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Tennis Elbow & Golfers elbow pain info from Clevedon Osteopaths

Clevedon Osteopathic Practice : Understanding Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow: Causes, Physiology, and How Osteopathy and Shockwave Therapy Can Help

Elbow pain can be frustrating and limiting, especially when it interferes with daily activities. The most common conditions affecting the elbow are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow—, these conditions can affect anyone, not just athletes. If you’re experiencing persistent elbow discomfort, understanding these conditions and the treatment options available—including osteopathic care and shockwave therapy—can help you recover faster and return to pain-free living.

What Are Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow is a condition involving inflammation or micro-tears of the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the outer part of the elbow). It is often caused by repetitive motions involving gripping and wrist extension, such as typing, painting, or using tools.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow affects the medial epicondyle (the inner part of the elbow). It’s caused by overuse of the wrist flexor muscles and tendons—those responsible for bending the wrist and gripping. It’s commonly seen in golfers, but also affects people who frequently lift, carry, or perform repetitive wrist movements.

 

The Physiology Behind the Pain

Both conditions involve tendinopathy, a disorder of the tendons typically characterised by:

  • Microtrauma from repetitive strain
  • Degeneration of collagen fibres in the tendon
  • Inflammation (more prominent in early stages)
  • Pain and reduced grip strength

Unlike acute injuries, these are often chronic overuse conditions, meaning they develop gradually over time. The pain is typically localised, worsens with activity, and may radiate down the forearm.

 

How Osteopathic Treatment Can Help

Osteopaths take a holistic approach, assessing the entire musculoskeletal system rather than just the site of pain. Treatment for tennis or golfer’s elbow may include:

  • Soft tissue manipulation: To release muscle tension in the forearm and surrounding areas.
  • Joint mobilisation: Especially of the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and upper spine to improve mechanics and reduce strain.
  • Postural correction: Poor posture and biomechanics can contribute to elbow strain—osteopaths help identify and correct these issues.
  • Rehabilitation exercises: Tailored stretches and strengthening routines to prevent recurrence.

Osteopathy not only addresses the symptoms but also targets the underlying mechanical causes, supporting long-term recovery and prevention.

 

Shockwave Therapy: A Modern Solution for Chronic Elbow Pain

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It is especially effective in chronic tendinopathies where healing has stalled.

How Shockwave Therapy Works

  • Promotes neovascularisation (formation of new blood vessels)
  • Stimulates collagen production
  • Breaks down calcific deposits (if present)
  • Reduces pain by decreasing substance P (a pain-mediating chemical)

Typically, a course of 3 to 6 weekly sessions is recommended, with each session lasting about 15–20 minutes.

Benefits for Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow

  • Fast-tracks the healing process
  • Reduces dependence on painkillers
  • Minimal side effects and downtime
  • Works well in conjunction with osteopathic care and exercise therapy

 

Why Combine Osteopathy and Shockwave Therapy?

Together, these therapies address both the symptoms and root causes of tennis and golfer’s elbow. While osteopathy improves joint and muscle function, shockwave therapy accelerates tendon healing at a cellular level. The combination offers a comprehensive, evidence-based treatment plan that’s both natural and highly effective.

 

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing:

  • Persistent elbow pain lasting more than a few weeks
  • Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or wrist movement
  • Reduced arm strength or mobility

… it’s worth consulting a qualified osteopath or shockwave therapy practitioner.

 

Conclusion

Tennis and golfer’s elbow are more than just sports injuries—they’re common, treatable conditions that can significantly impact quality of life if left unaddressed. Fortunately, with expert osteopathic treatment and cutting-edge shockwave therapy, long-term relief is well within reach.

If you’re ready to tackle your elbow pain, get in touch with our clinic today. Your recovery could be just a few sessions away.

Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain treatment in Clevedon using shockwave therapy

Plantar Fasciitis and heel pain treatment in Clevedon using shockwave therapy

Plantar fasciitis is a very common cause of heel pain in the UK.  It affects many different people from athletes, people on their feet all day to dog walkers and joggers.  Having an understanding of this condition can help you prevent or manage it effectively.

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis is the inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This fascia connects the heel bone (calcaneus) to your toes and helps support the arch of your foot, absorbing shock as you walk.

When this tissue becomes inflamed or overstretched, small tears can develop, leading to pain and inflammation. The condition can range from mild discomfort to severe, stabbing pain that affects mobility and quality of life.  Plantar fasciitis pain can last for years sometimes if left untreated.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is generally the result of repetitive stress or excessive load on the foot. Some of the most common contributing factors include:

  • Overuse: Activities that place a lot of pressure on the feet—such as running, dancing, or prolonged standing—can cause strain.
  • Foot mechanics: Flat feet, high arches, or abnormal walking patterns can affect weight distribution, putting extra tension on the fascia.
  • Improper footwear: Shoes that lack proper support, particularly those with thin soles or poor arch support, increase the risk.
  • Age: Plantar fasciitis is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old, likely due to changes in tissue elasticity and foot structure over time.
  • Weight gain: Extra body weight increases the pressure on the plantar fascia during standing and walking.
  • Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon: Limited ankle flexibility can shift the mechanical load to the plantar fascia.

Recognizing the Symptoms

Free Foot Reflexology Reflex Foot Sigmoid photo and picture

The main symptom of plantar fasciitis is pain under the heel or instep.

  • Sharp heel pain: Especially noticeable with your first steps in the morning or after periods of rest.
  • Pain after exercise: Typically, the discomfort worsens after activity, not during.
  • Stiffness: Many people report a tight or stiff feeling in the arch of the foot or heel.
  • Pain when climbing stairs or standing on tiptoe: These movements put more strain on the fascia.

The pain often develops gradually and might be mistaken for general soreness or a minor strain, especially in the early stages.  I have often seen patients develop plantar fasciitis after long days on their feet, especially when in bad footwear.  A classic is wearing flipflops while on holiday and walking lots on hard pavements.  Some people will develop it after starting new activities such as jogging or dog walking.  It has the nickname of ‘policeman’s heel’ as often people who walk a lot in their work can develop heel pain.

Treatment for plantar fasciitis, heel pain and foot pain.

Osteopaths can treat these types of pain very effectively with hands on manual treatment to help stretch muscles and improve the function of the foot, ankle and leg.  We also advise on the best rehab exercises to help maximise recovery.  At Clevedon Osteopaths we also use Radial Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) which is a proven treatment for plantar fasciitis as recommended by NICE.  Coupled with rehab exercises shockwave therapy has over a 90% success rate.  Take a look at our website for more information or call the practice to speak to someone.  Tel: 01275 877339  www.clevedonosteopaths.com