Opening a jar or lifting a mug can feel harder than a workout when gripping hurts. You do not have to play tennis or golf to develop elbow symptoms.
This is general education for adults, not a diagnosis or an individualized exercise prescription. Your symptoms, health history and any existing medical advice come first.
What might be behind the symptoms?
Pain outside the elbow can fit a tennis-elbow presentation; inner-elbow pain needs its own assessment. Tendon irritation is one possibility, but numbness or an injury may indicate something different.
Our tennis and golfer's elbow guide explains the related assessment and care options in more detail.
What you can try at home
Reduce the gripping or twisting tasks that reliably aggravate symptoms. Try gentle elbow movement and a wrapped warm or cold pack for comfort. Avoid repeated hard gripping to check whether the pain is gone.
Stop a self-care measure if it increases symptoms. If you are unsure whether it is suitable, ask a qualified health professional; do not delay medical care while trying home remedies.
When to seek medical help
Arrange assessment when pain persists or limits normal tasks. Seek prompt medical help after a substantial injury or with marked swelling, new weakness or loss of sensation.
For a medical emergency in Alberta, call 911. Health Link at 811 can help with non-emergency health advice when you are unsure where to go.
How this fits your daily life
- Golfers & racquet-sport players: Bring an example of your usual practice volume and describe whether symptoms begin during play or later. We can discuss a gradual return to the course or court without promising an instant swing fix.
- Trades & manual workers: Bring any existing work restrictions and explain lifting heights, carrying distances and tool use. Employer forms and coverage requirements should be confirmed with the clinic before your appointment.
Explore the full Who we serve directory for other work, sport and life situations. These examples help you prepare a conversation; they do not mean everyone with the same activity needs the same treatment.
A useful question for your appointment
“How can I change tool use or practice volume, and what would a gradual return to gripping look like?”
Which REVIVELAB service should you discuss?
- Physiotherapy — discuss assessment, movement and a rehabilitation plan.
These are options to discuss, not a recommendation to book every treatment. Please speak with a qualified professional at REVIVELAB for an assessment and advice tailored to you.
Visiting from Hillhurst or nearby
All appointments take place at our Bridgeland clinic, 217 4 St NE, Unit 105, Calgary. We do not have a separate clinic in each neighbourhood. See the Hillhurst area guide, browse surrounding Calgary communities, or check directions and clinic hours.
Book an appointment through Jane, or call 403 235 0535 if you are unsure which appointment to choose.
Patient information source
Read the public patient resource informing this guide . Accessed October 29, 2026. International resources may describe different healthcare pathways; local emergency numbers are given above.