Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow: What’s the Difference?

Understanding Elbow Pain, Its Causes, and How Physiotherapy Helps

Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common conditions that cause elbow pain, yet they affect different areas of the joint and result from different movements. Despite their names, you don’t need to play tennis or golf to suffer from either condition. People in various professions and daily life activities can develop these injuries due to repetitive arm and wrist use.

In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, their causes, symptoms, and how physiotherapy plays a key role in healing and long-term pain relief.

Quick Comparison Table

FeatureTennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Affected AreaOutside of the elbowInside of the elbow
CauseOveruse of wrist extensorsOveruse of wrist flexors
Common ActivitiesTennis, typing, paintingGolf, lifting, throwing
Pain LocationOuter elbow, forearmInner elbow, forearm

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs due to the overuse of the extensor muscles, the ones that help straighten your wrist and fingers, resulting in inflammation and pain on the outer part of the elbow.

Common Causes:

  • Racquet sports
  • Frequent typing or mouse use
  • Lifting objects with a straight arm
  • Manual labor (carpentry, plumbing)

Symptoms:

  • Burning pain on the outer elbow
  • Weakened grip strength
  • Pain worsens with wrist movement
  • Tenderness on the outer elbow

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow results from overusing the wrist flexor muscles that attach to the inner part of the elbow, causing pain and inflammation on the inner side.

Common Causes:

  • Golf swings or repetitive arm motions
  • Throwing sports (e.g., cricket, baseball)
  • Lifting with bent wrists
  • Using hand tools repeatedly

Symptoms:

  • Pain or swelling on the inner elbow
  • Wrist stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling in fingers
  • Weak or painful grip

How Physiotherapy Helps in Recovery

Whether it’s tennis or golfer’s elbow, physiotherapy is highly effective in reducing pain, promoting healing, and preventing recurrence.

1. Pain Relief Modalities

  • Ultrasound therapy
  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
  • Ice or heat application
  • Manual soft tissue release

These reduce inflammation and soothe pain naturally.

2. Activity Modification & Ergonomics

FitoFine physiotherapists assess your daily routines and suggest:

  • Adjustments in work posture
  • Rest breaks and wrist supports
  • Modified movement patterns

3. Targeted Exercises

Custom exercises help:

  • Stretch tight forearm muscles
  • Strengthen tendons and grip
  • Restore wrist mobility

Examples include:

  • Wrist flexor/extensor stretches
  • Eccentric wrist curls
  • Finger band extensions
  • Forearm rotation drills

4. Bracing Support

Wearing a forearm strap or elbow brace can reduce tendon strain during healing.

5. Prevention Education

We guide you on:

  • Proper lifting and tool techniques
  • Stretching routines
  • Warm-up and cool-down practices
  • Avoiding sudden overload

Recovery Timeline

  • Mild cases: 4-6 weeks
  • Moderate/severe cases: 8-12 weeks
  • Chronic cases: May require long-term rehab

FAQs About Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

Q1: Can I have both conditions?
Yes, though rare, some people develop both if using both flexors and extensors excessively.

Q2: Will it heal on its own?
Rest may offer temporary relief, but without physiotherapy, symptoms often recur or worsen.

Q3: Should I stop all exercise?
No. Guided, specific exercises from a physiotherapist aid recovery.

Q4: Is surgery ever needed?
Only in rare cases where physiotherapy and other treatments don’t help.

Q5: Do I need an X-ray?
Usually not. Diagnosis is clinical. Imaging may be used to rule out other conditions.

Why Choose FitoFine for Elbow Pain Relief?

At FitoFine Physiotherapy Clinic, we go beyond treating symptoms, we address the root cause. Whether you’re struggling with tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or general elbow discomfort, we offer tailored recovery plans to help you heal naturally and safely.

Book Your Consultation Today!

FitoFine Physiotherapy Clinic
Working Hours:
Mon–Sat: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Sunday: Closed
Call/WhatsApp: +91 6295115701
Email: fitofine.in@gmail.com
Website: www.fitofine.com

Say goodbye to elbow pain. Say hello to movement with FitoFine.

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