Shockwave first visit
$75
- Consultation
- Exam
- First shockwave therapy treatment
Tendon
Tennis & golfer's elbow treatment with shockwave therapy
Updated October 11, 2026
Chronic tendon degeneration on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer's elbow) of the elbow, caused by repetitive gripping and wrist motion.
Quick answer
Can a chiropractor help tennis & Golfer's Elbow?
Chronic tendon degeneration on the outside (tennis elbow) or inside (golfer's elbow) of the elbow, caused by repetitive gripping and wrist motion. Rest alone rarely solves chronic elbow tendinopathy. New patients start with the $75 special: consultation, exam and first treatment in Oceanside or Carlsbad.
New patient offer
$75
First visit
About 45 to 60 minutes
Offices
Oceanside + Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch)
Insurance
PI and MedPay accepted. Most health plans not accepted.
Tendon
Tennis & Golfer's Elbow
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.
Is this you?
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
New patient special
Shockwave first visit.Just $75.
Pick your first visit at our Oceanside or Carlsbad office. Same-day appointments most weekdays.
Chiropractic first visit
$49
- Consultation
- Full exam and movement screen
- First chiropractic treatment
New patients only. Same-day first treatment when appropriate. Personal injury and auto accident claims are billed on lien instead. Available at both offices. See details
Causes
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.
Risk factors
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
Diagnosis
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.
Your first visit
What your first visitlooks like.
Consult
We review your history and goals before any hands-on work.
Exam
Posture, range of motion, joint mechanics and orthopedic or neurological tests.
First treatment
When the exam clears you, your first treatment happens the same visit.
Before you arrive
When to get seen
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.
Seek urgent evaluation if you have any of these:
- 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
Treatment
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.
Prevention
How to prevent elbow tendinopathy from returning
Tips
- 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
Your doctors
Doctors ateach office.
Oceanside
- Dr. Derek PotvinDoctor of Chiropractic — Oceanside & CarlsbadView profile
- Dr. Aram ProudmanDoctor of Chiropractic — Oceanside & CarlsbadView profile
Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch)
- Dr. Evan HamiltonDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad / Bressi RanchView profile
- Dr. Derek PotvinDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad & OceansideView profile
- Dr. Anthony SalmonDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad / Bressi RanchView profile
- Dr. Aram ProudmanDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad & OceansideView profile
FAQ
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.
What are common symptoms of tennis & golfer's elbow?
Common symptoms include: 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, and stiffness in the forearm after activity.
When should I get tennis & golfer's elbow checked urgently?
Seek urgent evaluation if you have: sudden severe pain with a "pop"; visible swelling or bruising; loss of elbow range of motion; numbness in the forearm or hand, and inability to use the arm.
How can I help prevent tennis & golfer's elbow?
These habits help: 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, and progress training load gradually.
Can the doctor review imaging I already have?
Yes. Bring recent imaging on a disc, a portal link, or your phone. A photo of the report is also useful.
Which payment information should I confirm?
Ask the office to check your specific MedPay or personal injury claim. Pacific Spine & Rehab does not participate with most health plans.
Keep reading
Relatedcare and 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.