Understanding Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow: How Physiotherapy Can Help
You might be surprised to learn that you don’t need to be a tennis or golf player to experience tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. Even if you’ve never picked up a racket or club, these injuries can still affect you. Both conditions arise from repetitive arm and wrist movements that irritate and inflame the tendons in your elbow.
While these injuries are common among athletes, they also impact many individuals in busy cities. Everyday activities—like typing with poor posture, carrying heavy bags, cleaning, or lifting your children—can put strain on your arm muscles, leading to discomfort. Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are two prevalent types of overuse injuries. In this blog post, we’ll explore these conditions, their symptoms, and how to seek effective treatment.
What’s the Difference Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow result from repetitive arm or wrist motions, but they differ in the location of pain and the affected tendons.
| Condition | Also Called | Where It Hurts | Affected Tendons | Common Causes |
| Tennis Elbow | Lateral Epicondylitis | Outside of the elbow | Tendons connected to wrist extensors | Typing, using a mouse, poor lifting posture, cleaning, playing tennis |
| Golfer’s Elbow | Medial Epicondylitis | Inside of the elbow | Tendons connected to wrist flexors | Repetitive wrist movements, lifting, throwing, carrying heavy items |
What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
The primary symptom of both conditions is pain and tenderness around the elbow, which can extend down the arm and lead to a weakened grip.
| Condition | Symptoms |
| Tennis Elbow | Soreness on the outside of the elbow; pain worsens with forearm use, like turning a screwdriver or holding a racket. |
| Golfer’s Elbow | Pain on the inside of the elbow that can radiate down the arm; discomfort increases with wrist bending, gripping tightly, or twisting the arm. You may also experience stiffness, tingling, or numbness in your hand. |
How Can a Physiotherapist Help with Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Absolutely, a physiotherapist can play a crucial role in treating both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Early intervention through physical therapy can significantly improve your condition. Our physiotherapists will focus on reducing pain via manual manipulation and massage above and below the elbow joint and or dry needling, enhancing your arm’s range of motion and pain-free ranges, and strengthening the injured muscles and tendons.
If you’re looking for a physiotherapist in Hong Kong, Urban Motion Clinic is here to help. Our expert team will assess your symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. We utilize a variety of techniques and exercises aimed at stretching and strengthening your muscles, along with posture training, and modifications for activities of daily life. These treatments can effectively reduce swelling, alleviate pain, and prevent future injuries.
Repetitive movements, whether at home or work, can lead to tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. The good news is that both conditions can be effectively treated. At Urban Motion Clinic, a trusted physical therapy clinic in Hong Kong, we provide professional physiotherapy to help you recover from these common overuse injuries. Don’t let discomfort hold you back—reach out to us today and take the first step toward relief and rehabilitation!