Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are common overuse injuries that cause pain and stiffness around the elbow joint.
Whether you’re an athlete, a weekend warrior, or someone whose job involves repetitive arm movements, these conditions can interfere with daily activities and make simple tasks painful.
Fortunately, shockwave therapy offers a non-invasive, highly effective solution for treating both conditions.
Understanding Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow result from repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the elbow joint. The primary difference lies in the location of the pain:
- Tennis elbow affects the outer part of the elbow and is often caused by repetitive wrist extension or gripping motions. It’s common in tennis players, but also in mechanics, painters, and office workers.
- Golfer’s elbow affects the inner part of the elbow and results from repetitive wrist flexion. While golfers can develop this condition, it’s also prevalent in baseball players, weightlifters, and individuals who perform manual labor.
Both conditions involve microtears and degeneration of the tendons, leading to chronic pain and weakness in the affected arm.
How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate healing in damaged tendons. The waves create microtrauma in the tissue, which triggers the body’s natural healing response by:
- Increasing blood circulation to the injured area
- Stimulating collagen production to repair damaged tendons
- Breaking down calcifications and scar tissue
- Reducing pain and inflammation by decreasing nerve sensitivity
This process promotes long-term healing rather than just masking symptoms, making it an excellent option for chronic cases of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow that haven’t responded to other treatments.
Benefits of Shockwave Therapy for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow
Many patients in Houston are turning to shockwave therapy as an alternative to more invasive treatments like steroid injections or surgery.
Key benefits include:
- Non-invasive – No needles, incisions, or downtime required.
- Quick treatment sessions – Each session lasts about 10–20 minutes.
- Minimal discomfort – Some patients feel mild pressure, but no significant pain.
- High success rate – Studies show up to 80% improvement in chronic tendinopathy cases.
- Faster recovery – Most patients see results in 3–5 sessions, with continued improvement over weeks.
What to Expect During Treatment
During a shockwave therapy session, a handheld device delivers controlled pulses to the affected tendon. You may feel some tingling or slight discomfort, but the intensity can be adjusted to your tolerance. Many patients experience pain relief after just one or two sessions, with optimal results achieved over several weeks.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
Shockwave therapy is an excellent option for individuals who:
- Have chronic elbow pain lasting more than six weeks
- Have tried rest, physical therapy, bracing, or injections without relief
- Want to avoid surgery or prolonged medication use
- Need a fast and effective treatment option to return to sports or daily activities
Get Expert Shockwave Therapy in Houston
If you’re struggling with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow in Houston, Dr. Javier Rios MD at CLS Health Sports Medicine offers cutting-edge shockwave therapy to help you recover quickly and safely. With years of experience in nonsurgical orthopedics and sports medicine, Dr. Rios provides personalized treatment plans to help you get back to your active lifestyle.
Schedule Your Appointment Today!
Don’t let elbow pain keep you from doing what you love. Contact CLS Health Sports Medicine today to learn more about how shockwave therapy can help you heal faster and stay pain-free!
