Fit man in his sixties hitting a powerful tennis backhand at golden hour

Medically reviewed by Derek Wimmer, PA Updated

Quick answer

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) are overuse tendinopathies where the forearm tendons attach at the elbow. At Wimmer they are treated non-surgically — using Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, and image-guided injections among the options, and focused shockwave therapy where it is the better-supported choice — because degenerative tendon changes rarely resolve with rest alone.

Key facts
What it isOveruse tendinopathy at the elbow
Tennis elbowOutside (lateral) of the elbow
Golfer's elbowInside (medial) of the elbow
Key optionsWharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells, PRP, peptides, injections

Common causes & symptoms

  • Pain on the outside (tennis) or inside (golfer's) of the elbow
  • Weak or painful grip — shaking hands, lifting a coffee cup, opening jars
  • Pain that flares with racquet sports, golf, or repetitive gripping
  • Aching that lingers after play and slowly worsens over months
  • Stiffness that rest and braces haven't fixed

When to seek care

If elbow pain is limiting your activity, lingering for more than a couple of weeks, waking you at night, or causing swelling or instability, it's worth a proper evaluation. Early, accurate assessment often opens up more — and less invasive — options.

How we evaluate it

Your visit begins with an in-office evaluation, with imaging — ultrasound or fluoroscopy — when it's needed, so we can see the area clearly. Occasionally we'll arrange additional imaging elsewhere. From there, Derek builds a personalized, honest plan — and walks you through the options for your situation.

Non-surgical options we may consider

  • Wharton's Jelly with mesenchymal stem cells — an umbilical-derived allograft for the affected tendon, an emerging non-surgical option offered with honest counsel
  • PRP — image-guided platelet-rich plasma for the degenerated tendon itself
  • Peptides — targeted peptides such as BPC-157 to support recovery and tissue resilience
  • Injections — precise placement confirmed on ultrasound
  • Focused shockwave therapy — a well-studied, drug-free option for stubborn elbow tendinopathy
  • Activity & equipment guidance — so the result lasts when you return to play

Keeping you active

For golfers, pickleball and tennis players, boaters, and active retirees, the goal isn't just less pain — it's getting back to the life you love and staying there. That's the heart of how we plan your care.

Terms to know

PRP
Platelet-rich plasma, prepared from a patient's own blood to concentrate platelets for an injection.
Focused shockwave
A non-surgical treatment that directs acoustic waves to a selected tissue area.
Ultrasound
Imaging that uses sound waves to show soft tissue and guide selected procedures.

Frequently asked questions

Why hasn't rest fixed my tennis elbow?
Because chronic epicondylitis is usually tendon degeneration, not simple inflammation. The tissue needs a repair stimulus — which is exactly what therapies like focused shockwave and PRP are designed to provide.
Do I need to stop playing tennis or golf?
Usually not forever, and often not entirely. We build a plan around your sport — modifying load while the tendon recovers, then returning you progressively.
Focused Shockwave or PRP for elbow tendinopathy?
Both have good evidence at the elbow. Severity, duration, and your goals decide it — sometimes we use them in sequence. You'll get a clear recommendation at your evaluation.