At a Glance
- Area affected
- Outside of the elbow (lateral epicondyle)
- Also known as
- Lateral epicondylalgia, lateral epicondylitis
- Common golf trigger
- Grip force, wrist strain through impact and sudden increases in volume.
- Our approach
- Calm the tendon, then progressively strengthen the wrist extensors and grip.
Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow, the mirror image of golfer's elbow. Plenty of golfers get it despite never picking up a racquet.
Like all tendon pain, it does best with a structured loading program rather than rest, so it can tolerate the demands of the swing again.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
The tendons that straighten your wrist and fingers attach to the outside of the elbow. When they are overloaded they become painful, tender and reactive to gripping.
It is an overload of the tendon rather than a tear or a sudden injury. That is why it usually builds over time and lingers if the load is not managed.
Why Golfers Get It
- High grip pressure through the swing
- Wrist strain at impact, especially on heavy shots
- A quick rise in practice or playing volume
- Limited forearm and wrist strength
- Repetitive gripping in daily life on top of golf
Same problem, different side
Tennis elbow (outside) and golfer's elbow (inside) are treated with the same core principle: settle the tendon, then load it progressively.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Treatment reduces the tendon's irritation, then rebuilds its strength and tolerance with a progressive program. Grip and technique factors are addressed so it does not simply return.
- 01
Settle
Modify aggravating load and begin gentle, pain-guided loading.
- 02
Strengthen
Progressive wrist extensor and grip work rebuilds capacity.
- 03
Adjust
Reduce grip pressure and improve wrist control through impact.
- 04
Return
Staged return to full practice and play.
Managing It Between Sessions
- Reduce grip pressure and check your grip size
- Warm up the forearms before hitting balls
- Scale back range volume while it settles
- Stay consistent with your loading exercises
If it is not improving
Elbow pain that is not responding after several weeks of the right loading deserves a review. Occasionally symptoms on the outside of the elbow come from the neck or forearm nerves and need a different approach.
This page is general information about golf injuries, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Every golfer is different, so book an assessment with Kam for advice tailored to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get tennis elbow from golf?
Yes. The name refers to the outside of the elbow, not the sport. Golfers develop it from grip load and wrist strain just as readily as racquet players do.
What is the fastest way to fix tennis elbow?
There is no true shortcut, but the most reliable route is a guided strengthening program alongside load and grip changes. Injections or rest may ease it briefly, but strengthening builds the lasting capacity.
Should I stop playing golf?
Not necessarily. Many golfers continue with reduced volume and grip changes while they rehab, but a physiotherapist can advise whether a short modification period will speed things up for you.
How Kam Can Help
Golf Fitness Screening
You would not rebuild a swing without knowing what your body can and cannot do. A golf fitness screening gives you that picture.
Explore Golf Fitness Screening