Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow: What's the Difference?

By: Active Sports Therapy

Do you experience pain when lifting a coffee mug, opening a jar, gripping a golf club, or carrying groceries? If so, you could be dealing with tennis elbow or golfer's elbow—two common overuse injuries that affect the tendons around the elbow. Despite their names, you don't have to play tennis or golf to develop either condition. Repetitive movements at work, around the house, or during exercise are often the real cause.

What is Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow?

• Both conditions are forms of epicondylitis, an overuse injury that causes irritation and inflammation where the forearm muscles attach to the elbow.
• The biggest difference is where the pain occurs.
• Tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain develops on the outside of the elbow.
• Golfer's elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain develops on the inside of the elbow.
• Both conditions are caused by repetitive strain, but the muscles and tendons involved are different.

What is Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside (medial side) of the elbow. It commonly develops from repetitive wrist flexion, gripping, or lifting.

You don't need to play golf to develop golfer's elbow. It is frequently seen in:

• Golfers
• Gardeners
• Tradespeople
• Warehouse workers
• Cashiers
• Anyone performing repetitive lifting or gripping

Common Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow

You may notice:

• Pain on the inside of the elbow
• Weakness when gripping or lifting objects
• Pain when twisting a doorknob or opening a jar
• Tenderness along the forearm
• Occasional swelling
• Wrist or hand weakness

Even lifting a coffee cup can become uncomfortable.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside (lateral side) of the elbow and is one of the most common repetitive strain injuries.

While racquet sports can contribute to tennis elbow, it is also common among:

• Painters
• Carpenters
• Mechanics
• Cooks
• Office workers
• Weightlifters
• Anyone performing repetitive wrist extension or gripping

Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Symptoms often include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow
• Pain when gripping, lifting, or reaching
• Weakness in the forearm
• Difficulty opening jars or shaking hands
• Pain that may travel into the forearm or wrist
• A constant dull ache that worsens with activity

How Can You Treat Tennis Elbow or Golfer's Elbow?

Early treatment can help reduce pain, improve healing, and prevent the condition from becoming chronic.

Helpful strategies include:

• Rest from aggravating activities
• Ice during painful flare-ups
• Gradually strengthening the forearm muscles
• Stretching exercises prescribed by your practitioner
• Improving technique for sports or repetitive work tasks
• Wearing an elbow brace if recommended by your healthcare provider
• Consistency with your rehabilitation exercises is one of the most important factors in recovery.

Treatment for Elbow Pain

If your elbow pain isn't improving or continues to return, it's important to have it properly assessed. Not all elbow pain is tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, and an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment.

At Active Sports Therapy, our multidisciplinary team creates personalized treatment plans to help reduce pain, restore strength, and get you back to doing what you love.

Treatment may include:

• Physiotherapy
• Chiropractic Care
• Active Release Techniques (ART)
• Massage Therapy
• Laser Therapy
• Individualized rehabilitation exercises
• Education on preventing future flare-ups

By addressing the underlying cause—not just the symptoms—we help you recover safely and reduce your risk of recurring injuries.

Don't Let Elbow Pain Slow You Down

Whether your pain started on the golf course, tennis court, at work, or in the gym, early treatment can make all the difference.

If you are experiencing elbow pain, book an assessment with one of our experienced healthcare professionals and start your recovery today.

*This blog is not intended to officially establish a physician-patient relationship, to replace the services of a trained physician, naturopathic doctor, physical therapist or chiropractor or otherwise to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]