Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow affect two different parts of the elbow. Tennis elbow is estimated to affect 1-3% of the UK population, affecting about four to seven per 1,000 people. This condition commonly affects people aged 35-54. On the other hand, golfer’s elbow is less prevalent, affecting less than 1% of the population.
Both injuries share many similarities and differences, and this article will explore them below.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow involves the degeneration or, in some cases, micro tearing of the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of your elbow.
Tennis elbow is known medically as lateral epicondylitis, which refers to inflammation on the lateral side or outer edge when you hold your arms at your sides with your palms facing forward. Any motion that makes you grip or twist and swing your forearm often can cause tennis elbow.
Tennis elbows are usually repetitive strain injuries, and they are caused by using a part of your body to repeatedly do the same kind of motion so often that it damages your tissue. It gets its name from being a common sports injury for people who play tennis or other racket sports. However, several other sports and activities can also put you at risk.
Any repetitive gripping or grasping activities can cause this problem. This can include using a knife to cut meat, using hand-held tools like a screwdriver or hammer, painting or drawing, or weaving, knitting, and crocheting.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain and tenderness around the inner side of the elbow joint. It is associated with repetitive, forceful gripping and twisting activities of the wrist and fingers. Beyond golfers, it can also affect people who play sports that involve throwing, such as cricket and baseball, as well as climbers or manual workers. However, this can also affect anybody.
Recognised as medial epicondylitis, it is a type of tendinopathy which usually causes a dull ache or burning pain on and around the bone on the inside of the elbow, and is aggravated by repetitive, overuse of the flexor tendons in the forearm.
Tennis v Golf Elbow: What are the treatment options?
The two conditions affect different areas. A quick telltale sign is to ask yourself which motion results in pain: If it hurts to close your hand in a grip, you may have golfer’s elbow; if it hurts to straighten your fingers, you may have tennis elbow.
The treatment options for both conditions overlap:
Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Rest and physiotherapy are good treatment options for tennis elbow. Physiotherapy can provide you with strengthening exercises that reduce the pain and is a long-term approach to decrease the chances of the pain recurring.
Additionally, physiotherapy can determine if you need taping, a brace, or a wrist splint to reduce the strain on your tendons. Common treatment options that may be recommended are icing your tendons to reduce pain and inflammation and taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. If your symptoms are severe, you might be suggested steroid injection therapy.
Physiotherapists can help determine if the injury is caused by poor form. Improving your technique can prevent recurrence, or you could change your grip technique or choose a grip of a different size.
Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
Treatment for golfer’s elbow is similar to that for tennis elbow, with slight variations. Rest and physiotherapy both play a crucial role in strengthening your wrist and allowing your tendons to heal.
Likewise, taping and wearing a compression brace can reduce some strain on your elbow. Applying an ice or heat pack to your elbow can help reduce pain. You may need to change your grip or motion technique to reduce the strain on your tendons. For chronic cases, your physiotherapist might recommend a series of shockwave therapy. Switching your equipment, whether it’s a tool or a golf club, can make a difference.
Let us help
Physiotherapy and sports therapy offer a holistic approach to recovery and rehabilitation, decreasing the chances of your injury resurfacing. If you are struggling with persistent pain or inflammation, steroid prescription or injection therapy can be the solution you need. Geared towards strengthening your body, these therapies can enable your future self to manage physical activities with greater ease.
We’re True Physio, and our expert physiotherapy team has decades of experience helping people overcome their pain and go back to living their best lives. We have 9 clinics across the UK, and we are proud to be your trusted local physiotherapy provider. Book an appointment with one of our expert physiotherapists today and let us be a part of your pain-free journey.