Tennis Elbow vs Golfer's Elbow
Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow, golfer's elbow affects the inner elbow. Both respond well to the same vibration therapy treatment
Key Differences at a Glance
| Aspect | Tennis Elbow | Golfer's Elbow |
|---|---|---|
| Medical Name | Lateral Epicondylitis | Medial Epicondylitis |
| Location | Outside (lateral) of elbow | Inside (medial) of elbow |
| Prevalence | 7-10 times more common | Less common overall |
| Age Group | 40-50 years old | 40-50 years old |
| Gender | Equal male/female | Equal male/female |
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a painful condition affecting the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow). Despite the name, only 10-15% of cases are actually from playing tennis.
Tennis Elbow Symptoms:
- Pain and burning on the outer side of your elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain when lifting or bending your arm
- Pain when gripping small objects like a coffee cup
- Forearm pain that radiates from the elbow
Common Causes:
- Repetitive computer mouse use
- Manual labor (painting, plumbing, carpentry)
- Racquet sports with poor technique
- Age-related tendon degeneration
Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow affects the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of your elbow). Like tennis elbow, most cases aren't actually from playing golf.
Golfer's Elbow Symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Weakness in hands and wrists
- Numbness or tingling in fingers (ring and little fingers)
- Pain that worsens with certain movements
Common Causes:
- Golf swing with poor technique
- Throwing sports (baseball, javelin)
- Weight training
- Rock climbing
- Repetitive wrist flexion activities
Treatment: What Works for Both Conditions
Good News: Same Treatment Approach
Both tennis elbow and golfer's elbow respond to the same evidence-based treatments, including vibration therapy, progressive loading exercises, and activity modification.
NICE-Approved Vibration Therapy
The UK's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence recommends vibration therapy for both conditions. Here's why it works:
- Pain Signal Disruption: High-frequency vibrations interfere with pain transmission
- Improved Blood Flow: Stimulates circulation to promote healing
- Tendon Stimulation: Encourages healthy tissue regeneration
- Non-Invasive: No side effects or medication interactions
How to Use Tenease for Both Conditions
- Tennis Elbow: Place device on outer elbow over the painful area
- Golfer's Elbow: Place device on inner elbow over the tender spot
- Treatment Time: 15-20 minutes, 2-3 times daily
- Results: Most users see improvement within 1-2 weeks
Quick Diagnosis
Where is your pain?
Likely Tennis Elbow
(Lateral Epicondylitis)
Likely Golfer's Elbow
(Medial Epicondylitis)