Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: What’s the Difference and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Elbow pain is a common issue that can interfere with everything from work to sport to daily activities. Two of the most frequent causes are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, but despite their sporty names, you don’t have to be a tennis player or a golfer to suffer from them.

Both conditions involve irritation of the tendons around the elbow, but they affect different areas, cause different symptoms, and require targeted treatment.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is caused by irritation or small tears in the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. It often develops from repetitive wrist and arm movements.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Discomfort when gripping or lifting objects

• Pain that may radiate down the forearm

• Weakness with tasks like shaking hands, carrying bags, or holding a coffee cup

While common in tennis players, it also affects office workers, tradespeople, and anyone who performs repetitive hand and wrist movements.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Like tennis elbow, it’s usually caused by repetitive stress, but the location and movements that trigger pain are different.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow

• Discomfort with gripping, twisting, or wrist flexion

• Pain radiating down the inner forearm

• Weakness when lifting or holding objects, especially with the palm facing up

Despite the name, you don’t need to play golf to develop it, many people experience golfer’s elbow from repetitive tasks at work or in the gym.

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Physiotherapy is highly effective for both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, focusing on relieving pain, restoring strength, and preventing recurrence. Treatment may include:

• Manual therapy helps to reduce stiffness and improve joint mobility

• Soft tissue release helps to ease tension in the forearm muscles

• Targeted exercises helps to strengthen the tendons and correct muscle imbalances

• Activity modification strategies helps to reduce strain during daily tasks

• Taping or bracing helps to support the elbow during recovery

• Ergonomic advice for workstations, sports technique, or exercise adjustments

With early intervention, physiotherapy can speed up recovery and help you return to your normal activities with confidence.

Book Your Appointment Today

If you’re experiencing persistent elbow pain and suspect it could be tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, it’s important to get the right diagnosis and treatment early.

At Urban Physiotherapy in North Sydney, our team specialises in treating elbow injuries with evidence-based care tailored to your needs Book an appointment today and let us help you get back to pain-free movement. - https://urban-physiotherapy.au2.cliniko.com/bookings?business_id=423637795941128200#service