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Elbow pain disrupts daily life, especially when it stems from conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. These two injuries, despite their sporty names, affect people beyond athletes, including office workers, builders, and hobbyists in Surrey. Understanding the differences between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow helps you choose the right treatment, particularly physiotherapy, which plays a starring role in recovery. This guide breaks down the causes, symptoms, and physiotherapy treatments for both conditions, with a focus on options available in Surrey. Let’s dive in!

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outer side of your elbow. It happens when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow) become inflamed or damaged. These tendons control wrist extension and finger straightening, so repetitive motions like gripping a tennis racket, typing, or using a screwdriver can trigger the condition.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain or burning on the outer elbow
  

• Weak grip strength
  

• Discomfort when lifting or gripping objects
  

• Pain radiating down the forearm
  

• Tenderness when pressing the lateral epicondyle
  

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the inner side of your elbow. It occurs when the tendons linking your forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of your elbow) become inflamed. These tendons handle wrist flexion and twisting motions, so activities like swinging a golf club, throwing a ball, or repetitive typing can cause the injury.

Like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow isn’t limited to athletes. In Surrey, carpenters, gardeners, and even office workers who twist their wrists repeatedly face this issue. The pain often spreads to the forearm and worsens with actions like making a fist or lifting heavy items. Ignoring it can result in stiffness and reduced hand strength.

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

• Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow
  

• Weakness in the wrist or hand
  

• Numbness or tingling in the ring and little fingers
  

• Pain when twisting the forearm or gripping
  

• Swelling or stiffness in the elbow
  

Key Differences Between Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

While both conditions involve tendon inflammation from repetitive strain, they differ in location, affected muscles, and triggering activities. Here’s a clear breakdown:

1. Location of Pain
   

   • Tennis elbow: Pain on the outer elbow (lateral epicondyle).
     

   • Golfer’s elbow: Pain on the inner elbow (medial epicondyle).
     

2. Affected Muscles and Tendons
   

   • Tennis elbow: Impacts the wrist extensors, which straighten the wrist and fingers.
     

   • Golfer’s elbow: Affects the wrist flexors, which bend the wrist and close the fingers.
     

3. Triggering Activities
   

   • Tennis elbow: Caused by repetitive wrist extension, like hitting a tennis ball, painting, or typing.
     

   • Golfer’s elbow: Sparked by repetitive wrist flexion or twisting, such as golf swings, throwing, or gardening.
     

4. Symptoms
   

   • Tennis elbow: Focuses on outer elbow pain and grip weakness.
     

   • Golfer’s elbow: Includes inner elbow pain, possible finger tingling, and wrist weakness.
     

5. Prevalence
   

   • Tennis elbow is more common, affecting 1-3% of adults, often between ages 30-50.
     

   • Golfer’s elbow is rarer, impacting less than 1% of the population, typically ages 40-60.
     

Both conditions stem from overuse, but pinpointing the exact location of pain helps diagnose whether you have tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. A physiotherapist in Surrey can confirm the diagnosis through physical tests and create a tailored treatment plan.

Why Physiotherapy Shines for Treatment in Surrey

Physiotherapy stands out as the gold standard for treating tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. It tackles the root cause—tendon overuse—while boosting strength, flexibility, and function. In Surrey, physiotherapists use hands-on techniques, exercise plans, and education to speed up recovery and prevent recurrence. Here’s why physiotherapy works so well:

• Non-Invasive: It avoids surgery, which is a last resort for severe cases.
  

• Personalized Care: Treatments match your specific symptoms and lifestyle.
  

• Long-Term Relief: Physiotherapy strengthens tendons, reducing the risk of future injuries.
  

• Holistic Approach: It addresses posture, ergonomics, and activity habits.
  

Surrey boasts a range of physiotherapy clinics, from Guildford to Woking, offering expert care for elbow injuries. Let’s explore how physiotherapy treats each condition.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Tennis Elbow in Surrey

Physiotherapists in Surrey design tennis elbow treatment plans to reduce pain, restore mobility, and strengthen the forearm. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Rest and Activity Modification

Your physiotherapist guides you to avoid aggravating activities, like repetitive gripping or lifting. They suggest ergonomic changes, such as using a larger racket grip or adjusting your workstation, to ease tendon stress.

2. Manual Therapy

Hands-on techniques, like soft tissue massage or joint mobilization, relieve tightness and improve blood flow to the tendons. This reduces pain and promotes healing.

