Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) refers to pain on the outside of the elbow.  The tendons of the muscles in the forearm that extend, or bend, the wrist back and straighten the fingers attach to the bone on the outside of the elbow. 

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) refers to pain on the inside of the elbow.  The tendons of the muscles in the forearm that flex or curl the wrist attach to the bone on the inside of the elbow. 

These tendons will often become overexerted because another area of the body is not moving correctly.  For example, if the hip or the shoulder are not rotating correctly, this may force the wrist to overwork to compensate for the lack of motion.  This repetitive stress and overuse over time will irritate the tendons at their attachments at the elbow causing pain.

Treatment

It is important to determine the major area of dysfunction that is causing the overloading at the wrist and elbow.  These tissues must be treated with A.R.T. or Graston.  Kinesiotaping is helpful in relaxing the overworked muscles and reducing inflammation.  Joint manipulation and functional rehabilitation will restore normal motion in the joints and also correct and maintain correct movement patterns.