Tennis & Golfer's Elbow

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Basic Pain Management

Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are overuse injuries of the tendons around the elbow. They are stubborn but very treatable with the right loading program, and rarely need anything more.

Talk to me about elbow pain

The basics

What are tennis and golfer's elbow?

Both are tendon overuse problems. Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outer elbow that straighten the wrist, while golfer's elbow affects the inner-elbow tendons that bend it. You do not need to play either sport to get them.

They usually build up from repeated gripping, typing, lifting, or tool use. The tendon becomes irritated and sensitive, but with a graded strengthening plan it settles and rebuilds its tolerance.

What to notice

Common symptoms

  • Pain on the outer or inner elbow
  • Weak or painful grip, worse with twisting or lifting
  • Tenderness right over the bony point of the elbow
  • Ache that spreads down the forearm
  • Discomfort with typing, using tools, or carrying
Why it happens

Common causes

  • Repetitive gripping, typing, or tool use
  • A sudden increase in load or a new activity
  • Weakness in the forearm and shoulder
  • Poor technique in sport or at work
  • Previous episodes that never fully recovered
The treatment

How physiotherapy helps

The key is loading the tendon correctly, not resting it into weakness. I settle the pain, then rebuild strength step by step.

Load management

Adjusting the aggravating tasks so the tendon can settle without full rest.

Progressive strength

Graded forearm and grip loading, which is what the tendon needs to recover.

Hands-on therapy

Soft tissue work to ease pain and forearm tightness.

Technique and setup

Fixing the desk, grip, or sport habits that overloaded it.

What to expect

Your recovery journey

Treatment moves through clear stages. I set the pace to suit you, but the path usually looks like this.

01

Assessment

I confirm the diagnosis and find what is overloading the tendon.

02

Settle it

Reduce irritation with load and activity changes.

03

Load it

Progressive strengthening to rebuild tolerance.

04

Return

Graded return to work, tools, or sport.

In your sessions

Exercises I may use

  • Wrist extensor or flexor strengthening
  • Grip strengthening within comfort
  • Forearm and wrist stretches
  • Shoulder and upper-arm support work

When to seek urgent care

See a doctor if elbow pain follows a fall or blow with swelling and bruising, if you cannot straighten or bend the elbow, or if you get numbness, tingling, or weakness spreading into the hand.

Good to know

Questions I hear a lot

Should I just rest it?
Rest alone usually does not fix it and can leave the tendon weaker. Graded loading is what drives lasting recovery, which is what I build with you.
Will a strap or brace help?
A brace can ease symptoms during aggravating tasks, but it is a support, not a cure. The strengthening program does the real work.
How long until it settles?
Tendons take time. Many people improve steadily over several weeks to a few months with a consistent plan.

Let's get you moving again

Book an assessment with me and I'll build a plan around your body, your goals, and your day-to-day life.

Call +91 87997 18841
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment. Everyone is different, so please speak to a qualified physiotherapist or doctor for advice on your own situation.