Elbow pain is a common complaint among both active individuals and those whose work involves repetitive arm movements. At London Sports Physiotherapy in Sutton, we offer expert assessment, hands-on physiotherapy, and a full range of injection therapies to address the root cause of your elbow pain and get you back to full activity.
Understanding Elbow Pain
The elbow is a hinge joint where the bones of the upper and lower arm meet, supported by a network of tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Elbow pain most commonly arises from tendon overload or degeneration often linked to sport, manual work, or prolonged computer use. It can also result from acute injury, nerve compression, or joint-related conditions.
Because elbow pain can mimic or overlap with conditions originating in the neck, shoulder, or forearm, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Our physiotherapists in Sutton carry out a thorough assessment to ensure the correct diagnosis and the most effective treatment pathway.
The two most frequently seen elbow conditions in our Sutton clinic are lateral epicondylalgia (tennis elbow) and medial epicondylalgia (golfer’s elbow). Although named after sports, both conditions affect a wide range of people from office workers and tradespeople to recreational athletes.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylalgia)
Location: Pain on the outer side of the elbow, radiating into the forearm.
Cause: Overload or degeneration of the extensor tendons, particularly extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), often from gripping, lifting, or repetitive wrist extension.
Who gets it: Racket sport players, manual workers, keyboard users, and those doing repeated lifting or gripping tasks.
Treatment: Physiotherapy, load management, dry needling, and steroid or hyaluronic acid injection where appropriate.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia)
Location: Pain on the inner side of the elbow, sometimes extending down the forearm or into the wrist.
Cause: Overload of the flexor-pronator tendon group, often through repetitive gripping, throwing, or forearm rotation.
Who gets it: Golfers, climbers, throwing athletes, and those in manual or trade occupations.
Treatment: Physiotherapy, targeted strengthening, dry needling, and injection therapy where clinically indicated.
Both conditions respond well to physiotherapy particularly progressive tendon loading exercises and injection therapy can play a valuable role in reducing pain levels enough to allow rehabilitation to take effect.
Distal Biceps Tendon Rupture
A distal biceps tendon rupture occurs when the tendon attaching the biceps muscle to the radius bone at the elbow tears, either partially or completely. It most commonly happens during sudden, forceful loading of a bent elbow, such as catching a heavy weight or during lifting. A distinctive “pop” is often felt or heard at the time of injury, followed by acute pain, bruising, and weakness with forearm rotation and elbow flexion.
Management depends on the severity of the tear and the individual’s activity demands. Complete ruptures in active individuals are often managed surgically, followed by a structured rehabilitation programme. Partial tears may be managed conservatively with physiotherapy. Our clinicians will assess the injury thoroughly and work alongside your medical team to ensure you receive the most appropriate care pathway and a progressive return to full function.
In addition to the conditions above, our Sutton physiotherapy clinic treats a wide range of elbow presentations:
Elbow osteoarthritis
Olecranon bursitis
Ulnar nerve entrapment (cubital tunnel)
Radial tunnel syndrome
Elbow ligament sprains
Triceps tendinopathy
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Elbow fracture rehabilitation
Thrower’s elbow
Referred pain from neck or shoulder
At London Sports Physiotherapy, our clinicians are qualified to offer two types of injection therapy for elbow conditions, corticosteroid (steroid) injections and hyaluronic acid (HA) injections. Both can provide significant relief and are used alongside physiotherapy for the best long-term outcomes. The most appropriate option will be discussed with you at your assessment.
Corticosteroid (Steroid) Injection
Fast-acting relief
Corticosteroid injections deliver a potent anti-inflammatory directly to the affected tendon or joint, rapidly reducing pain and swelling. They are particularly effective for tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and olecranon bursitis. Relief typically begins within a few days and can last several weeks to months, creating a window for physiotherapy rehabilitation to progress effectively.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) Injection
Joint lubrication & repair
Hyaluronic acid injections (also known as viscosupplementation) restore lubrication and cushioning within the joint and support the natural repair environment of soft tissues. They are particularly suited to elbow osteoarthritis and chronic tendinopathy where long-term joint health is a priority. HA injections are a longer-acting alternative to steroid injections for appropriate clients.
