Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow – The Real Difference

Introduction

  • In everyday labor and sports, elbow pain is frequent. Nonetheless, a lot of patients mistake golfer’s elbow for tennis elbow. Tendon overload is a feature of both disorders. However, they differ in location, etiology, and therapy.
  • Evidence-based care is commonly used to treat these disorders at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre. With an emphasis on physiotherapy management, this guide describes the distinction between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. Recovery is improved by early diagnosis and appropriate therapy. Expert physiotherapy in Delhi NCR is essential in this situation.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

  • Lateral epicondylitis is the medical term for tennis elbow. The outside of the elbow is impacted. Extensor tendons in the wrist are overused in this syndrome.
  • Structure Affected
    • Extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon
    • Lateral epicondyle of the humerus

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

  • Medial epicondylitis is another name for golfer’s elbow. The elbow’s inner side is impacted. Overuse of the wrist flexor tendons is the problem.
  • Structure Affected
    • Pronator teres and wrist flexors
    • Medial epicondyle of the humerus

Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow – Key Differences

FEATURETENNIS ELBOWGOLFER’S ELBOW
PAIN LOCATIONOuter ElbowInner Elbow
MAIN MUSCLEWrist ExtensorsWrist Flexors
COMMON CAUSERepetitive grippingRepetitive Wrist Flexion
POPULATIONDesk worker, athletesManual worker, throwers

Causes of Both Conditions

  • These conditions develop due to cumulative overload.
    • Repetitive gripping activities
    • Poor ergonomic posture
    • Sudden increase in training load
    • Weak forearm muscles
    • Inadequate recovery

Types and Classification

  • Both conditions are classified as tendinopathies, not inflammation.
  • Stages
    • Reactive tendinopathy
    • Tendon disrepair
    • Degenerative tendinopathy
  • Physiotherapy strategies differ at each stage.

Clinical Features and Symptoms

  • Tennis Elbow Symptoms
    • Pain on outer elbow
    • Weak grip strength
    • Pain during lifting or shaking hands
  • Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms
    • Pain on inner elbow
    • Pain during wrist flexion
    • Tenderness over medial epicondyle
  • Symptoms worsen without proper physiotherapy treatment.

Physiotherapy Management – Core of Recovery

  • The most effective treatment is physical therapy. Tendons cannot be healed by medication alone. Individualized care is provided at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre.

Phase 1: Pain Reduction and Tendon Protection

  • Initially, pain control is essential.
  • Techniques Used
    • Activity modification
    • Taping and bracing
    • Manual therapy
    • Isometric exercises
    • Advanced modalities support early healing.

Shock Wave Therapy for Elbow Tendinopathy

Super Inductive System (SIS)

High Intensity Laser Therapy

Phase 2: Tendon Loading and Strengthening

  • Progressive loading is crucial for recovery.
  • Key Exercises
    • Eccentric forearm training
    • Grip strengthening
    • Wrist control drills
    • Functional task training

Dry Needling and Cupping Therapy

Phase 3: Return to Work and Sport

  • The final phase restores confidence and performance.
  • Sport-specific drills
  • Ergonomic correction
  • Load management education

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?

  • Expert sports physiotherapists
  • Advanced technology
  • Evidence-based protocols
  • Trusted physiotherapy in Delhi NCR

Conclusion

  • Understanding the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow is essential. Correct diagnosis leads to effective physiotherapy. Advanced treatment prevents chronic pain. Early care always gives better outcomes.
  • Accurate diagnosis matters in elbow pain. Discover the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow with advanced physiotherapy care at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, Delhi NCR.

Tennis Elbow : Elbow Pain and its Management

Introduction

Tennis Elbow, medically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a frequent overuse condition that affects the outside elbow region. It is brought on by microtears or repetitive strain in the extensor muscles of the forearm, namely the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB).
Our goal at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre is to speed healing through accurate evaluation and individualized physiotherapy care with cutting-edge techniques.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow is an inflammation or degeneration of the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. In addition to tennis players, it frequently affects anyone who engages in repetitive wrist extension or gripping tasks, such as manual laborers, office workers, and fitness enthusiasts.
Pain starts off slowly and gets worse as you continue to strain.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

  • Repetitive motions of the forearm and wrist.
  • Poor technique in sports like squash, badminton, or tennis.
  • Excessive lifting or clutching when extending the wrist.
  • Overuse in occupations like carpentry or typing.
  • Muscle exhaustion or abrupt, unfamiliar exercise.

