Unlocking Relief: How Shockwave Therapy Can Transform Chronic Tennis and Golfers Elbow

staff1932
Mar 5
3 min read

Chronic tennis elbow and golfers elbow cause persistent pain and limit daily activities for many people. These conditions, medically known as lateral and medial epicondylitis, result from overuse and strain of the tendons around the elbow. Traditional treatments like rest, physical therapy, and medication sometimes fall short, leaving sufferers searching for better solutions. Shockwave therapy has emerged as a promising option that can reduce pain and improve function without surgery.

Understanding Tennis and Golfers Elbow

Tennis elbow affects the outer part of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump called the lateral epicondyle. Golfers elbow impacts the inner side, near the medial epicondyle. Both conditions develop from repetitive motions that strain these tendons, causing tiny tears, inflammation, and pain.

Common symptoms include:

Sharp or burning pain around the elbow
Weak grip strength
Difficulty lifting or holding objects
Pain worsening with wrist or hand movements

These symptoms can persist for months or even years if untreated, affecting work, sports, and everyday tasks.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. A handheld device delivers focused pulses to the affected area, triggering biological responses that promote tissue repair.

The treatment is non-invasive and typically performed in outpatient clinics. Sessions last about 15 to 20 minutes, and patients usually need 3 to 5 treatments spaced a week apart.

How Shockwave Therapy Helps Chronic Elbow Tendon Pain

Shockwave therapy targets the damaged tendons in tennis and golfers elbow by:

Increasing blood flow: The sound waves improve circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the injured area.
Stimulating cell regeneration: Shockwaves activate cells that produce collagen, a key protein for tendon repair.
Reducing inflammation: The therapy helps break down calcium deposits and scar tissue that contribute to pain.
Interrupting pain signals: Shockwaves can block nerve fibers responsible for transmitting pain sensations.

These effects work together to accelerate healing and reduce discomfort, often when other treatments have failed.

Evidence Supporting Shockwave Therapy for Elbow Tendonitis

Several studies have examined shockwave therapy’s effectiveness for chronic tennis and golfers elbow:

A 2017 clinical trial published in the Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research found that patients receiving shockwave therapy reported significant pain relief and improved grip strength compared to those receiving placebo treatment.
Research in The American Journal of Sports Medicine showed that shockwave therapy reduced pain scores by up to 60% after 12 weeks in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis.
A review of multiple studies concluded that shockwave therapy is a safe and effective option for chronic tendon injuries, especially when combined with physical therapy.

While results vary depending on individual cases, many patients experience meaningful improvement without the risks of surgery or long-term medication use.

What to Expect During Treatment

Before starting shockwave therapy, our physiotherapist or chiropractor will assess your condition. During the session:

A gel is applied to the skin to help transmit the sound waves.
The device is placed on the elbow, delivering pulses that may feel like tapping or mild discomfort.
Most patients tolerate the treatment well, though some report brief soreness afterward.

After treatment, you can usually resume normal activities but should avoid excessive lifting for a day or two.