Elbow Tendonitis: How Osteopaths Assess, Treat and Manage Elbow Pain

Elbow tendonitis, often known as “tennis elbow” or “golfer’s elbow”, is a common condition causing pain around the elbow and forearm. Despite the name, many people develop elbow tendonitis from everyday activities such as lifting, typing, gym training, repetitive work, gardening, or manual labour, not just sport.

The condition usually develops when the tendons around the elbow become overloaded over time. Symptoms may include pain when gripping, lifting a kettle or pan, shaking hands, using a mouse or keyboard, or performing gym exercises. Some people also notice reduced grip strength and forearm tightness.

An osteopath can help assess, treat and manage elbow tendonitis by identifying the underlying causes contributing to tendon overload from muscles like the brachioradialis, the extensor muscles of the forearm, and the tug of war between the biceps and tricep muscle group. Assessment often includes examining elbow movement, grip strength, wrist and shoulder function, posture, work ergonomics, and training loads. In some cases, neck or shoulder dysfunction may also contribute to ongoing elbow pain.

Treatment for elbow tendonitis may include hands-on therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve joint mobility, alongside education around load management and activity modification. Osteopaths commonly use soft tissue therapy, joint mobilisation, stretching, taping, and exercise rehabilitation to support recovery.

Exercise rehabilitation is one of the most important parts of treatment.

Tendons respond well to progressive strengthening exercises designed to improve tendon capacity and reduce pain sensitivity over time. I usually find the best suited rehabilitation are include isometric/eccentric exercises, resistance band work, forearm loading to rebuild the tendon integrity. Some cases shoulder stability exercises assist the biomechanics.

Early management and appropriate rehabilitation can help improve recovery, reduce recurrence, and support a safe return to work, sport, and daily activities.

If you are experiencing any discomfort with your elbow make an appointment with Osteopath George Asproukos to discuss your symptoms