Signs and Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

  1. Discomfort across the humerus’s lateral epicondyle.
  2. Forearm pain that radiates.
  3. Tenderness over the root of the common extensor tendon.
  4. Discomfort when lifting, grasping, or extending the wrist.
  5. Hand grip strength weakness.
  6. Difficulty performing everyday tasks like holding a cup, turning a doorknob, or shaking hands.

Examination for Tennis Elbow

A thorough physical examination is necessary for a precise diagnosis. Evidence-based tests are used by the physiotherapists at Elite Physiotherapy to rule out other diagnoses and establish the problem.

Special Physiotherapy Tests include:

  1. Cozen’s Test: When the elbow is extended, the patient opposes wrist extension. A favorable outcome is indicated by pain at the lateral epicondyle.
  2. Mill’s Test: Pain is reproduced by passively stretching the wrist extensors by flexing the wrist and pronating the forearm.
  3. Maudsley’s Test: Pain is felt across the lateral epicondyle when the third finger is not extended.

Physiotherapy Management at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre

At Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre, Tennis Elbow management focuses on pain relief, restoring function, and preventing recurrence.
Physiotherapists design each treatment plan after a detailed biomechanical assessment and functional evaluation.

1. Pain Relief and Inflammation Control

The main objective during the acute period is to lessen pain and inflammation.
Physiotherapists make use of:

  • Physiotherapists recommend rest and reduced activity to decrease tendon tension.
  • Using cold, or cryotherapy, can reduce inflammation early.
  • Stretching gently will preserve the range of motion without overtaxing the tendon.

2. Advanced Physiotherapy Modalities

For quicker recovery and pain relief, Elite Physiotherapy incorporates state-of-the-art physiotherapy technologies:

  • Shock Wave Therapy: Encourages collagen synthesis, lessens chronic pain, and speeds up tendon recovery.
  • Super Inductive System (SIS): High-intensity electromagnetic fields are used by the Super Inductive System (SIS) to improve muscle activation, promote tissue healing, and lessen discomfort.
  • High-Intensity Laser Therapy: Reduces inflammation, speeds up tissue repair, and improves blood circulation.
  • Dry Needling: Releases myofascial trigger points, decreases pain, and restores normal muscle function.
  • Cupping Therapy: Promotes tissue regeneration, eases tension, and increases local blood flow.

Physiotherapists combine these modalities based on each patient’s needs for a faster and longer-lasting recovery.

3. Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Mobilization

  • Myofascial release, joint mobilization, and deep friction massage are examples of manual therapy procedures that increase tissue flexibility and reduce pain.
  • Physiotherapists use radial head mobilization and soft tissue manipulation around the forearm to improve joint mechanics and tendon healing.

4. Therapeutic Exercises

  • Stretching Exercises: To increase flexibility, perform mild wrist flexor and extensor stretches.
  • Eccentric Strengthening: The wrist extension’s controlled lowering motions increase the resilience and strength of the tendons.
  • Isometric Exercises: To preserve strength without causing tendon inflammation, start early.
  • Proprioceptive and Functional Training: Restores neuromuscular coordination for return to daily or sports activities.

5. Maintenance and Prevention

  • Maintenance Exercises aim to stop recurrence once pain has subsided.
  • Athletes are led through flexibility exercises, sport-specific conditioning, and a phased return to play.
  • Regular follow-ups ensure sustained improvement and prevent chronic tendinopathy.

Why Choose Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre?

Precision, creativity, and patient-centered treatment are the cornerstones of rehabilitation at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre.
To accelerate healing, we integrate our physical expertise with cutting-edge technologies, including Shock Wave, SIS, High-Intensity Laser, Dry Needling, and Cupping.
Physiotherapists tailor every treatment plan to align with your specific activity goals, occupation, and pain level, ensuring a comprehensive and safe recovery.

Conclusion

If left untreated, tennis elbow can have a major negative influence on both performance and quality of life.
However, healing is quicker and more efficient at Elite Physiotherapy and Sports Injury Centre because of their superior physiotherapy care and evidence-based treatment.
Restoring function and avoiding recurrence requires early diagnosis, enough rest, and planned therapy.