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, expected recovery and rehabilitation timelines, and guidance on safely returning to work, sport, exercise, and daily activities following surgery.
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are overuse tendon injuries affecting the muscles that control wrist and forearm movement.
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 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.
Surgery may be considered when symptoms persist despite appropriate non-operative treatment.
Surgical treatment may be appropriate when:
Dr Richard Dallalana carefully assesses each case to determine whether surgery is appropriate based on symptoms, functional impact, and response to prior treatment.
Before surgery, Dr Dallalana will confirm the diagnosis and develop a surgical plan tailored to your condition.
Patients are usually advised to fast prior to surgery depending on anaesthetic requirements.
Tennis and golfer’s elbow release surgery is usually performed as a day procedure under general anaesthesia, sometimes combined with regional anaesthesia to assist with post-operative pain control.
The procedure may be performed using:
The choice of approach depends on tendon involvement, associated elbow conditions, and individual anatomy.
The surgeon identifies and removes degenerated tendon fibres that are contributing to ongoing pain and poor healing.
Healthy tendon tissue may be repaired or reattached where required. The underlying bone may also be prepared to encourage improved tendon healing.
During surgery, other contributing factors may be addressed, such as:
• Tendon tearing
• Joint inflammation
• Nerve irritation
• Loose tissue within the joint
The goal of surgery is to reduce pain and allow the tendon to heal in a healthier environment.
Most patients return home the same day.
Early recovery commonly includes:
Early motion is encouraged to reduce stiffness while protecting healing tendon tissue.
Recovery occurs gradually and is guided through structured rehabilitation.
• Wound healing and swelling control
• Gentle elbow and wrist movement
• Avoid heavy lifting or gripping
• Gradual increase in elbow and forearm movement
• Commencement of physiotherapy
• Light daily activities may resume
• 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.
Rehabilitation plays an important role in recovery following tendon release surgery.
Physiotherapy commonly focuses on:
• Restoring gentle elbow and wrist movement
• Managing pain and swelling
• Protecting healing tendon tissue
• Gradual strengthening of forearm muscles
• 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.
Return to activity depends on occupational demands and rehabilitation progress.
Dr Dallalana will provide personalised advice based on recovery progress.
Recovery outcomes vary depending on tendon severity, duration of symptoms, and rehabilitation participation.
Specialist assessment helps determine when surgical treatment may be appropriate.
All surgical procedures carry potential risks. These will be discussed prior to surgery and may include:
Careful surgical technique and structured rehabilitation aim to minimise these risks.
Tennis and golfer’s elbow vary significantly between individuals. Treatment planning considers:
Dr Richard Dallalana focuses on tailoring surgical and rehabilitation planning to support safe recovery and functional improvement.
You should seek medical advice if you experience:
Early review helps identify and manage complications promptly.
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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