What Are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Both conditions are forms of chronic tendinopathy — involving degenerative changes in the tendons around the elbow, not just inflammation.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Affects the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon on the outside of the elbow. Pain is triggered by gripping, lifting, or typing.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Involves the flexor-pronator tendons on the inside of the elbow. Pain is often felt when flexing the wrist or lifting with a bent elbow.
Despite the names, both conditions are common in non-athletes — particularly manual workers, office staff, and gym-goers doing repetitive tasks.
Why Are They So Difficult to Heal?
- Tendinopathy is driven by collagen disorganisation, not inflammation
- Limited blood supply slows the healing process
- Rest and stretching alone rarely reverse chronic tendon changes
- Steroid injections may offer short-term relief but can weaken the tendon over time ([Coombes et al., Lancet, 2010])
- Without intervention, these conditions can persist for months or years
How Shockwave Therapy Helps
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) delivers high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate biological repair in degenerative tendons. It works by:
- Stimulating neovascularisation (new blood vessel formation)
- Triggering cell regeneration and collagen restructuring
- Reducing pain via neurogenic inflammation suppression
- Breaking down small calcifications, if present
- Supporting mechanical tendon remodelling
Combined with loading rehab, shockwave therapy helps restore tendon strength and speed up recovery.
What Does the Research Say?
Rompe et al. (2004, Am J Sports Med)
272 patients with chronic tennis elbow received either ESWT or placebo.
→ Results: The shockwave group had significantly better outcomes at 3 and 12 months.
Speed et al. (2002, J Bone Joint Surg Br)
Double-blind trial showing ESWT led to reduced pain and improved grip strength.
→ Results: Meaningful improvements over placebo.
Mani-Babu et al. (2015, Br J Sports Med)
Systematic review of ESWT for tendinopathies.
→ Findings: Shockwave is most effective when combined with progressive loading exercises.
Vulpiani et al. (2015, Med Ultrasonography)
Studied ESWT in chronic golfer’s elbow cases.
→ Results: Significant pain reduction and grip strength improvements.
Sydney Chiros Clinical Perspective
At Tensegrity Sports Clinics, we apply shockwave therapy for:
- Chronic cases that have lasted longer than 6 weeks
- Patients avoiding corticosteroid injections or surgery
- Individuals with recurring flare-ups from sport, lifting, or work
We don’t stop at symptom relief. Our treatment integrates:
- Isometric and eccentric loading programs to rebuild tendon capacity
- Manual therapy for surrounding joint stiffness (wrist, shoulder, scapula)
- Load progression strategies to safely return to work, gym, or sport
Treatment Schedule and What to Expect
| Phase | Details |
| Sessions | 1 per week for 3–5 weeks |
| Per Session | 10–15 mins of shockwave + targeted rehab |
| Initial Results | Pain relief usually within 2–3 sessions |
| Cumulative Benefits | Stronger, more resilient tendon by 5–8 weeks |
| Full Course | Most patients complete 4–6 sessions |
Recovery Timeline
- 2–4 weeks: Pain relief in daily activities like typing, lifting, gripping
- 6–8 weeks: Improved grip strength and functional endurance
- 3–6 months: Return to full performance at work, gym, or sport with lower risk of recurrence
Tendon healing is gradual. But when shockwave therapy is paired with guided strengthening, outcomes are long-lasting and recurrence rates drop significantly.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
You may benefit from shockwave therapy if:
- You’ve had persistent elbow pain for more than 6 weeks
- Physiotherapy or rest haven’t resolved the issue
- You want to avoid injections or surgery
- Your work, sport, or lifestyle is limited by elbow pain
- You’re ready to commit to a structured tendon rehab program
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow may be common — but they don’t need to be chronic. Shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive, research-supported solution that does more than reduce pain: it helps your tendons rebuild stronger.
Book Your Shockwave Consultation
Struggling with elbow pain? Let’s get you moving again.
Call Tensegrity Sports Clinics or book online at www.tensegrity.com.au
Regain your strength. Reclaim your lifestyle.