Treating Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow with Cupping Therapy

If you’ve ever experienced a stubborn ache in your elbow that just won’t go away, you know how frustrating it can be. Simple tasks like pouring a cup of tea, turning a doorknob, or lifting a grocery bag can suddenly feel like a challenge. For athletes, these aches can be even more worrying—affecting training schedules, game performance, and even day-to-day comfort. Two common culprits behind this kind of pain are tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.

While the names might make it sound like these issues only affect athletes, the truth is that anyone can develop them – office workers, gardeners, DIY enthusiasts, or anyone who uses their forearms repetitively. 

The good news? At ALIGN Health, we follow modern recovery approaches, like sports recovery cupping in Abu Dhabi, which are helping people manage these conditions effectively without relying only on rest or pain medication.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically called lateral epicondylitis, happens when the tendons on the outside of your elbow become irritated. This is usually caused by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm, such as swinging a racquet, using tools, or even typing for long periods.

Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

You might be dealing with tennis elbow if you notice:

• Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow

• Weak grip strength

• Discomfort when lifting, twisting, or holding objects

• Pain that worsens with repetitive wrist or arm movements

The pain can start mild but worsen over time, making it difficult to carry out everyday activities.

Remedies for Tennis Elbow

Many people first try rest, ice packs, or over-the-counter pain relief. Stretching and strengthening exercises can also help, especially when guided by a physiotherapist. However, if the discomfort lingers, therapies like cupping therapy for athletes can be an excellent addition to your recovery plan.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inside of your elbow. It’s usually caused by repetitive wrist flexing or gripping. While it’s common among golfers, it can also develop in people who lift weights, work with tools, or frequently carry heavy bags.

Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Typical signs include:

• Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow

• Stiffness or weakness in the wrist

• Numbness or tingling that can extend into the fingers

• Pain that worsens when bending the wrist or gripping objects

These symptoms can make daily tasks like holding a coffee cup or shaking hands uncomfortable.

Remedies for Golfer’s Elbow

Initial care often involves rest, ice, and avoiding the activities that trigger pain. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help restore function over time. When traditional remedies aren’t enough, integrating therapies like cupping can speed up recovery.

Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow – How to Tell the Difference

The main difference lies in where you feel the pain:

• Tennis elbow: Pain is on the outside of the elbow.

• Golfer’s elbow: Pain is on the inside of the elbow.

Both conditions stem from overuse, but the movements and tendons involved are different. Identifying the exact source of your pain is essential because the treatment approach, including where cupping therapy is applied, will vary.

Why Cupping Therapy Works Well?

At ALIGN Health, cupping therapy is tailored to your specific condition. 

Cupping therapy for golfer’s elbow focuses on the muscles and tendons along the inner forearm. By improving blood circulation and reducing muscle tension, cupping helps reduce pain and restore normal movement.

For athletes, this means less downtime and a faster return to their sport. For non-athletes, it means regaining comfort in everyday activities without constantly worrying about elbow pain.

For tennis elbow, suction cups are placed strategically around the affected muscles and tendons. The gentle suction increases blood flow, helping to reduce stiffness and promote healing.

Unlike quick fixes, this approach works to release tightness in the forearm muscles, reduce inflammation, and encourage your body’s natural repair process. Many athletes also find that cupping improves their mobility, allowing them to return to training sooner.

When to Seek Help?

If you’ve been experiencing elbow pain for more than a few days and it doesn’t improve with rest, it’s worth consulting a professional. At ALIGN Health, the team combines modern therapy techniques with personalised care, ensuring you get the right support for your recovery.

Whether you’re an athlete wanting to get back on the court or field, or someone who simply wants to live without elbow pain, cupping therapy can be a gentle yet effective option.

This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider before starting any new therapy, especially if you have underlying health conditions or persistent pain.