Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow: What's the Difference
Why Elbow Pain Isn't Always What It Sounds Like
You do not have to play tennis or golf to get "tennis elbow" or "golfer's elbow" — these are common names for tendon irritation on the outside and inside of the elbow, and they show up just as often from typing, lifting, or repetitive gripping as they do from sport.
Knowing which one you actually have — or whether it's something else entirely — determines the entire treatment approach.
Common causes we see
Elbow pain shows up for a lot of different reasons, and the right treatment depends entirely on which one is actually going on:
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
Pain on the outside of the elbow, often aggravated by gripping, typing, or lifting with the palm down.
Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow)
Pain on the inside of the elbow, often aggravated by throwing motions or gripping with the palm up.
Nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel)
Tingling or numbness in the ring and pinky fingers, sometimes mistaken for tendon pain.
Bursitis
Swelling at the tip of the elbow, often from direct pressure or repetitive leaning.
Referred pain from the neck or shoulder
Elbow pain that is actually originating higher up the chain.
Red flags: when to stop waiting
See a PT or physician sooner rather than later if you're experiencing:
- Numbness or tingling into the hand or fingers
- Significant weakness in grip strength
- Visible swelling or deformity following an injury
- Pain that hasn't improved at all after several weeks of rest
- Pain following a fall onto an outstretched arm
How We Tell What's Actually Going On
Tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, nerve entrapment, and referred pain from the neck can all feel similar at first but require different treatment. In your first session, we test grip strength, specific tendon-loading movements, and nerve mobility to pinpoint exactly which structure is involved.
Why This Happens at Your Desk or in Your Gym
Elbow pain is often tied directly to a specific repetitive motion — your keyboard and mouse setup, your grip on a barbell, or your racket technique. Assessing you in that actual context, rather than just testing your elbow in isolation, often reveals the real trigger.
What to expect
- 01
In-home, in-office, or in-gym assessment — full elbow and upper-limb evaluation, typically 45–60 minutes
- 02
A clear explanation of which structure is involved
- 03
A personalized treatment plan — hands-on treatment, targeted strengthening, and ergonomic or technique adjustments
- 04
Ongoing monitoring if you're on an Equora membership