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Conditions We Treat  /  Tennis & Golfer's Elbow

Elbow

Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Bakersfield

Pain on the outside or inside of your elbow when you grip, lift or type is usually a tendon problem, and you don't have to play tennis or golf to get it. Physical therapy is a first-line treatment.

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Yes, physical therapy helps tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow. The physical therapy clinical practice guideline for lateral elbow pain supports progressive strengthening exercise, hands-on treatment, education and short-term use of a brace, and most people improve without surgery. At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, your plan is built around your work, hobbies and the tasks that hurt.

Does this sound like you?

✓Pain on the outside of the elbow (tennis elbow) or the inside (golfer’s elbow)
✓It hurts to grip, shake hands, open a jar or lift a coffee cup
✓Using a mouse, tools, a hammer or a wrench sets it off
✓Your grip feels weak, or you drop things
✓A tender spot on the bony bump of the elbow
✓It has lingered for weeks or months

Why it happens

The muscles that grip and move your wrist attach to small bony bumps on either side of the elbow. Repeated gripping and wrist movement, especially a sudden increase in yard work, a new job, tool use, lots of computer work or racquet sports, can overload those tendons faster than they can adapt. It’s most common between ages 30 and 60.

Tendons respond to the right kind of load. Complete rest tends not to fix it; gradually strengthening the tendon while easing off the aggravating activity does.

What treatment at ARI looks like

1
A one-on-one evaluation

Your first visit takes about 45 to 60 minutes. We pinpoint which tendon is involved, test your grip and wrist strength, check your neck and shoulder, and go through the tasks that bring on the pain.

2
Calming it down

Hands-on treatment, adjusting how you grip and work, and a brace for short-term relief if it helps.

3
Progressive tendon strengthening

A step-by-step exercise program that builds the tendon’s capacity, then a return to full work, hobbies or sport, with a home program between visits.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

When to see a doctor first

See a doctor promptly if you have:

  • Elbow pain after a fall, with swelling, bruising or a change in shape
  • You can’t fully bend or straighten your elbow
  • A hot, red, swollen elbow, especially with a fever
  • Numbness or tingling in your ring and little fingers, or hand weakness

Why patients choose ARI

Care at ARI is always one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist at our Bakersfield clinic: 8200 Stockdale Hwy, Suite B2, in the Town & Country Village center next to Trader Joe's. Our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

Tennis and golfer's elbow FAQs

Tendon pain improves gradually, over weeks to months. A structured strengthening program usually shortens the road, and your therapist will adjust it as you improve.
A forearm strap can ease pain in the short term for some people. It works best alongside strengthening exercise, not instead of it.
Usually not completely. We change how you grip and how much you do so the tendon can recover while you stay active.
No. In California you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage, so call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.
Yes. Most people with tennis elbow don't play tennis. Gripping at work, tools, computer use and yard work are more common causes.

Common questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

Sources

  1. Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy (APTA clinical practice guideline), 2022.
  2. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis). OrthoInfo, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
  3. Tennis elbow. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine.

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026