(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907
(03) 8415 1907

SHOULDER SURGERY

Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow Release Surgery

Tennis or golfer’s elbow release surgery: procedure, recovery, and expected outcomes

Tennis elbow release surgery and golfer’s elbow release surgery are procedures performed to treat persistent tendon pain on the outside or inside of the elbow when non-surgical treatments have not provided sufficient relief. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. Both conditions occur when tendon fibres become damaged through repetitive strain or overload. Surgical release aims to remove damaged tendon tissue, reduce pain, and support improved elbow strength and function.

On this page, you will learn how tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are assessed, when surgical treatment may be recommended, how elbow tendon release surgery is performed, what to expect during recovery and rehabilitation, and how to safely return to work, sport, exercise and daily activities following surgery.

1. What is tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are overuse tendon injuries affecting the muscles that control wrist and forearm movement.

Tennis elbow
(lateral epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow affects the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow. These tendons help extend the wrist and stabilise the forearm during gripping activities.

Golfer’s elbow
(medial epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow affects the tendons that attach to the inner part of the elbow. These tendons help flex the wrist and control gripping and forearm rotation.

Both conditions may develop gradually due to repetitive activities such as manual work, lifting, gripping tools, or sport.

2. When is tennis or golfer’s elbow release surgery recommended?

Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-operative treatment.

Surgical treatment may be appropriate when:
  • Elbow pain persists for six months or longer
  • Symptoms significantly affect work, sport, or daily activities
  • Physiotherapy, injections, or activity modification have not provided sufficient relief
  • Scans confirm the diagnosis
Dr Richard Dallalana carefully assesses each case to determine whether surgery is appropriate based on symptoms, functional impact, and response to prior treatment.

3. Preparing for tennis or golfer’s elbow release surgery

Before surgery, Dr Dallalana will confirm the diagnosis and develop a surgical plan tailored to your condition.

Pre-operative preparation may include:
  • Clinical assessment of elbow function and tendon involvement
  • Imaging such as ultrasound or MRI when required
  • Review of previous treatments and rehabilitation
  • Discussion of surgical options, risks, and recovery expectations

Patients are usually advised to fast prior to surgery depending on anaesthetic requirements.

4. How tennis or golfer’s elbow release surgery is performed

Tennis and golfer’s elbow release surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia. In some cases, this may be combined with regional anaesthesia to assist with pain relief after surgery.

Surgical approach

The procedure may be performed using a minimally invasive arthroscopic (keyhole) technique or through a small open incision. The most appropriate approach depends on the tendon involved, any associated elbow conditions and the patient’s individual anatomy.

During the procedure, Dr Dallalana identifies and removes the damaged or degenerated tendon tissue contributing to ongoing pain and poor healing. Where required, healthy tendon tissue may then be repaired or reattached. The underlying bone may also be prepared to help stimulate healing.

Any associated problems may also be treated during surgery, including:
  • Tendon tearing
  • Joint inflammation
  • Nerve irritation
  • Loose tissue within the joint
The aim of surgery is to reduce pain, remove unhealthy tendon tissue and create a better environment for healing and recovery.

5. What to expect immediately after elbow release surgery

Most patients return home the same day.
Early recovery includes:
  • Use of a sling or soft dressing for comfort
  • Pain management strategies
  • Wound care instructions
  • Early gentle elbow movement
Early motion is encouraged to reduce stiffness while protecting healing tendon tissue.

6. Recovery timeline after tennis or golfer’s elbow release surgery

Recovery occurs gradually and is guided through structured rehabilitation.
First 2 weeks after surgery
  • Wound healing and swelling control
  • Gentle elbow and wrist movement
  • Avoid heavy lifting or gripping
  • Gradual increase in elbow and forearm movement
  • Light daily activities may resume
  • Physiotherapy - Progressive strengthening of forearm muscles
  • Increasing functional arm use
  • Gradual return to modified work duties
  • Return to heavy lifting or sport may be considered
  • Ongoing strength and endurance improvement

Recovery varies between individuals depending on tendon healing, occupation, and activity demands.

7. Physiotherapy and rehabilitation after elbow release surgery

Rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery following tendon release surgery.

Physiotherapy commonly focuses on:

Early phase 0-6 weeks
  • Restoring gentle elbow and wrist movement
  • Managing pain and swelling
  • Protecting healing tendon tissue
  • No specific physiotherapy requirements
  • Gradual strengthening of forearm muscles - physiotherapist directed
  • Grip and endurance training
  • Movement retraining
  • Return to work-specific or sport-specific activity
  • Load tolerance training
  • Prevention strategies to reduce recurrence

Rehabilitation programs are tailored to individual recovery goals.

8. When can you return to work, sport, and daily activities are elbow release surgery?

Return to activity depends on occupational demands and rehabilitation progress.
General guidance may include:
  • Desk-based work: Often 1 to 2 weeks
  • Light manual duties: Usually 6 to 8 weeks
  • Heavy lifting or repetitive manual work: Often 3 to 6 months
  • Sporting activities: Gradual return based on strength and function after 3 months
Dr Dallalana will provide personalised advice based on recovery progress.

9. Expected results and long-term outcomes after elbow release surgery

Elbow release surgery aims to reduce tendon pain, improve function, and allow return to activities that were limited by symptoms.
Many patients experience:
  • Reduction in elbow pain
  • Improved grip strength
  • Increased ability to perform manual tasks
  • Improved sport participation
Recovery outcomes vary depending on tendon severity, duration of symptoms, and rehabilitation participation.

10. Risks and potential complications of elbow release surgery

All surgical procedures carry potential risks. These will be discussed prior to surgery and may include:
  • Infection
  • Stiffness or reduced elbow movement
  • Nerve irritation or numbness
  • Persistent pain
Careful surgical technique and structured rehabilitation aim to minimise these risks.

11. How Elbow Release Surgery is tailored to your injury and activity level

Tennis and golfer’s elbow vary significantly between individuals. Treatment planning considers:
  • Severity of tendon degeneration
  • Duration of symptoms
  • Occupation and sporting demands
  • Previous treatment response
  • Overall health and healing capacity
Dr Richard Dallalana focuses on tailoring surgical and rehabilitation planning to support safe recovery and functional improvement.

12. Warning signs and when to contact the practice after elbow release surgery

You should seek medical advice if you experience:
  • Increasing pain, redness, or swelling around the wound
  • Stiffness or reduced elbow movement
  • Nerve irritation or numbness
  • Persistent pain
Careful surgical technique and structured rehabilitation aim to minimise these risks.

13. Booking a consultation for tennis or golfer’s elbow release surgery

If you are experiencing persistent elbow pain affecting your work, sport, or daily activities, specialist assessment can help confirm the diagnosis and discuss appropriate treatment options. Dr Richard Dallalana provides comprehensive assessment and management of tendon-related elbow conditions, including both non-surgical and surgical treatment tailored to individual patient needs.
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