Tennis elbow pain that flares when you grip a club, swing a racket, lift a grocery bag, or shake a hand is one of the most stubborn complaints we treat. At The Spine and Wellness Center in Coral Springs, Dr. Jared Cohen helps patients from Coral Springs and Parkland find lasting relief from golfer’s and tennis elbow with a conservative, drug-free plan that targets the real cause rather than just numbing the pain.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Jared Cohen, DC · Updated June 2026

What golfer’s and tennis elbow really is

Golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow are both forms of epicondylitis, an irritation of the tendons that attach forearm muscles to the bony bumps of the elbow. Tennis elbow affects the outer side of the elbow, where the muscles that extend the wrist attach. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner side, where the muscles that flex the wrist and grip attach.

Despite the names, you do not have to play golf or tennis to develop either one. These conditions are overuse injuries, and they show up in anyone who does repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist motion, from painters and plumbers to office workers and parents.

Common causes

Epicondylitis builds up over time when a tendon is loaded faster than it can repair itself. Frequent contributors include:

• Repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting
• Poor technique in racket or club sports
• Sudden increases in activity or training volume
• Workplace tasks involving tools, typing, or manual labor
• Weak or imbalanced forearm and shoulder muscles
• Inadequate warm-up or recovery between bouts of activity

Signs and symptoms

The hallmark of epicondylitis is pain and tenderness right over the bony bump on the inside or outside of the elbow. The pain often radiates down the forearm, worsens with gripping or lifting, and can make simple tasks like turning a doorknob or pouring a drink uncomfortable. You may also notice a weakened grip or stiffness in the morning.

Because the elbow, wrist, and shoulder work as a unit, problems further up the chain can keep the tendon overloaded. A thorough exam looks at the whole arm, not just the sore spot, which is one reason home remedies alone often fall short.

Conservative treatment that lasts

Lasting relief comes from calming the irritated tendon and then rebuilding its capacity to handle load. Our plan starts with reducing the strain on the tendon and easing pain, then progresses to restoring strength and proper mechanics. Chiropractic care addresses joint restrictions in the elbow, wrist, and shoulder so the arm moves efficiently and the tendon is not fighting against stiffness elsewhere.

Soft-tissue therapy and guided physical therapy rebuild the forearm muscles with progressive, well-tolerated exercise, which research suggests is one of the most effective long-term approaches for tendon problems. To support healing and comfort, cold laser therapy uses focused light energy, and many patients find it helpful for stubborn elbow tendinitis. Patients from Coral Springs, Parkland, Margate, and Coconut Creek appreciate that this approach avoids drugs and injections.

Bracing and activity modification

A counterforce brace or strap worn just below the elbow can reduce the pull on the irritated tendon during activity, which often takes the edge off pain while you rehab. Just as important is adjusting the activities that overload the tendon, whether that means improving technique, taking more frequent breaks, or temporarily reducing volume.

Prevention and self-care

Once your elbow calms down, keeping it healthy is mostly about smart habits. These steps help prevent a relapse:

• Warm up the forearms and shoulders before repetitive activity
• Build and maintain balanced forearm, grip, and shoulder strength
• Increase training or workload gradually, not all at once
• Check your technique and equipment in racket and club sports
• Take regular breaks during repetitive gripping or typing
• Address minor aches early before they become chronic

When to see us in Coral Springs

If elbow pain has lasted more than a couple of weeks, keeps returning, or is interfering with work, sport, or daily tasks, a conservative evaluation can save you months of frustration. The Spine and Wellness Center has served Coral Springs and Parkland since 2005, offers same-day appointments, and accepts most major insurance. Call (954) 341-2256 to find relief that lasts.