Do I have to stop playing to let tennis elbow heal?

Usually not completely. Load modification works better than total rest for most tendon problems, because a tendon that does nothing for six weeks comes back weaker than it started. What often changes is volume, grip size, technique, and how much you do between sessions rather than whether you play at all.

How long does tendon pain in the elbow take to settle?

Tendons are slower than muscles, and chronic cases are slower than recent ones. I would rather set that expectation early than have you conclude at week three that nothing is working. What I watch is whether your tolerance for load is climbing, which usually moves before the pain fully disappears.

My ring and little fingers go numb. Is that the elbow?

That distribution does point toward the ulnar nerve, which passes around the inside of the elbow, but it can also come from the neck. The examination is what separates them. Numbness in the thumb and first fingers instead points somewhere different again, often toward the wrist.

Does a brace or strap actually help elbow pain?

Some patients get useful short-term relief from a counterforce strap, and it can make working through the day more manageable. It is a symptom tool, not a treatment. Relying on it while nothing else changes tends to leave you wearing a strap indefinitely.

Elbow Pain Brooklyn, NY

Q: Why does my elbow hurt if I do not play tennis?

Most people I treat for tennis elbow have never held a racket. The name describes the tendon, not the cause. Mouse use, tool work, carrying bags, lifting a child, and any repetitive gripping task can load the same tissue past what it currently tolerates.

Tennis & Golfer\u2019s Elbow
SoftWave Tendon Repair
No Injections or Surgery

Elbow Pain Treatment in Brooklyn, NY

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Donovan, D.C., University of Bridgeport. Last updated September 2026.

Woman in Brooklyn with elbow pain, evaluated by Dr. Brian Donovan at Nuro Chiropractic

I am Dr. Brian Donovan, and at Nuro Chiropractic in Brooklyn, I do not immediately treat the spot where pain is present in your elbow. You can easily get clues when there is elbow pain; the location is the primary point of issue. However, there are still various structures that can produce pain in a similar area.

The treatment for tennis elbow is different from an ulnar nerve entrapment, and a tendon injury is not treated like a fracture. On the other hand, a painful neck will not get better by working on the elbow weekly.

Outer, Inner, or Something Else

Outer Elbow Pain

Lateral elbow tendinopathy, or tennis elbow, can usually be determined if you have issues with grip, lifting a cup of coffee, using a mouse, playing tennis, or pickleball.

Inner Elbow Pain

Medial elbow tendinopathy or golfer’s elbow is usually worsened by gripping, lifting, or routine wrist and forearm movement.

Everything That Is Not a Tendon

I suspect the ulnar nerve rather than the muscle and tendons if there is numbness or tingling into the hand. Other symptoms are stiffness or arthritis in the inner joint, nerve irritation around the elbow, traumatic injury, or symptoms referred from the cervical spine.

Evaluating Elbow Pain at Our Brooklyn Office

1 There will be some assessment of the elbow, wrist, and forearm range of motion, strength, grip, and tender areas.
2 Figure out the movements that increase the number of symptoms; then tendons, ligaments, and joints will undergo orthopedic testing.
3 Sensation, strength, and nerve function evaluation will be done if there are neurological symptoms. There will also be an examination of the wrist, shoulder, and cervical spine to make sure where the source is coming from.
4 Imaging is done only when necessary. Severe trauma, loss of motion, or possible arthritis or fracture can be checked with an X-ray available in the office. However, for a serious tendon or ligament injury, there will be a referral made for MRI or diagnostic ultrasound.

Possible Treatment Options

Mild tendon-related elbow pain: Adjustment of activities, mobility movements, soft-tissue treatment, instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization, stretching, and progressive strengthening of the involved tendons.
Stubborn chronic tennis or golfer’s elbow: SoftWave therapy. There is lots of success in managing various chronic tendon conditions with acoustic-wave therapies, especially if combined with progressive loading.
When clinically necessary, Class IV laser, cryotherapy, and other in-office therapies are done.

It Does Not Mean You Feel Better, You’re Ready

If there is tendon pain, it can be a signal that it cannot tolerate the demands it undergoes. Feeling better is not enough; it is better if the tissues become stronger again to handle gripping, lifting, working, or playing sports again.

When a Medical Evaluation is Needed For Your Elbow

Medical evaluation is suggested if there is a severe trauma plus visible deformity, movement impairment, or severe swelling means there is a fracture or dislocation. Furthermore, if there is a hot and markedly swollen joint that comes with fever or other systemic illness, urgent medical attention is required.

For serious or worsening weakness, numbness or tingling, or even muscle wasting, the approach is to be more cautious since there might be substantial nerve involvement. EMG and nerve conduction testing, and further imaging with the direction of a neurologist or upper-extremity specialist are highly suggested.

Conservative care can’t fix everything, such as if there is a significant tendon tear or structural injury. I’ll give you a referral rather than continue treating something that needs medical care.

FAQs About Elbow Pain

Should I not play any sports to heal the tennis elbow?

No. However, you must make some modifications to ensure that you do not put too much load that will stress it out. Instead, playing sports builds strength that could be helpful rather than not doing it at all. Just ensure that volume, grip size, technique, and the improvements you’ve had when playing and when not.

Why does my elbow hurt if I do not play tennis?

It does not mean that you have a tennis elbow; you already play tennis. The name was derived as a description and not because of the cause. Since you have the condition, activities that involve gripping and carrying can load the same tissue to a level that it can’t currently tolerate.

How long does tendon pain last?

Since tendons are slower than muscles, setting expectations is helpful. It is better to build tolerance rather than waiting for pain to disappear. Tolerance usually increases as the pain lessens.

Is that the elbow if I experience numbness in the ring and little finger

The ulnar nerve could be the culprit as it passes around the inner elbow, but the neck must not be ruled out as well. Proper examination is the key. Numbness in the thumb and first fingers instead suggests something different again, often toward the wrist.

Are brace or strap helpful?

A counterforce strap seems to be helpful to some patients. But usually it is just for the short-term because it is a symptom tool and not a cure. Being dependent on it will just lead you to wear it indefinitely.

Get Working Arms, Not Just Getting it Less Painful

We need to know the root cause of the symptoms and their severity. After that, provide a treatment plan that works, which includes the right combination of treatment, rehabilitation, technology, or referral. The goal is to use your arms the way you used to without being bothered by limitations.

Nuro Chiropractic, 9408 4th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11209. Serving Bay Ridge, Staten Island, Bensonhurst, Park Slope, Prospect Park, Borough Park, Manhattan, Dyker Heights, Williamsburg, and the greater Brooklyn area.

Request an Appointment (718) 745-2229