Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow? It Is Not Just About Sport

Despite the names, you do not need to play tennis to develop tennis elbow, and you do not need to play golf to develop golfer’s elbow.

Tennis elbow versus golfer's elbow

Tennis elbow usually describes pain around the outside of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner side. Both are commonly associated with repeated loading of the muscles and tendons of the forearm.

That can come from racquet sport, but also from gripping tools, painting, gardening, lifting, climbing, gym work or long periods using a mouse and keyboard.

What it feels like

Tennis elbow often hurts when gripping, lifting a kettle, turning a door handle or using the wrist against resistance. Not every pain around the elbow is a tendon problem: irritation from the neck or nerves in the arm can sometimes produce similar symptoms.

Rest, load and strengthening

Temporarily reducing the activity that repeatedly aggravates the elbow can be useful, but complete rest for weeks is rarely the whole answer. Progressive strengthening of the forearm is commonly used as symptoms settle.

When to get medical advice

Get medical advice after a significant injury, if the elbow is hot, red or very swollen, or if you develop substantial weakness, persistent numbness or pins and needles.

Assessment at Taylor Osteopathy

At Taylor Osteopathy we assess the elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck where appropriate, then discuss whether hands-on care, progressive loading, ergonomic changes or another route makes the most sense.