An Evidence Based Approach to Elbow Pain

Expert Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow, Golfer’s Elbow & More

Are you struggling with persistent elbow pain that’s affecting your work, exercise, or daily life? Whether it's a dull ache, a sharp twinge when lifting a kettle, or discomfort after a game of tennis or a long day at the desk, elbow pain can quickly become a frustrating limitation.

At our physiotherapy clinics in Richmond and South Yarra, we specialise in diagnosing, treating, and preventing elbow injuries — including tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis). Our goal is to do more than just relieve your symptoms — we aim to uncover the root cause of your pain and help you move with confidence again, pain-free and without fear of re-injury.

What are the most common causes of Elbow Pain?

Elbow pain is often the result of overuse, repetitive strain, poor technique, or a combination of these. It can affect anyone — from office workers typing at a desk to tradies using tools or weekend warriors swinging a golf club. The most common conditions we treat include:

• Tennis Elbow: Pain on the outside of the elbow, usually from repetitive wrist and arm movements.

• Golfer’s Elbow: Pain on the inner side of the elbow, often caused by forceful or repeated gripping.

• Elbow Tendinopathy: Degenerative changes in the tendons, leading to chronic pain and weakness.

• Elbow Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, typically causing swelling and tenderness behind the elbow.

• Postural and Biomechanical Strain: Poor upper body posture or muscle imbalances contributing to elbow overload.

Our physiotherapists are trained to accurately assess these conditions and determine not just what’s sore — but why it’s sore.

Our Process:

Our elbow pain treatment program is built on a comprehensive, hands-on, and evidence-based approach. We believe that successful treatment begins with understanding the true source of your problem, not just the surface symptoms.

Here’s what you can expect when you visit our clinic:

1. Thorough Assessment & Diagnosis

We take the time to listen to your story, assess your movement patterns, muscle strength, posture, and joint mobility. We often discover that the pain in your elbow is related to an issue higher up the chain — such as in the neck, shoulder, or upper back. Identifying these links is crucial to treating the root cause effectively.

2. Hands-On Physiotherapy

Our treatment begins with manual therapy, including soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and techniques to reduce tension and inflammation. We tailor each session to your specific needs, ensuring you're comfortable and progressing at your own pace.

3. Shockwave Therapy for Elbow Tendon Pain

For chronic cases like stubborn tennis or golfer’s elbow, we offer Shockwave Therapy — a non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing in damaged tendons. This advanced therapy has been proven effective in reducing pain and accelerating recovery, especially when other treatments haven’t worked.

4. Dry Needling to Reduce Muscle Tension

We also provide dry needling, a targeted technique used to release trigger points and tight muscle bands. When applied to the forearm and surrounding areas, dry needling can significantly improve pain, flexibility, and grip strength.

5. Exercise Prescription & Load Management

A key part of recovery is regaining strength and load tolerance. We’ll guide you through a tailored exercise rehabilitation program that restores function and builds resilience. You’ll learn how to gradually load your tendons and muscles safely — whether your goal is to get back to lifting weights or typing without pain.

Preventing Re-Injury: Our Long-Term Approach

Far too often, elbow pain is treated as a short-term flare-up. But unless the underlying biomechanical issues, movement habits, or training errors are addressed, the pain is likely to return.

At our clinics in Richmond and South Yarra, we emphasise re-injury prevention as a core component of our care:

• Workstation and ergonomic advice: Crucial for desk workers and computer users.

• Technique correction: For athletes, gym-goers, and manual workers.

• Postural retraining: To unload the elbow and improve overall movement patterns.

• Education and self-management tools: So you’re equipped with the knowledge to prevent setbacks.

Our approach isn’t just reactive — it’s proactive. We want you to walk out of our clinic stronger, smarter, and better prepared than when you arrived.

Get Started with Expert Elbow Pain Treatment Today

If you're in Richmond, South Yarra, or surrounding suburbs such as Toorak, Prahran, Hawthorn, Kew, or Abbotsford, and you're looking for experienced physiotherapists who understand elbow pain — reach out to us today.

Our team is ready to help you take the first step toward recovery.

Don’t let elbow pain limit your life any longer. Book an appointment today and discover the difference personalised, expert physiotherapy can make.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How do I know if I have tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow typically causes pain on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow affects the inner side. Both are often caused by repetitive arm use. A proper diagnosis from a physiotherapist is essential to confirm the condition and guide effective treatment.

Is Shockwave Therapy safe for tennis elbow?

Yes. Shockwave Therapy is a safe, non-invasive treatment that stimulates healing in chronic tendon injuries. It’s often recommended when other conservative treatments haven’t worked.

Does dry needling hurt?

You might feel a brief twitch or mild ache during dry needling, but it’s generally well tolerated. Many patients feel immediate relief and improved mobility after treatment.

How many physio sessions will I need?

This varies depending on the severity and duration of your elbow pain. Most patients see noticeable improvement within 3–6 sessions, but your physiotherapist will give you a tailored plan after your first appointment.

Can I prevent elbow pain from coming back?

Yes. With the right combination of treatment, exercise, posture correction, and lifestyle changes, most elbow pain is preventable. We’ll equip you with tools and strategies to stay pain-free long term.