3. Stretching Exercises

Gentle stretches, like the wrist extensor stretch, improve flexibility and reduce tension. For example, extend your arm, palm down, and pull your fingers back with your other hand. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat three times daily.

4. Strengthening Exercises

Progressive exercises, such as the “hammer exercise,” build forearm strength. Hold a hammer at a 90-degree angle, rotate it inward and outward, and repeat 10 times. Your physiotherapist ensures you start with light resistance to avoid irritation.

5. Bracing

A counterforce brace or strap, worn below the elbow, reduces tendon strain during activities. Your physiotherapist fits the brace correctly for maximum relief.

6. Advanced Therapies

Some Surrey clinics offer shockwave therapy or ultrasound to stimulate healing. These non-invasive options work well for stubborn cases.

7. Education

Physiotherapists teach proper body mechanics, like avoiding tight grips or using larger tool handles, to prevent flare-ups. They also guide you on warm-ups before activities.

Most patients see improvement within 6-12 weeks of consistent physiotherapy. Surrey clinics, like Essential Chiropractic or One Orthopaedics, provide tailored plans to get you back to pain-free movement.

Physiotherapy Treatments for Golfer’s Elbow in Surrey

Golfer’s elbow treatment mirrors tennis elbow but targets the inner elbow. Surrey physiotherapists use similar techniques with adjustments for the wrist flexors. Here’s the approach:

1. Rest and Activity Changes

Your physiotherapist identifies and modifies painful activities, such as repetitive twisting or heavy lifting. They might recommend a larger golf club grip or ergonomic tools to reduce strain.

2. Manual Therapy

Techniques like deep tissue massage or myofascial release ease tension in the forearm flexors and improve circulation to the medial epicondyle.

3. Stretching Routines

Stretches like the forearm pronator stretch loosen tight muscles. Extend your arm, palm up, and gently pull your fingers back with your other hand. Hold for 30 seconds, repeating three times daily.

4. Strengthening Workouts

Exercises like wrist curls with a light dumbbell strengthen the flexors. Your physiotherapist ensures gradual progression to avoid overloading the tendon.

5. Bracing

A medial counterforce brace supports the inner elbow, reducing stress during daily tasks. Your physiotherapist adjusts it for comfort and effectiveness.

6. Advanced Options

Shockwave therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, available in some Surrey clinics, accelerate healing for severe cases. PRP uses your blood’s platelets to repair tendons.

7. Lifestyle Education

Your physiotherapist advises on proper wrist mechanics, like avoiding repetitive twisting, and suggests warm-ups to prepare your muscles for activity.

With physiotherapy, golfer’s elbow often improves within 6-12 weeks. Clinics like PhysioCentral or St Leonards Physiotherapy in Surrey offer expert care to restore function.

Additional Treatment Options in Surrey

While physiotherapy leads the way, other treatments complement recovery for both conditions:

• Ice and Heat Therapy: Apply ice to reduce swelling in the early stages, then use heat for chronic pain.
  

• Pain Relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen ease discomfort. Consult a doctor for guidance.
  

• Steroid Injections: For severe pain, injections provide short-term relief but aren’t a long-term fix.
  

• Surgery: Rarely needed, surgery removes damaged tissue if physiotherapy fails after 6-12 months. Surrey’s One Orthopaedics offers this option.
  

Preventing Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

Prevention beats treatment. Follow these tips to protect your elbows in Surrey’s active lifestyle:

• Warm Up: Stretch your forearms before sports or repetitive tasks.
  

• Use Proper Technique: Get coaching for sports like tennis or golf to avoid strain.
  

• Strengthen Forearms: Regular exercises, like wrist curls, build resilience.
  

• Choose Ergonomic Tools: Use larger grips or padded handles for tools and rackets.
  

• Take Breaks: Avoid prolonged repetitive motions, especially at work.
  

Surrey physiotherapists can design prevention plans tailored to your job or hobbies.

Final Thoughts

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow may share similarities, but their differences—location, affected tendons, and triggers—require distinct treatment approaches. Physiotherapy in Surrey offers a proven, non-invasive path to recovery, with tailored exercises, manual therapy, and education. By addressing the root cause and preventing recurrence, physiotherapists help you return to work, sports, or hobbies pain-free. Don’t let elbow pain hold you back—book a consultation with a Surrey physiotherapist today and take the first step toward healing.

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