Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow - Westlake Sports Medicine

Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow

What are Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are overuse injuries affecting the elbow joint. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the outer side of the elbow, causing pain and tenderness. It’s often caused by repetitive gripping and wrist extension movements. In contrast, golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) impacts the inner side of the elbow due to repetitive wrist flexion and gripping actions. Both conditions share symptoms like pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.

Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow:

Persistent pain on the outer (tennis elbow) or inner (golfer’s elbow) side of the elbow
Gradual onset of discomfort that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions
Weakness in the affected forearm and hand
Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the elbow joint
Pain radiating down the forearm, sometimes reaching the wrist
Pain exacerbated by activities like gripping a racket or golf club
Difficulty with everyday tasks such as lifting objects or even shaking hands

Potential Causes of Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow:

• Frequent and forceful use of the forearm muscles during tennis or golf
• Incorrect form while performing repetitive actions
• Repetitive hand and wrist movements, like during carpentry or plumbing
• Aging tendons may become less flexible and more susceptible to injury
• Skipping warm-up exercises before physical activities
• Weak or imbalanced forearm muscles

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow/Golfer's Elbow

If you’re experiencing persistent pain on the inner or outer elbow, it may be a sign of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). At Westlake Sports Medicine, we begin with a thorough evaluation—including a physical exam to assess range of motion, pinpoint tenderness, and identify aggravating movements.

When needed, we may recommend X-rays or MRI scans to rule out other causes of elbow pain and confirm the diagnosis. From there, we’ll develop a personalized treatment plan designed to restore mobility, reduce pain, and help you return to your daily activities and performance goals safely.

Regenerative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we use advanced regenerative medicine to support natural healing for conditions like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow—without relying on medications or invasive procedures.

One of the most effective tools we offer is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment involves concentrating platelets from your own blood and injecting them into the affected tendon, where they release growth factors that reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair.

We may also incorporate exosome therapy, which delivers powerful cellular messengers that help restore damaged tissue at the microscopic level.

These regenerative therapies offer a natural, targeted approach to healing chronic tendon injuries and are a core part of our non-surgical treatment philosophy.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we take a holistic approach to treating tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, focusing on the root causes—not just the symptoms.
Your care plan may include:

• Targeted physical therapy to improve strength, flexibility, and biomechanics
• Ergonomic assessments to optimize workplace setup or athletic technique
• Lifestyle modifications that reduce repetitive strain and promote long-term tendon health

By addressing the underlying contributors to tendon overload, we help you recover more effectively and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Elbow Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a tiny camera to visualize and repair damaged tendons with precision.
Open Tendon Repair: For more complex or advanced cases, a larger incision may be required to release, reattach, or clean up the tendon, including removal of scar tissue or bone spurs.
Tenex Health TX™ Procedure: A modern, ultrasound-guided technique that precisely removes damaged tendon tissue without the need for traditional surgery, allowing for faster recovery and minimal downtime.

Tennis/Golfers Elbow FAQs

How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Recovery time for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow varies. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks with rest and treatment, while more severe cases can take several months. It’s essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations and engage in proper rehabilitation exercises to ensure a full recovery.

Who is at risk of developing tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

Individuals who engage in repetitive wrist and arm motions are at higher risk of developing tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. This includes athletes, especially those who play racquet sports or golf, as well as workers whose jobs involve repetitive movements, such as painters, carpenters, and butchers.

How are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow diagnosed?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. Your doctor will assess pain and tenderness around the elbow, check for limited range of motion, and may order an X-ray or MRI to rule out other conditions and confirm the diagnosis.

Are there any complications associated with tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?

If left untreated, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can lead to chronic pain, reduced grip strength, and decreased range of motion. In severe cases, the condition can impact daily activities and quality of life. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent complications.

When should I see a doctor for tennis elbow or golfer's elbow?

You should see a doctor if you experience persistent pain in your elbow that doesn’t improve with rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Additionally, if the pain interferes with your daily activities, work, or sports, or if you notice swelling, redness, or difficulty moving your elbow, seek medical advice.