Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Ottawa and Waterloo: Elbow Tendon Pain That Won’t Settle
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is pain on the outside of the elbow, where the tendons that lift the wrist and fingers attach. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is the counterpart on the inside of the elbow. Despite the names, neither condition is limited to tennis players or golfers — gripping, lifting, typing, trades work, and racquet or throwing sports can all overload these tendons.
What tennis and golfer’s elbow feel like
Tennis elbow often hurts with gripping, lifting a kettle or a bag, shaking hands, or extending the wrist against resistance. Golfer’s elbow often hurts with gripping and with flexing the wrist or fingers. Pain may start gradually and worsen with continued overload, and it can linger for months if the load that caused it is not addressed. Other elbow problems — including joint, nerve, and neck-related pain — can feel similar, so assessment matters.
How focused shockwave therapy is thought to work for elbow tendinopathy
FocusWave Clinic uses the Storz Medical DUOLITH SD1, a Health Canada licensed device, to deliver focused low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT), with pulses focused on the painful tendon attachment.
Published evidence for shockwave in lateral epicondylitis is mixed, with some studies showing benefit and others showing more modest effects. As with other tendinopathies, shockwave at FocusWave Clinic is discussed alongside load management and rehabilitation, which are central to recovery, and any plan follows an individual assessment.
What a first visit and assessment involves
A first visit starts with an assessment: history, which grips and activities provoke the pain, work and sport demands, and an assessment by the clinic team, followed by a suitability check. The chronic pain program is $1,250 if a person is suitable and chooses to proceed. Practical steps around gripping, lifting technique, and activity load are part of the discussion.
Who should call first instead of assuming treatment is suitable
Call before assuming treatment is suitable if you have a pacemaker or implanted device, an infection or open wound in the treatment area, cancer in the treatment area, or a bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners. Numbness or weakness in the hand, a swollen or hot elbow, or pain after a fall or direct injury should be discussed promptly.
Talk to FocusWave Clinic in Ottawa or Waterloo
FocusWave Clinic has clinics in Ottawa and Waterloo.
If elbow tendon pain is limiting your grip, work, or sport, call first to discuss an assessment.
- Ottawa: 2249 Carling Ave, Suite 201, Ottawa ON K2B 7E9 — 613-422-9283
- Waterloo: 109 Erb St. W, Suite B, Waterloo ON N2L 1T4 — 226-476-4147
- Toll-free: 888-558-9283 | info@focuswaveclinic.com | www.focuswaveclinic.com
