Elbow pain is one of the most common issues we see at Trilogy Physiotherapy in Sinnamon Park, especially among active individuals and desk-based workers alike. Two of the most frequent causes are Tennis Elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis).
While their names suggest they only affect athletes, both conditions can impact anyone who performs repetitive wrist or forearm movements from tradespeople and gym-goers to office workers and parents.
Understanding the Difference
Despite their similar symptoms, these two conditions affect opposite sides of the elbow:
| Condition | Pain Location | Common Activities | Affected Muscles/Tendons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) | Outer (lateral) side of the elbow | Typing, gripping, lifting, tennis backhand | Extensor tendons of the forearm |
| Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) | Inner (medial) side of the elbow | Lifting, throwing, golfing, repetitive wrist flexion | Flexor tendons of the forearm |
Tennis Elbow involves overuse or microtears in the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon, while Golfer’s Elbow affects the flexor-pronator group on the inside of the forearm (Coombes et al., 2015).
Common Symptoms
Both injuries can cause:
- Pain or burning sensation in the elbow region
- Tenderness when gripping or lifting objects
- Weak grip strength
- Stiffness or tightness through the forearm
- Discomfort with repetitive hand movements
If left untreated, pain can spread down the forearm and significantly impact work, exercise, and daily activities.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Early physiotherapy intervention is key to reducing pain, restoring function, and preventing chronic issues.
At Trilogy Physiotherapy, our elbow pain treatment may include:
1. Comprehensive Assessment
We assess wrist, elbow, and shoulder movement, as well as grip strength and contributing factors such as posture or overuse.
2. Manual Therapy & Soft Tissue Treatment
Hands-on techniques help improve joint mobility, reduce muscle tension, and promote tendon healing (Vicenzino & Wright, 2016).
3. Exercise-Based Rehabilitation
We prescribe eccentric and isometric exercises, proven to stimulate tendon repair and improve strength (Stasinopoulos & Stasinopoulou, 2017).
4. Load Management & Ergonomic Advice
Adjusting grip technique, racket handle size, or desk setup can significantly reduce strain.
5. Dry Needling
If needed, adjunct treatments may help accelerate healing and relieve persistent pain.
Preventing Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Simple changes can help lower the risk of recurrence:
- Warm up before activity or sport.
- Strengthen the wrist and forearm muscles regularly.
- Maintain proper lifting and gripping technique.
- Avoid overloading or increasing training intensity too quickly.
- Take regular breaks from repetitive tasks.
When to Seek Help
See a physiotherapist if:
- Pain lasts more than 1–2 weeks.
- You struggle to grip objects or perform daily tasks.
- Rest and self-care aren’t improving symptoms.
Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and less downtime.
Recover with the Experts
At Trilogy Physiotherapy, we help patients across Sinnamon Park, Jindalee, Mount Ommaney, Oxley, and Brisbane’s western suburbs overcome elbow pain with tailored, evidence-based treatment.
If you suspect Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow, book an appointment today and let our experienced physios guide you toward lasting relief. Click here to book now!
References
- Coombes, B. K., Bisset, L., & Vicenzino, B. (2015). Management of lateral elbow tendinopathy: One size does not fit all. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 45(11), 938–949.
- Stasinopoulos, D., & Stasinopoulou, K. (2017). The most effective treatment for lateral elbow tendinopathy: Eccentric exercise with stretching. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 51(10), 1325–1326.
- Vicenzino, B., & Wright, A. (2016). Management of tennis elbow: Integrating evidence with clinical practice. Manual Therapy, 23(5), 4–10.
Read more….
To learn more about understanding and treating tennis elbow, check out our blog HERE
To learn more about Golf Injuries check out our blog HERE
To learn more about Tennis Injuries, check our our blog HERE