Why Do I Have Tennis Elbow or Golfer’s Elbow — And How Can The Pain Relief Clinic Help?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common causes of elbow pain in Singapore. Despite their names, they do not only affect people who play sports. Office workers, manual workers, caregivers, gym-goers, and people who perform repetitive gripping or lifting tasks often experience these conditions.

Pain is usually felt around the elbow and may worsen with gripping, lifting, typing, or simple daily activities such as opening jars or carrying bags. What frustrates many patients is that elbow pain can linger for months and recur even after rest or self-treatment.

Why Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Are So Common

Both conditions are forms of tendon overload:

  • Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow
  • Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow

They often develop due to:

  • Repetitive wrist or forearm use
  • Prolonged gripping or lifting
  • Poor ergonomics at work
  • Sudden increase in activity or exercise
  • Inadequate recovery between tasks

Over time, repeated strain exceeds the tendon’s ability to recover.

Why Elbow Pain Often Persists

Elbow pain tends to persist when:

  • The condition is treated as “inflammation only”
  • Activity modification is unclear or incomplete
  • Strength and load tolerance are not rebuilt
  • Imaging is delayed despite ongoing pain
  • Treatment stops once pain temporarily improves

Without addressing tendon capacity and loading patterns, symptoms often return.

How The Pain Relief Clinic Approaches Elbow Pain Differently

At The Pain Relief Clinic, tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are managed through medical assessment, diagnostic clarity, and coordinated care, rather than passive waiting.

Doctor-Led Medical Consultation

Assessment focuses on:

  • Location and pattern of elbow pain
  • Activities that aggravate symptoms
  • Work, sport, and daily task demands
  • Duration of symptoms and prior treatment
  • Impact on function and grip strength

This helps determine whether pain is tendon-related or if other structures are involved.

Imaging When Clinically Indicated

When elbow pain is persistent or unclear, imaging such as X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may be arranged to:

  • Confirm tendon involvement
  • Assess severity or chronicity
  • Exclude other joint or nerve causes

Imaging is used selectively, not routinely.

Integrated Treatment Options (Used Selectively)

Elbow tendon pain often responds best to a combination of approaches, tailored to individual findings.

In-House AHPC-Licensed Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a key long-term strategy for tendon-related elbow pain.
In-house physiotherapists work closely with doctors to:

  • Gradually rebuild tendon strength
  • Improve forearm and grip control
  • Address movement and load patterns
  • Guide safe return to work or sport

Non-Invasive Medical Technology (Supportive Care)

For selected cases, non-invasive medical technology may be used to support recovery, particularly when pain limits rehabilitation.

Examples may include:

  • Shockwave therapy, commonly used to support recovery in chronic tendon conditions
  • Other non-invasive modalities selected based on clinical findings

These are used as adjuncts, not replacements for rehabilitation.

Medications (With Clear Limits)

Oral or topical medications may be used to manage symptoms during flare-ups. Their role is clearly explained:

  • Helpful for symptom relief
  • Not corrective for tendon healing
  • Not intended for long-term dependence

Injections (Used Carefully)

In selected cases, injections may be discussed when pain significantly limits function. These are:

  • Used cautiously
  • Not positioned as cures
  • Integrated with rehabilitation and follow-up

Bracing and Activity Modification

When appropriate:

  • Elbow straps or braces may reduce tendon strain
  • Activity modification supports healing

These are used strategically, not indefinitely.

Nutritional and Lifestyle Support

Where relevant:

  • Nutritional correction supports tissue recovery
  • Lifestyle guidance addresses workload and repetitive strain

Insurance and Medisave Considerations

Where applicable:

  • Medical documentation can be provided to support insurance claims
  • Some treatments may be claimable under personal accident insurance, company insurance, or Integrated Shield Plans, subject to policy terms
  • Medisave may apply for selected chronic conditions under existing schemes

Who This Approach Is Especially Suitable For

This integrated approach may be helpful if you:

  • Have elbow pain lasting weeks or months
  • Experience pain with gripping or lifting
  • Have tried rest or pain relief with limited improvement
  • Have work or sport demands affecting recovery
  • Are seeking clearer diagnosis or a second opinion

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to stop using my arm completely?

Not always. Controlled loading is often better than complete rest, depending on severity.

Is shockwave therapy enough on its own?

No. Shockwave therapy supports recovery but does not replace strengthening and load management.

Are injections compulsory?

No. Injections are optional and discussed only when appropriate.

Can tennis or golfer’s elbow become chronic?

Yes. Without proper management, symptoms may persist, but many people improve with structured care.

Ask Dr Tan A Question About Your Problem