Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow

Table of contents

Tennis elbow & golfer's elbow: understanding elbow problems

General information on elbow problems

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are overuse conditions of the tendons at the elbow. Both arise from irritation or damage to the tendon attachments, but they differ in location and in the muscle groups affected:

Tennis elbow: affects the outer side (lateral side) of the elbow. This is where the extensor muscles of the forearm attach, which extend the wrist and fingers. Pain occurs with movements such as lifting the wrist, turning a door handle or shaking hands.
Golfer's elbow: affects the inner side (medial side) of the elbow. This is where the flexor muscles of the forearm attach, which flex the wrist and little finger. Pain occurs when bending the wrist or with rotating movements of the forearm.

Important: Despite their names, these problems do not only occur in athletes. Any one-sided, repeated load, whether at work, in everyday life or in sport, can lead to tendinopathy. Age-related changes in the tendon tissue also increase the risk.

Causes and risk factors

The main cause is repeated mechanical overload of the tendons. Small micro-injuries in the tissue can become chronic if recovery is insufficient.

Typical factors:

Occupational load: monotonous movements in craftspeople, musicians, cooks or intensive computer work.
Sporting activities: tennis, golf, climbing, badminton, volleyball or baseball.
Unfavourable technique: poor posture or muscular imbalances in the shoulder and trunk area.
Age-related changes: decrease in tendon resilience with increasing age.

Often it is the interplay of several factors, e.g. an unfamiliar load on weak muscles, that triggers the symptoms.

Symptoms and course of the condition

The symptoms typically develop gradually and can become chronic if left untreated:

Pain at the elbow: tennis elbow on the outside, golfer's elbow on the inside, worse with gripping or rotating movements.
Tenderness: sensitivity to pressure on the affected area.
Pain on movement: e.g. lifting the wrist (tennis elbow) or bending it (golfer's elbow).
Weak grip: reduced strength when holding objects.
Radiating pain: sometimes into the forearm or hand.

Course:

Stage: Pain occurs only during or after load.
Stage: Symptoms also occur at rest or with minimal load.

Without treatment, a chronic problem can develop that clearly limits everyday life, work and sport.

Self-help measures for elbow pain

Acute measures:

Reducing load: Avoid movements that trigger pain, but avoid complete immobilisation.
Cooling: For acute inflammation, apply a cold pack for 5–10 minutes, several times a day.
Straps or braces: Temporarily relieve the tendon attachment, not permanently.
Gentle movement: Moderate, pain-free movement promotes healing and blood flow.
Painkillers: Short-term if needed, symptomatic only.

Stretching and strengthening exercises:

Tennis elbow stretch: Extend the arm, palm facing up, gently pull the fingers downwards.
Golfer's elbow stretch: Extend the arm, palm facing down, gently press the back of the hand downwards.
Eccentric training for tennis elbow: Forearm on the edge of a table, slowly lower the wrist.
Eccentric training for golfer's elbow: Forearm on the edge of a table, palm facing up, slowly lower the wrist.

Start with low intensity. Mild pain is normal, while strong pain is a signal to take a break or adjust the exercise.

Everyday tips:

Set up your workplace ergonomically (mouse, keyboard, chair)
Check your sports technique and adjust your equipment
Distribute heavy loads evenly, build in breaks
Pay attention to warning signals such as pain, to avoid it becoming chronic

Physiotherapy: targeted treatment for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

1. Differentiated diagnostics

Detailed history: history of symptoms, occupation, sport
Specific tests
Mobility and strength analysis
Analysing posture and movement patterns

Goal: understand the causes, plan individual therapy, avoid relapses.

2. Manual therapy & physical measures

Myofascial techniques & trigger point treatment: release tension, promote blood flow
Shockwave therapy: acoustic pressure waves stimulate healing in chronic tendon problems
Dry needling: relaxation of deep trigger points
Heat: promotes blood flow, prepares for exercises
Kinesiotaping: relieves the tendons, supports muscle function

3. Functional training & movement education

Eccentric training: load during the lengthening phase of the muscle for tendon repair
Correcting movement patterns: optimise ergonomics in sport, work and everyday life
Strengthening the shoulder-arm chain: optimise load distribution, protect the elbow
Sensorimotor training: improve fine motor skills, promote healthy movement control
Sport-specific training: tailored exercises for tennis, golf, climbing etc.

Home exercise programme: individually adapted, regularly reviewed and progressed.

4. Ergonomic advice & prevention

Workplace optimisation: chair, desk, keyboard, mouse, breaks
Sports equipment & technique: racket grip, climbing holds, improving technique
Compensatory exercises: short, effective sessions in everyday life
Long-term management: own exercises, preventive measures, periodic check-ups
Holistic approach: taking fitness, stress, nutrition and sleep into account

Goal: pain relief, improved function and lasting prevention.

Conclusion

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are not minor complaints. With targeted physiotherapy, individual exercises and adjustments to everyday life, most symptoms can be resolved completely. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid chronic problems and relapses.

Book your appointment at KINEO now: Our specialised physiotherapists will create an individual analysis and a tailored therapy programme. Together, we will bring your elbow back to pain-free mobility and full resilience.