Elbow pain — whether it's the classic outer-elbow ache of tennis elbow or the inner pain of golfer's elbow — is one of the most common conditions we treat at Lambert Sports Clinic. Left untreated, it can persist for 1–2 years. With the right physiotherapy, most people are significantly better in 6–8 weeks.
The elbow is a complex joint — a hinge that also allows forearm rotation, with tendons from both the forearm extensors and flexors attaching at the outer and inner epicondyles. Most elbow pain is tendinopathy rather than joint pathology, which means it responds well to physiotherapy loading programmes.
Pain on the outside of the elbow, often radiating into the forearm. Despite the name, only 5% of cases occur in tennis players — it's caused by any repetitive gripping or wrist extension. Affects desk workers, builders, hairdressers and manual workers as much as racquet sport athletes.
Pain on the inside of the elbow. Caused by overload of the wrist flexor and pronator tendons. Common in golfers, climbers, baseball pitchers and people who carry heavy loads. The medial nerve runs nearby — tingling or numbness in the ring and little finger suggests nerve involvement.
Distal biceps tendinopathy (pain in the elbow crease on lifting) or, less commonly, partial or complete distal biceps tendon rupture (a sudden pop with significant weakness in supination). The latter requires urgent assessment.
Ulnar nerve compression at the elbow, causing tingling or numbness in the ring and little finger, and weakness in grip. Often aggravated by sustained elbow flexion (phone use, sleeping). Physiotherapy, nerve mobilisation and postural advice are the first-line treatment.
Swelling at the point of the elbow from bursa inflammation. Often caused by direct pressure (leaning on the elbow) or a fall. Usually managed conservatively with aspiration only if the bursa is very large or infected.
After radial head fractures, distal humerus fractures or elbow dislocations, stiffness is the primary obstacle to recovery. Physiotherapy — joint mobilisation, stretching, progressive strengthening — is essential and produces significantly better outcomes than exercises alone.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) is the most common elbow condition we see, and there is now a very clear evidence base for how to treat it effectively.
What works: Progressive loading of the common extensor tendon — specifically eccentric and isometric exercises targeting wrist extension, combined with grip strengthening. The tendon needs load to stimulate structural remodelling. Rest alone reduces pain temporarily but does not fix the underlying tendinopathy — which is why tennis elbow that is "rested" keeps coming back when activity resumes.
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) has a strong evidence base for tennis elbow. At Lambert Sports Clinic in Surbiton, we use shockwave therapy for lateral epicondylalgia that hasn't responded adequately to 6–8 weeks of physiotherapy, or as an accelerator for people who need to return to work or sport quickly. Most patients see measurable improvement within 3 sessions.
Grip size and technique: For racquet sport players, grip size that is too small is a common contributory factor. For office workers and manual labourers, mouse position, keyboard height and tool vibration all contribute. We incorporate workstation and equipment advice into every tennis elbow treatment plan.
The Surbiton and Kingston area has a high concentration of computer-based office workers commuting to London — a population where desk posture, sustained keyboard and mouse use, and repetitive fine motor work are common drivers of lateral epicondylalgia. We also treat a significant number of tennis players from local clubs including Surbiton Racket & Fitness Club and Tolworth Tennis Club, where the loading demands of serve and backhand mechanics directly stress the common extensor origin.
Up to 60 min — full assessment, diagnosis and hands-on treatment
30 min — continued treatment and exercise progression
Insurance patients: we accept Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna and Allianz — check your insurer. No GP referral needed.
With physiotherapy, most cases improve significantly within 6–8 weeks and resolve fully within 3–4 months. Without treatment, tennis elbow can persist for 12–24 months. Shockwave therapy can accelerate recovery in persistent cases.
A counterforce brace (worn just below the elbow) can reduce pain during activity by redistributing tendon load. It is a symptom management tool, not a treatment — it does not address the underlying tendinopathy. We may recommend one while your strengthening programme takes effect, but it is never a long-term solution.
Usually yes, with modifications. We will advise on tool grip, mouse position, keyboard setup and activity modification. Most people do not need to stop work. Pacing and load management — not complete avoidance — is the right approach.
Yes. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylalgia) affects the outer elbow — the common extensor origin. Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylalgia) affects the inner elbow — the common flexor origin. They require the same general approach (progressive loading) but target different muscle groups and have different activity modifications.
Yes. In young athletes, medial epicondyle apophysitis (Little Leaguer's Elbow) is a growth plate irritation rather than a tendinopathy — the treatment approach is different and return-to-throwing guidelines apply. We treat young athletes with elbow pain from age 10 upwards.
Same-week appointments available. No GP referral needed. CQC-registered clinic.
Book Online 020 8133 5694380 Ewell Road, Surbiton, KT6 7BE
Mon–Fri 10:00–18:00 | Sat 09:00–14:00
020 8133 5694