Tennis Elbow & Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Ellicott City, MD

As a patient, you have the right to choose your physical therapy provider, and in most cases you can schedule an evaluation with us directly. Some insurance plans do require a physician referral or prescription for coverage, so call us at (410) 988-5171 or (443) 364-3015 and our team will verify your benefits and let you know exactly what your plan requires.

They are essentially the same kind of problem on opposite sides of the elbow. Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow, where the tendons that extend the wrist attach, and it hurts most with gripping, lifting, and backhand-type motions. Golfer’s elbow affects the inner elbow, where the wrist-flexor tendons attach, and it flares with gripping and wrist flexion. Both are overuse tendon conditions, and both respond to the same core approach of progressive loading, just applied to different muscles. Your evaluation confirms which one you have, or whether both are involved.

Often, resting alone is exactly what keeps these conditions dragging on. Rest can calm the pain temporarily, but it does not rebuild the tendon’s capacity, so symptoms tend to return as soon as you resume normal gripping and lifting. The more reliable path is a progressive loading program that gradually restores the tendon’s strength and tolerance. That does not mean pushing through significant pain; it means the right, carefully dosed load, which is what turns a months-long nuisance into a resolving problem.

They have roles, with limits worth understanding. A counterforce strap or brace can reduce symptoms for some people during aggravating tasks and can be a useful short-term aid, but it does not fix the underlying tendon. Cortisone injections are a physician-led option that may ease pain in the short term, though the evidence does not support them for lasting tendon recovery and they are generally not a standalone solution, so it is a conversation to have with your doctor. Across the board, these manage symptoms while progressive loading is what tends to produce durable change, so we build the plan around the loading and use the rest as support where it fits.

Usually not entirely. For most people the answer is modified load rather than complete rest, temporarily adjusting the grips, tasks, or technique that most aggravate the tendon while keeping you active and, where possible, working and playing. Your therapist will give you specific guidance based on your job, your sport, and how irritable the tendon is, and will progress you back to full activity as it rebuilds.

Your first visit usually lasts 45 minutes to an hour and includes a full one-on-one evaluation. Tendon problems reward patience: many improve over a span of weeks to months, and longer-standing cases generally take longer, but a well-dosed loading program is aimed at getting you there more reliably and preventing relapse. After the evaluation, your therapist will discuss your recommended number of sessions and give you a realistic timeline with specific milestones, such as pain-free gripping and a return to full work or sport.

Coverage varies by plan. Revive Physical Therapy accepts all major insurance plans, and our team can verify your benefits before your first visit. Call either location or visit our Insurances page for more information, and see our Self Pay options if you are paying out of pocket.