Tennis elbow& golfer’s elbow.

What it is

Tennis elbow is pain where the forearm tendons attach to the outside of the elbow; golfer’s elbow is the same problem on the inside. Despite the names, most people who get them do not play either sport. They are usually caused by repeated gripping, lifting or wrist movement, from work, household tasks, typing or tools, more than the tendon is used to. They often last for months if left alone, but respond well to the right loading.

How we treat it

1. 01An assessment of the elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck, since neck problems can refer pain to the elbow.
2. 02Settling pain by changing how you grip and load the arm for now.
3. 03A progressive tendon-strengthening programme, the most important part of recovery.
4. 04Dry needling, manual therapy and taping to ease pain while the tendon adapts.
5. 05Advice on work set-up, tools and technique so it does not come back.

When to see a doctor first. See a doctor first if elbow pain followed a fall or injury and you cannot fully straighten or bend the elbow, if the joint is hot, red and swollen, or if you have numbness or tingling in the hand.