Tennis Elbow Symptoms vs. Golfer’s Elbow: What’s the Difference?

Elbow pain is a common complaint among active adults, but understanding what’s causing it and how to treat it can be confusing. Two of the most frequent overuse injuries in the arm are lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow). Though the names suggest they only affect athletes, both conditions impact people in many professions and activities. If you’ve been dealing with persistent elbow discomfort, it’s important to understand the difference between tennis elbow symptoms and golfer’s elbow so you can get the right treatment.

At PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, our physical therapy team helps patients recover from both conditions using customized, evidence-based plans that relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent re-injury.

Exploring Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow

What’s the main difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow. The underlying issue in both cases is irritation or microtearing of the tendons that attach muscles to the elbow joint, just in different areas.

• Tennis elbow symptoms stem from overuse of the wrist and finger extensors, which are inserted on the lateral (outer) side of the elbow.
• Golfer’s elbow results from overuse of the wrist and finger flexors located on the medial (inner) side.

Both are often caused by repetitive motions such as swinging a racket, typing, or lifting, which can strain tendons over time.

What are common tennis elbow symptoms to watch for?

The most common tennis elbow symptoms include:

• Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Discomfort when lifting objects, especially with the palm down
• Pain that worsens with wrist extension (bending the wrist backward)
• Tenderness to touch near the lateral epicondyle
• Symptoms typically build gradually and may worsen over weeks or months without treatment.

How do physical therapists treat tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

At PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine, we tailor treatment based on your symptoms’ type, severity, and cause. Treatment for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow may include:

Manual Therapy

• Hands-on techniques to reduce soft tissue tightness and improve joint mobility

Exercise Therapy

• Targeted strengthening of the forearm, wrist, and shoulder muscles

Eccentric Training

• A special type of exercise shown to be effective for tendon healing

Neuromuscular Re-education

• Training to restore movement patterns and reduce re-injury risk

Pain Management Strategies

• Ice, activity modification, and taping when appropriate

Education on Ergonomics and Posture

• To limit ongoing stress on the elbow joint during daily activities

We also offer home exercise programs to continue progress between sessions.

Can I continue playing sports or working while in treatment?

Most patients don’t need to stop all activity; they just need to modify it. Our therapists will guide you on what movements to avoid and how to adjust your technique to reduce strain on the elbow. The goal is to keep you as active as possible while allowing the tendon to heal.

We also work with patients on gradual return-to-play or return-to-work plans to avoid setbacks. Ignoring tennis elbow symptoms and pushing through pain may prolong recovery.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery times vary depending on how long symptoms have been present, the severity of the condition, and how consistent you are with treatment. Chronic cases may take longer.

The sooner you begin treatment, the better the outlook. Delayed care can lead to compensatory movement patterns and secondary problems in the shoulder, neck, or wrist.

Do I need imaging or a referral before starting physical therapy?

Not always. In many cases, a clinical assessment by a physical therapist is enough to diagnose tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. We’ll perform specific movement tests and evaluate your strength and range of motion to determine the best course of care.

Depending on your location and insurance, you may not need a referral to start physical therapy—contact PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine to learn about direct access options in your area.

Let PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Help You Get Back to the Activities You Enjoy

Whether you’re dealing with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, targeted physical therapy can make a significant difference in your recovery. These conditions may seem minor at first, but can quickly limit your ability to perform even the simplest tasks.

Don’t wait for the pain to worsen. Contact PacificPro Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine today to schedule a personalized evaluation and begin a recovery plan built around your lifestyle and goals. We’re here to help you regain strength, reduce pain, and move forward with confidence.