Advice Needed for Persistent Elbow Pain from Tennis/Golfer's Elbow
Hello everyone! I'm a 27-year-old male who has been dealing with an elbow injury for the past 14 months. This all began when I hurt myself while putting together some furniture. Ever since that incident, pain has radiated from my elbow down to my wrist, making even simple tasks, like holding a glass, quite difficult. After consulting various physiotherapists, I was eventually diagnosed with bilateral lateral and medial epicondylitis. My treatment journey has been extensive, incorporating standard physiotherapy methods such as exercises, ultrasound, and electrotherapy. Additionally, I have undergone intramuscular corticosteroid injections and more advanced procedures like Perineural Electrostimulation Therapy (EPI) and PRP injections, as my doctor suspected a tear in my flexor tendon. While I experienced slight improvements, my profession as a drummer made it challenging to take extended breaks, and I even had some injections at one point. I felt relatively strong and was less affected by pain around October. However, in November, I experienced a setback. I have alternating weeks where the discomfort is manageable, allowing me to work without issues, but I also have times when the pain becomes severe. I find it impossible to go to the gym, as even minor loads or movements can aggravate the injury. I’m thoroughly exhausted from this ongoing pain. Today, I visited a specialist in sports injuries who informed me that my condition has progressed to a chronic state. He suggested shockwave therapy for both elbows (I have now also developed similar symptoms in my left arm) because it has proven effective for many of his other patients. Despite his recommendation, I can’t shake off my skepticism and am starting to feel uncertain about whether I’ll ever heal. Has anyone else here dealt with a similar issue? I would greatly appreciate any advice or suggestions you might have. Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 3:00:54 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been facing a challenging journey with your elbow pain, and it's natural to feel frustrated and uncertain after such a long time dealing with this issue. Chronic pain can be exhausting, especially for someone involved in activities that require hand and arm strength, like drumming. Let's break this down and focus on some actionable steps that could help.
Main Points:
- Chronic Epicondylitis: Your diagnosis of bilateral lateral and medial epicondylitis suggests ongoing inflammation and irritation of the tendons around your elbow.
- Treatment Options: You’ve experienced various treatments; the next suggested approach is shockwave therapy, which has shown promise for many in your situation.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Managing the pain and continuing with your activities may require additional adjustments and self-care strategies.
Explanation:
Chronic epicondylitis can often arise from repetitive movements and overuse, leading to inflammation of the tendons. Since you've tried multiple treatments with varying success, it's important to remain open to new options but also to ensure that you’re managing your daily activities in a way that minimizes strain on your elbows.
Next Steps:
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Consider Shockwave Therapy: Since your specialist recommended it, learning more about shockwave therapy might be beneficial. It uses sound waves to promote healing and reduce pain and could be worth trying, especially since you’re feeling skeptical yet want to find relief.
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Continue Rehabilitation: Keep up with physiotherapy and any exercises that have been prescribed. Focus on gentle stretching and strengthening exercises specific to your condition, as these can help improve function without exacerbating pain.
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Modify Activities: Since playing the drums and other activities can exacerbate your symptoms, consider modifying how long or intensive these activities are. Use ergonomic tools or supports if possible to reduce strain on your elbows.
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Pain Management Techniques: Implement self-care techniques such as:
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice for 15-20 minutes after activities can help reduce inflammation.
- Heat Therapy: Using heat before activities can help relax the muscles around the elbow.
- Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can provide temporary relief if appropriate for you.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track when your pain flares up and what activities might contribute. This could help you and your healthcare provider identify patterns and trigger points for your discomfort.
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Set Realistic Goals: Given your profession as a drummer, finding a balance between rest and activity is crucial. Try setting small, achievable goals each week to gradually increase your activity without overloading your elbows.
If you maintain communication with your healthcare providers about your progress, they may help you adjust your treatment plan as necessary. Remember, healing can take time, and being patient with yourself throughout this process is important. If you have specific concerns or experience significant changes, don't hesitate to discuss these with your doctors. You're not alone in this, and there are paths forward.
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