Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are stubborn tendon problems at the outside (tennis) or inside (golfer's) of the elbow — clinicians call them lateral and medial epicondylitis. They cause pain with gripping, lifting, and racquet, club, or computer use, and respond best to gradual strengthening combined with hands-on and instrument-assisted soft-tissue work.
Tennis & Golfer’s Elbow Care in Bozeman — Strengthening That Rebuilds the Tendon
Tennis and golfer’s elbow are notoriously stubborn — and one big reason is that most people get treatment that doesn’t match the actual problem. Rest, anti-inflammatories, and cortisone shots target swelling, but the real issue is tendon wear, not swelling. Once you understand that, the path is clear: gradual strengthening is the proven treatment.
At Root Therapy and Wellness in Bozeman, elbow care happens in full 1-on-1 sessions, combining strengthening, hands-on and instrument-assisted soft-tissue work, and practical ergonomic changes.
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow
- Tennis elbow — pain over the outside of the elbow. Aggravated by gripping, mousing, racquet sports, and tool use.
- Golfer’s elbow — pain over the inside of the elbow. Aggravated by gripping with the palm down, a golf swing, and pulling activities.
The ideas behind treatment are similar; the specific exercises and ergonomic tweaks differ.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- Comprehensive evaluation (60 minutes) — your history, grip strength testing, a check of your neck and wrist, and a look at your daily activities.
- Diagnosis and plan — a strengthening plan matched to your stage and tolerance.
- Hands-on treatment that same visit — soft-tissue work and manual therapy.
- Activity and ergonomic changes — mouse setup, racquet grip, and tool use.
- Re-assessment every few visits, tracking your grip strength and pain.
Take the First Step
Most stubborn elbow tendon pain responds well to the right strengthening-based treatment. Request an appointment today — most patients are seen within the same week.
Our Treatment Approach
- Progressive Strengthening — Gradually strengthening the tendon and forearm — the proven way to rebuild an irritated tendon that rest can't match.
- Instrument-Assisted Soft-Tissue Work (IASTM) — Using smooth tools to work the tendon tissue and help it recover.
- Manual Therapy — Hands-on work for the elbow, wrist, and neck to address what's contributing.
- Ergonomic & Activity Changes — Mouse setup, racquet grip, and tool-use tweaks for your work and activities.