Tennis & golfer's elbow treatment with shockwave therapy
Chronic tendon degeneration on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer's elbow) of the elbow, caused by repetitive gripping and wrist motion.
Tennis and golfer's elbow are tendinopathies — degenerative changes in the tendons that attach near the elbow. The name is misleading: most patients we see don't play either sport.
Stubborn elbow tendinopathy responds exceptionally well to shockwave therapy paired with eccentric loading rehab. Most patients see significant relief within 4–6 sessions.
Common elbow tendinopathy symptoms
- Pain on the outside (tennis) or inside (golfer's) of the elbow
- Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting (e.g., a door handle)
- Weak grip strength
- Pain shaking hands or pouring coffee
- Tenderness at the bony bump near the elbow
- Stiffness in the forearm after activity
What causes tennis and golfer's elbow
These conditions are overuse injuries. Repeated gripping, typing, lifting, or racket-sport swinging creates micro-damage in the tendon faster than the body can repair it.
Most cases are not from a single event — they're months of accumulated load. Common culprits: typing without a wrist break, heavy gripping work, weight training, and yes, racket sports.
- Repetitive gripping (tools, kettlebells, racket sports)
- Heavy mouse and keyboard use
- Sudden increase in arm-loaded activity
- Weak shoulder and scapular stabilizers
- Poor technique in lifting or racket sports
- Age-related tendon stiffening
Risk factors for elbow tendinopathy
- Age 35–55
- Repetitive manual work
- Heavy keyboard use
- Racket-sport or golf history
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Weak rotator cuff and grip
- Sudden return after a layoff
How we diagnose elbow tendinopathy
Diagnosis is clinical. The location of pain and a few specific provocation tests are usually all we need to confirm and classify the case.
Step 1
Pain location mapping
Outside vs. inside of the elbow points immediately to tennis vs. golfer's elbow.
Step 2
Provocation tests
Resisted wrist extension or flexion reproduces the pain and confirms the tendon involved.
Step 3
Strength and grip testing
Establishes a baseline we'll re-test to measure progress.
Step 4
Shockwave candidacy
Cases over 6 weeks old are typically strong shockwave candidates.
When to seek care for elbow pain
See a provider if elbow pain has lasted more than 2 weeks, limits gripping, or returns every time you train or work.
- Sudden severe pain with a "pop"
- Visible swelling or bruising
- Loss of elbow range of motion
- Numbness in the forearm or hand
- Inability to use the arm
How we treat tennis and golfer's elbow
Rest alone rarely solves chronic elbow tendinopathy. The tendon needs the right kind of load to remodel — and sometimes a stimulus like shockwave to restart the healing process.
Shockwave therapy
Acoustic-wave protocol that restarts tendon remodeling — first-line for chronic cases.
Learn moreEccentric loading rehab
Specific exercises that rebuild tendon capacity — the most effective long-term fix.
Learn moreJoint mobilization
Restores motion to the elbow, wrist, and shoulder to offload the tendon.
Learn moreHow to prevent elbow tendinopathy from returning
- Strength-train the forearm and grip 1–2x weekly
- Take micro-breaks during keyboard or tool use
- Warm up grip-heavy activities specifically
- Address shoulder weakness — it usually drives elbow overuse
- Replace racket grip size if it's wrong for your hand
- Progress training load gradually
Questions about tennis & golfer's elbow
How many shockwave sessions will I need?
Most elbow tendinopathy protocols run 4–6 sessions, once weekly. Peak results show 8–12 weeks after the final session.
Will an elbow brace fix it?
Braces can reduce symptoms during use but don't heal the tendon. They're a useful tool — not a cure.
Should I get a cortisone shot?
Short-term, cortisone reduces pain. Long-term, multiple shots can weaken the tendon. We try conservative care first.
Can I keep working if I have tennis elbow?
Usually yes — with specific modifications. We give you an ergonomic and activity plan.
How long until I'm back to normal?
Most patients see major relief in 6–8 weeks of structured care. Full tendon remodeling takes 3–6 months.
Treatments we use
Related conditions
Tendon
Get a clear plan for your tennis & golfer's elbow
New-patient visit includes exam, diagnosis, and a written treatment plan — same-day appointments most weekdays at our Oceanside and Carlsbad offices.