Learn more about your elbow pain:
Elbow pain is a common issue, and two of the most frequent conditions we see in the clinic are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. While their names come from sports, these injuries can affect anyone engaging in repetitive arm movements, such as lifting, gardening, or even computer work.
What’s the Difference?
- Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Affects the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive strain, such as holding a tennis racket. Factors like increased playtime and improper grip size can contribute to the problem.
- Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Affects the inside of the elbow and is often triggered by the impact of the club hitting the ground, especially in heavier conditions like winter.
While these conditions are named after sports, they can result from various activities, including lifting, gardening, or repetitive work. The issue stems from tendon overuse or strain, leading to pain, tenderness, and restricted movement.
Treatment focuses on gradual tendon strengthening and reducing strain. At Body Logic Health, we use a combination of isometric exercises to build tendon resilience, progressive movement therapy to restore function, and, in some cases, shockwave therapy to ease chronic pain. Beyond treating the elbow itself, we assess the shoulder, neck, and posture, as weaknesses in these areas can contribute to persistent symptoms.
If you’re struggling with elbow pain, check out our tendinopathy page for more information. Our team is here to help you get back to pain-free movement as quickly as possible!
For more information on the difference between tennis and golfer’s elbow, watch Paul’s video below to learn more.