than 50 physical therapy locations across Florida, Brooks makes it easy to find care close to home. Many clinics offer extended weekday hours, so you can schedule visits before or after work. And you might not need a referral to start treatment, depending on your insurance. Direct access to our physical therapists can help you feel better sooner. Become a patient.

How Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Treated?

At Brooks, experienced physical therapists and occupational therapists deliver specialized care for elbow tendinopathy. Their expertise from treating a high volume of cases helps you receive precise therapies that ease symptoms. We listen carefully as you describe your symptoms, then develop a plan to help you get much-needed relief.

Personalized tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow treatment may include:

• Dry needling: Physical therapists use thin needles to release tight muscle areas known as trigger points, helping reduce pain and improve movement.
• Manual therapy: Physical therapists help stretch tight muscles and nearby tissue to improve flexibility. We guide you through progressive resistance exercises and precise joint movements to build strength and improve motion in your elbow.
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): This technique delivers mild electrical pulses through the skin to disrupt pain signals and improve comfort during tendon healing.

Why Choose Brooks for Elbow Tendinopathy Treatment?

Our trusted team uses a thoughtful, personalized approach that pinpoints the source of the pain and keeps your recovery moving forward.

Highlights of our program include:

• Skilled care, every visit: At Brooks, a licensed physical therapist or physical therapy assistant delivers your care. This means more consistency, focused attention and therapies adjusted in real-time to what your body needs. You work with providers who understand your diagnosis and are actively engaged in helping you get better.
• Focus on root cause: Elbow pain sometimes starts with problems in your shoulder or upper back, like weak muscles or stiff joints. Orthopedic physical therapists assess these areas to find the actual cause of your symptoms. These extra steps enable us to develop a more effective treatment plan.
• Sports therapy: Our team includes physical therapists who specialize in treating sports injuries, including elbow tendinopathy from tennis and golf. They use advanced techniques to reduce pain, correct mechanics and relieve strain caused by repetitive swings and backhands. Learn more about sports therapy.

FAQs About Orthopedic Physical Therapy for Elbow Tendinopathy

How are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow diagnosed by a physical therapist?

Orthopedic physical therapists at Brooks perform a detailed evaluation. This includes asking you about your symptoms and specific movements that make symptoms worse. They also conduct hands-on testing to check your strength, flexibility and areas of tenderness. These efforts help us pinpoint which tendons are involved so you receive the best treatment for your needs.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery for elbow tendinopathy?

In many cases, orthopedic physical therapy at Brooks is all that’s needed to relieve discomfort and restore function. Physical therapists use a variety of skills, including progressive strengthening, manual therapy and motor control training, to promote healing. If symptoms do not improve, you may need to talk to an orthopedist about other options, like injections or non-surgical procedures.

Are there small changes I can make between sessions to help ease symptoms?

We zero in on habits that may be contributing to elbow pain and show you methods that are gentler on your body. Changes, like using an ergonomic mouse, adjusting your grip on tools or taking breaks from repetitive tasks, can relieve strain.