Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are two of the most common overuse injuries affecting active people, office workers, and anyone who performs repetitive arm movements. Despite their sporting names, the majority of patients we see at Lambert Sports Clinic in Surbiton have never picked up a racket or a club.
What is Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia)?
Tennis elbow affects the outer (lateral) side of the elbow. It is caused by overload of the extensor tendons — the muscles that extend the wrist and fingers — where they attach to the bony prominence (lateral epicondyle) on the outside of the elbow.
Common causes: Repetitive gripping, computer mouse use, keyboard typing, painting, plumbing, gardening, and — yes — racket sports.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow, weak grip, pain when lifting or twisting the forearm (opening a jar, turning a door handle), and pain that worsens during or after activity.
What is Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia)?
Golfer's elbow affects the inner (medial) side of the elbow. It involves the flexor tendons — the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers — where they attach at the medial epicondyle.
Common causes: Golf, throwing sports, rock climbing, heavy manual labour, and any activity requiring repeated wrist flexion or forearm rotation under load.
Symptoms: Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow, weakness in grip, pain that extends into the forearm, and sometimes tingling or numbness into the ring and little fingers (due to proximity of the ulnar nerve).
How Are They Different?
Physiotherapy Treatment
At Lambert Sports Clinic, we take a structured, evidence-based approach to treating both conditions. The treatment pathway typically includes:
1. Load Management
The first step is identifying and modifying the activities that are overloading the tendon. This does not necessarily mean complete rest — in fact, complete rest often makes tendon problems worse. The goal is to find the right level of activity that allows the tendon to heal without further aggravating it.
2. Isometric Exercises
Isometric exercises — where the muscle contracts without movement — are proven to reduce pain quickly in tendinopathies. These form the foundation of the early treatment phase.
3. Progressive Loading Programme
Once pain settles, we introduce a graduated programme of eccentric and isotonic exercises to rebuild tendon strength and capacity. This is the phase that prevents recurrence.
4. Manual Therapy
Soft tissue release of the forearm muscles, joint mobilisation of the elbow and wrist, and neural tension techniques where relevant. Hands-on treatment complements the exercise programme and speeds recovery.
5. Sports Massage
Our physio-led sports massage therapy releases chronic tension in the forearm muscles that perpetuates tendon irritation. Book a sports massage in Surbiton from £40.
6. Return to Activity
Whether you want to get back to sport, return to manual work, or simply use a computer without pain, we plan a structured return to your activities to ensure full recovery without relapse.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Tennis and golfer's elbow are notoriously persistent if managed poorly, but respond well to structured physiotherapy. Most patients achieve significant improvement within 6–12 weeks. Chronic cases that have been present for more than 6 months may take longer but still respond well to the right treatment approach.
Ready to Book?
Same-week appointments available. CQC-registered clinic. No GP referral needed.
Book Physio Online 020 8133 5694Book Elbow Physiotherapy in Surbiton
Lambert Sports Clinic is a CQC-registered physiotherapy and sports injury clinic in Surbiton. We treat tennis elbow and golfer's elbow regularly and have a high success rate with these conditions. Same-week appointments are available.
Book online or call 020 8133 5694.