Tricep Tendinopathy – How Physiotherapy Can Ease Your Elbow Pain

Tricep tendinopathy is a lesser-known but painful condition that affects the tendon connecting the triceps muscle (at the back of your upper arm) to the elbow joint. It’s often caused by overuse, particularly from repetitive pushing movements or heavy lifting—common in gym-goers, tradies, and athletes.

At Darwin Health Group, we regularly treat tricep tendon issues with tailored physiotherapy programs that address both the cause and the pain.

What is tricep tendinopathy?

Tendinopathy refers to degeneration or chronic inflammation of a tendon due to repetitive microtrauma. Unlike an acute tear, tendinopathy develops gradually over time and can become a long-term issue if not treated correctly.

The triceps tendon is responsible for extending the elbow, and when overloaded, it can become thickened, irritated, and painful—especially during pressing or weight-bearing activities.

Common signs and symptoms:

A dull, aching pain at the back of the elbow
Pain or weakness when straightening the arm under load (e.g. push-ups, dips, lifting)
Tenderness over the tendon attachment at the elbow
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Possible swelling or thickening of the tendon

How is it treated?

Effective treatment involves both pain relief and rebuilding tendon strength. Rest alone is rarely enough—without the right rehab, tendinopathy can linger for months.

How physiotherapy can help:

At Darwin Health Group, our physiotherapists will:

Diagnose the stage of the tendinopathy and assess contributing movement patterns.
Use manual therapy, soft tissue release, and dry needling (if appropriate) to reduce pain.
Guide you through a progressive loading program to rebuild tendon strength using eccentric and isometric exercises.
Address other contributing factors such as shoulder weakness or poor lifting technique.
Educate you on pacing, warm-up routines, and activity modification.

Do I need a scan?

In most cases, a scan is not necessary to diagnose tricep tendinopathy. Our physios can identify it based on your symptoms and a physical assessment. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, imaging may be recommended to rule out other conditions.

Get ahead of your pain

Whether you're a weightlifter, tradie, or weekend warrior, don’t let tricep pain hold you back. With the right physiotherapy, you can reverse tendinopathy and build long-term elbow resilience.

💪 Book an appointment with the team at Darwin Health Group today and take the first step toward a stronger, pain-free arm.