Physiotherapy for tennis elbow and golfer's elbow

What tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow actually are

Tennis elbow is pain on the outside of the elbow, from strain in the tendons that extend the wrist. Golfer’s elbow is the same idea on the inside of the elbow.

Both come from repeated, small strain on the tendon, not usually one single injury. Gripping, typing, lifting and racquet sports can all contribute.

Why they settle slowly

Tendons have a limited blood supply, so they heal more slowly than muscle. This is why these injuries can drag on for weeks even with rest.

Complete rest also has a downside: the tendon can lose the capacity to handle load, so pain returns as soon as normal activity resumes.

What actually helps

Treatment usually combines calming the irritated tendon early on with gradual, controlled loading as it settles. This loading is what rebuilds the tendon’s capacity, not just avoiding the movement.

We also look at what triggered it: grip technique, workstation setup, or training load, so the same pattern does not simply return.

Getting back to what you were doing

The goal is not just less pain, but being able to grip, lift and play again without the same tendon giving out.

Progress is usually gradual, and we review it at each visit rather than promising a fixed number of weeks.

What the first visit covers

The first visit assesses how irritated the tendon is, what movements or grips trigger it, and what daily tasks or activities it is currently limiting.

From there you get a realistic early plan, adjusted as the tendon settles and its capacity to handle load improves.