You can get tennis elbow and golfer's elbow treatment at Burghealth Physical Medicine, 6535 4th St. N. in St. Petersburg, FL, where Dr. Samuel Richards, D.C., and Dr. Brandon Blitz, D.C., use non-surgical, drug-free care that can include chiropractic adjustments, physical rehabilitation, Class IV laser therapy and regenerative options such as PRP. Care starts with a complimentary consultation to find what is driving your elbow pain before a plan is built.
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer's Elbow: Where It Hurts Matters
From opening a jar to lifting groceries or swinging a racquet, your elbow does more work than most people notice until it starts to hurt. Two of the most frequent elbow conditions we see in St. Pete are tennis elbow and golfer's elbow. They sound similar, but they involve different sides of the joint.
- Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) comes from overuse of the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Symptoms often include pain, tenderness and difficulty gripping objects, like a coffee mug, a car door handle or a paddle.
- Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Pain usually radiates down the forearm and may come with weakness. It often develops in golfers and baseball players, and in anyone who frequently grips, lifts or twists the wrist.
Despite the names, you do not need to play either sport. Many people who come to us have never picked up a racquet. They type all day, work with tools, lift at the gym, or care for a family, and the same small motions add up.
Common Causes of Elbow Pain in St. Pete
Elbow pain can develop for many reasons, from a sudden injury to slow wear and tear. The causes we look for most often include:
- Overuse injuries: repetitive motions from sports, typing or physical labor can strain tendons and ligaments.
- Tendonitis and tendon tears: small tears or inflammation in the tendons that stabilize the joint.
- Arthritis: osteoarthritis and other degenerative changes can cause stiffness, swelling and long-term pain.
- Bursitis: inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the joint can make movement painful.
- Old injuries: scar tissue or stiffness can linger if an earlier injury never fully healed.
- Nerve irritation: conditions like cubital tunnel syndrome can cause tingling, weakness and pain around the elbow.
Understanding the underlying cause is the first step. Tennis elbow, bursitis and an irritated nerve can all feel like "my elbow hurts," but they call for different plans. You can read more on our elbow pain page.
How Burghealth Treats Elbow Pain Without Surgery
At our St. Petersburg clinic, the goal is to address the source of your discomfort rather than cover it up. For most patients, care begins with hands-on and movement-based treatment:
- Chiropractic adjustments. Misalignments in the joints or spine can add stress to the elbow. Gentle chiropractic care aims to restore alignment and reduce extra pressure on the surrounding muscles and tendons.
- Physical rehabilitation. Targeted exercises and stretches can strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility and restore stability in the joint. Our physical therapy work also focuses on preventing future flare-ups, which matters if you plan to keep playing pickleball, golf or tennis.
- Class IV laser therapy. Our laser therapy reaches deep into the tissue and may help reduce inflammation and support circulation and healing, which is why it is often used for tendon injuries and chronic inflammation.
These treatments are often combined. A plan might start with laser and gentle adjustments to calm the area, then shift toward strengthening as your grip and range of motion improve.
Regenerative Options for Elbow Pain That Will Not Settle
For persistent or severe elbow pain, regenerative medicine offers options that go beyond traditional care. These therapies are designed to support the body's own ability to repair damaged tissue:
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): made from a small sample of your own blood, processed to concentrate the platelets, then injected into the injured area. PRP therapy is widely used for tendonitis, ligament injuries and chronic elbow pain.
- Human Acellular Tissue (HCT) therapy: uses ethically sourced tissue rich in growth factors and other healing components, and may be considered for arthritis, tendon tears and chronic joint degeneration.
These options are minimally invasive alternatives to surgery for patients who want relief without a long recovery. Whether they fit you depends on your exam, your history and how your elbow has responded to earlier care. That is a conversation to have at your consultation, not a decision to make from a web page.
Getting Started From St. Pete, Gulfport, Pinellas Park or Clearwater
Burghealth Physical Medicine is at 6535 4th St. N., St. Petersburg, FL 33702. We see patients from across St. Petersburg and nearby communities, including Gulfport, Kenneth City, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Largo, St. Pete Beach and Clearwater.
A few things to know before your first visit:
- Complimentary consultation: Dr. Richards invites new patients to start with a free consultation to talk through the problem and the treatment that fits best.
- Same-day availability: same-day appointments are available, so a new flare does not have to wait weeks.
- Insurance and payment: most insurance plans are accepted, and payment options are available.
- What to bring: a short note on when the pain started, which movements set it off (gripping, lifting, typing, swinging), and anything you have already tried, such as a brace, rest or ice.
Dr. Richards was born and raised in St. Petersburg, and the clinic's approach is simple: treat people, not symptoms, and build a plan around how you actually use your arms every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between tennis elbow and golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow involves the tendons on the outside of the elbow and often causes pain, tenderness and trouble gripping. Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow, and the pain often radiates down the forearm, sometimes with weakness.
Do I have to play tennis or golf to get tennis elbow?
No. Both conditions are common in athletes, but they also show up in people who repeat the same arm and wrist movements at work or at home, such as typing, lifting, gripping tools or twisting the wrist.
Does Burghealth Physical Medicine take insurance for elbow pain care?
The clinic says most insurance plans are accepted and payment options are available. Call (727) 289-9148 to ask about your plan before your visit.
How do I get started with elbow pain care in St. Pete?
Call (727) 289-9148 to set up a complimentary consultation, or request an appointment online. A team member confirms online requests by phone.
Do not let elbow pain keep you from work, sports or simply enjoying life in St. Pete. Call Burghealth Physical Medicine at (727) 289-9148 or request your appointment online to schedule your complimentary consultation.