Elbow Pain: Epicondylitis and Tendinitis
Whether from sports or work, elbow pain can compromise your productivity and leisure. At Intrador, we treat epicondylitis and other injuries with modern rehabilitation and intervention protocols.
Main Causes
Lateral Epicondylitis ('Tennis Elbow')
Affects the outer part of the elbow.
- Cause: Repetitive effort of wrist extensors.
- Symptoms: Strong pain when lifting the wrist or holding something.
- Who it affects: Tennis players, painters, plumbers, heavy computer users.
Medial Epicondylitis ('Golfer's Elbow')
Affects the inner part of the elbow.
- Cause: Repetitive effort of wrist flexors.
- Symptoms: Pain when bending the wrist or gripping.
- Who it affects: Golfers, weightlifters, pitchers.
Treatment Options at Intrador
The goal is to relieve pain, recover strength, and prevent recurrences.
1. Corticosteroid Injection
For acute cases with intense pain. Ultrasound-guided application at the inflammation site brings rapid relief, allowing rehabilitation to begin.
2. Shockwave Therapy
Excellent for chronic cases and calcifications. Acoustic waves stimulate vascularization and tendon tissue regeneration. It is a non-invasive alternative to surgery.
3. Medical Acupuncture
Helps in pain control and relaxation of forearm muscles, which are usually tense and overloading the tendon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)?
It is an inflammation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow, caused by repetitive extension movements of the wrist and fingers. Common in tennis players, but also in people who type a lot or use manual tools.
What is Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)?
It is inflammation of the tendons on the inner part of the elbow, caused by repetitive wrist flexion. Common in golfers, weightlifters, and manual workers.
How long does it take for epicondylitis to heal?
It can vary from a few weeks to months. Early treatment with physiotherapy, injections, and rest from the causing activity significantly accelerates recovery.
Does Shockwave Therapy work?
Yes. Shockwave Therapy is a very effective non-invasive treatment for chronic epicondylitis that does not respond well to other treatments. It stimulates tendon tissue regeneration.
Schedule Your Consultation
Recover your arm strength and get back to playing your favorite sport.
Aflitos Unit
Av. Conselheiro Rosa e Silva, 1206, Room 706 - Espinheiro, Recife - PE, ZIP 52020-220
+55 (81) 3072-9816Insurance Coverage
We accept SulAmérica, Cassi, and other health plans for consultations and procedures. Contact us to learn more.
Clinically Reviewed by:
Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro
Pain Medicine, Acupuncture
CRM 21167/PE | RQE 2217, 2808
This content is informative and does not replace individual medical evaluation.
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Physician specializing in Acupuncture and Pain treatment, and Technical Manager of Intrador's two units. Graduated in Medicine from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE) in 2007, he holds a Specialist Title in Acupuncture and a Certificate in Pain, both recognized by the Brazilian Medical Association (AMB).
Note: This content is for educational and informational purposes only. The information is based on scientific evidence and the clinical practice of the Intrador team, but it does not replace individualized medical evaluation. Conduct, indications, and treatments must be defined after medical consultation.
Clinical reviewer: Dr. Helio Widson Alves Pinheiro · Pain Medicine | Acupuncture · CRM/PE 21167 | RQE 2217, 2808
Published on: January 17, 2026
Reviewed on: January 29, 2026
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