TENNIS AND GOLFER’S ELBOW TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026
Tennis elbow (lateral elbow pain) and golfer's elbow (medial elbow pain) are irritations of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside or inside of the elbow, usually from repeated gripping, lifting or swinging. Despite the names, most people who get them don't play tennis or golf. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we calm the irritated tendon and rebuild its strength so you can grip, lift and play without pain.
Check with your provider before starting new exercises.
Common symptoms
- Tennis elbow: pain on the outside of the elbow that may spread into the forearm, worse with gripping, lifting with your palm down, or turning a doorknob
- Golfer's elbow: pain on the inside of the elbow, worse with gripping, lifting with your palm up, or swinging
- Tenderness over the bony bump on the side of the elbow
- Weaker grip, or pain shaking hands or holding a coffee cup
- Stiffness in the morning or after rest
What causes elbow tendon pain?
These problems usually build up when the forearm tendons are loaded more than they're ready for: a jump in racquet sports, pickleball or golf, new lifting or climbing, yard work, or long hours of mouse and keyboard use. Grip technique, equipment, and strength in the shoulder and upper back can also play a role.
Get medical care promptly if you have:
- a visible deformity, or you can't bend or straighten the elbow after a fall,
- a hot, red, swollen elbow or fever,
- numbness or weakness in your hand that's getting worse, or
- left arm pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating (call 911).
How we treat tennis and golfer's elbow
We start with a thorough exam of the elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck, because nerve irritation from the neck can mimic elbow pain. We take X-rays in our office when they're clinically indicated and coordinate other imaging or referrals when needed. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- soft-tissue therapy such as Active Release Technique, instrument-assisted soft-tissue therapy or dry needling,
- shockwave therapy or laser therapy when clinically appropriate,
- a progressive tendon-loading program for the wrist and forearm,
- a counterforce strap or taping when it helps you stay active, and
- changes to grip, equipment, workstation or training so the tendon can recover.
Tennis and golfer's elbow FAQs
Can I get tennis elbow if I don't play tennis?
Yes. Most people with tennis elbow don't play tennis. Any activity with repeated gripping, lifting or wrist movement, like yard work, carpentry, lifting or computer work, can overload the tendon.
What's the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow, and golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside. Both are overload problems of the forearm tendons and are treated in similar ways.
Should I rest my elbow completely?
Complete rest usually isn't the answer. Tendons respond to the right amount of load, so we reduce what aggravates it and add specific strengthening that builds the tendon back up.
Does a tennis elbow strap help?
A counterforce strap can make gripping and activity more comfortable for some people. It works best alongside a strengthening program rather than on its own.
Do I need an injection or surgery?
Most people improve with conservative care. Injections and surgery are usually considered only when symptoms don't improve, and we'll refer you to an orthopedic provider if your exam points that way.
Related reading
General information only, not a diagnosis. Individual results vary. Carolina Active Health Chiropractic · 800 E Washington St, Ste B, Greenville, SC.