Our Approach to Elbow Pain Treatment
Every client at London Sports Physiotherapy receives a personalised treatment plan based on their diagnosis, activity level, and goals. A typical course of treatment for elbow pain at our Sutton clinic may include:
Comprehensive Assessment
Full clinical examination to diagnose the source of your elbow pain and rule out referred causes from the neck or shoulder.
Tendon Loading Programmes
Progressive, evidence-based exercise rehabilitation to restore tendon strength and capacity, the cornerstone of tennis and golfer’s elbow treatment.
Manual Therapy
Targeted joint mobilisation, soft tissue release, and neural mobilisation to reduce pain and restore full range of motion.
Dry Needling and acupuncture
Intramuscular stimulation targeting trigger points in the forearm and elbow musculature to reduce pain and improve tissue health.
Injection Therapy
Steroid or hyaluronic acid injections to reduce pain and inflammation, enabling more effective rehabilitation and faster return to function.
Post-Op & Fracture Rehab
Structured rehabilitation following elbow surgery or fracture, working alongside your surgical team from early recovery to full return to activity.
Highly Experienced Team: Our physiotherapists have worked with elite athletes, in acute hospital settings, and with complex musculoskeletal presentations. We bring specialist expertise to every client interaction.
Evidence-Based Practice: All treatment is grounded in current research and best-practice guidelines, ensuring you receive the most effective care available.
Advanced Facilities: Our state-of-the-art clinic in the Oru Building, Sutton, provides dedicated rehabilitation space, objective testing equipment, and diagnostic ultrasound capabilities.
Holistic Approach: We address the root cause of your problem, not just symptoms, ensuring sustainable long-term results.
One-to-One Appointments: Personalized attention throughout your entire appointment—no shared sessions or group classes.
Flexible Options: We work with self-funded clients and all major private health insurance providers, offering convenient appointment times to suit your schedule.
Comprehensive Services: From initial injury assessment to post-operative rehabilitation and performance optimization, we provide complete musculoskeletal care under one roof.
Located in central Sutton with easy accessibility, we’re trusted by people across SM1, SM2, Cheam, Carshalton, and the wider Surrey area.
Recovery time varies depending on how long the condition has been present and how it is managed. With consistent physiotherapy, particularly a progressive tendon loading programme, many clients see meaningful improvement within six to eight weeks. Longstanding or severe cases may take longer. Starting treatment early generally leads to faster recovery.
Steroid injections work primarily as anti-inflammatories, delivering rapid pain relief over weeks to months, making them well-suited to acute or inflammatory presentations. Hyaluronic acid injections restore lubrication and support the repair environment within the joint or tendon, making them a better long-term option for conditions such as elbow osteoarthritis or chronic tendinopathy. Your physiotherapist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your diagnosis.
Absolutely, the names are somewhat misleading. Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are very common in people who have never played either sport. Both conditions are caused by repetitive loading or overuse of the forearm tendons, and are frequently seen in office workers, tradespeople, musicians, and anyone who performs repeated gripping or lifting tasks.
Not necessarily, it depends on the extent of the tear and your activity demands. Partial tears are often managed successfully with physiotherapy alone. Complete ruptures in active individuals are more commonly referred for surgical repair, after which physiotherapy is essential for a full recovery. Our clinicians will assess your injury and help guide you towards the most appropriate management pathway.
No, you can self-refer directly to London Sports Physiotherapy without a GP referral. Simply contact us via our website or by phone and we will arrange your initial assessment at a time that suits you.
If you are experiencing elbow pain, physiotherapy can help identify and treat the underlying cause.
You do not have to keep living in pain. Specialist help is available, and the sooner you seek it, the sooner you can start feeling better. The team at London Sports Physiotherapy in Sutton provides expert physiotherapy for musculoskeletal conditions in a friendly, professional, discreet and supportive environment.
We are conveniently located for people across South London and North Surrey, including Cheam, Carshalton, Morden, Epsom, and Wallington. Our team combines specialist musculoskeletal physiotherapy expertise with in-house injection therapy, meaning you can access a comprehensive, joined-up approach to elbow pain in a single clinic, without the delays of multiple referrals.
We welcome self-referrals, no GP referral is required. Early morning, evening, and weekend appointments are available, and most people are seen within a week of first contact.
Contact us today to book your initial assessment or to speak with one of our specialist physiotherapists about your symptoms. We are based in Sutton and proudly serve people from across South London and Surrey.
