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Do you have nagging pain at the back of your arm or elbow that just won’t resolve? If you’ve been dealing with triceps tendonitis and wondering why your arm pain isn’t going away, you’re not alone. Triceps tendonitis (sometimes called weightlifter’s elbow) can be frustrating – it hurts to push up from a chair, lift a bag, or do your favorite workout, yet rest and basic treatments haven’t fixed it. We understand how discouraging this cycle can be. The good news is, there are reasons your pain might be lingering, and there are ways to fix triceps tendonitis so you can get back to living pain-free. In this article, we’ll explain what triceps tendonitis is, why the pain can become persistent, what current research says about treating it, and how a whole-body approach at our clinic can help. You’ll also find effective home care tips, exercises for triceps tendonitis, and answers to common questions (like whether a triceps tendon tear is at play or if tendonitis can cause forearm pain). Let’s dive in and get you on the road to relief.
(Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for your specific condition. Individual results may vary.)
Triceps tendonitis is an irritation or inflammation of the triceps tendon, which connects your triceps muscle (the muscle on the back of your upper arm) to your elbow bone (olecranon). Repetitive strain or sudden overload can cause tiny micro-tears in the tendon, leading to pain and swelling. Common causes include activities like weightlifting (especially exercises such as heavy presses or tricep kickbacks that heavily work the triceps muscles), throwing sports, or any job/hobby that involves frequent elbow extension. Over time, if the tendon is pushed beyond its capacity, it undergoes degenerative changes: the collagen fibers break down and blood flow to the tissue can decrease. The tendon may even thicken or develop calcifications at its attachment point. In other words, what started as acute inflammation (tendonitis) can become a chronic degeneration (tendinosis) if healing doesn’t complete properly.
Why does the pain persist or get stuck? One big reason is that tendons heal slowly and require the right balance of rest and load. If you continue the cycle of repetitive strain without enough recovery, the tendon can’t repair and you essentially “re-injure” it repeatedly. In fact, patients can get stuck in the initial inflammatory phase of healing if they don’t address the root cause and keep aggravating the tendon. Another reason your arm pain isn’t going away could be that only the symptoms were treated (e.g. taking painkillers or briefly resting) but the underlying dysfunction wasn’t fixed. For example, you might have scar tissue or muscle imbalances contributing to the tendon overload. As one Unpain Clinic podcast episode highlighted, pain in one area often stems from issues elsewhere, and treating the entire kinetic chain is crucial for full healing. If you only calm the pain temporarily but never strengthen weak links (like shoulder stability or core strength) or resolve tissue adhesions, the triceps tendonitis pain can flare up again as soon as you resume activity.
Additionally, it’s important to ensure the diagnosis is correct. Persistent “tendonitis” pain might not improve if it was misdiagnosed – for instance, pain at the back of the elbow could also be from an olecranon stress fracture or bursitis in rare cases. In some situations, what feels like stubborn tendonitis is actually a partial triceps tendon tear. A significant tear won’t heal with conservative care alone, and can cause ongoing weakness or a gap above the elbow. (Signs of a tear include a popping sensation, immediate bruising, and difficulty straightening the arm – if you suspect this, see a physician promptly.) The bottom line is that true triceps tendinopathy should improve with proper treatment – so if your arm pain isn’t going away, it means something in the healing process is being missed.
Triceps Tendonitis Symptoms: Most people with triceps tendonitis have an achy or sharp pain at the back of the elbow, right where the tendon attaches (just above that bony point). The pain is usually worse with activity, especially pushing or straightening the arm against resistance. You might feel tenderness if you press around the area, and sometimes mild swelling or a bump. The elbow can feel stiff, and you may notice loss of full extension (difficulty fully straightening the arm). However, unlike a complete tear, you can still move the arm and maintain strength – it just hurts. Symptoms often start off mild and increase over time with continued activity, though they can also come on suddenly if the tendon was acutely overloaded. If you ever have severe redness, warmth, or fever along with elbow pain, that’s not typical for simple tendonitis – get medical attention to rule out infection or other issues.
When it comes to why tendon pain can become chronic and how to treat it, modern research offers both cautions and hope. Studies show that chronic tendonitis (tendinopathy) isn’t just about inflammation – it involves structural changes in the tendon and even the nervous system. For example, repetitive use of a tendon leads to disorganized collagen and abnormal tendon tissue, which can weaken the tendon over time. If this degeneration goes far enough, it increases the risk of a tendon rupture (complete tear). Fortunately, most cases of triceps tendinopathy do not progress to rupture and are considered self-limiting – meaning with proper management they can resolve over time. In fact, one review noted that the general impression is triceps tendonitis tends to heal with conservative care, and surgery is rarely needed except for the most severe partial tears or complete ruptures. This is good news: it means that by following evidence-based treatment (and being a bit patient), you have a strong chance of recovery without invasive procedures.
Steroid injections vs. other treatments: You might be aware that cortisone (steroid) injections are sometimes used for tendon problems. The evidence for cortisone in elbow tendonitis is mixed. A randomized trial in golfers’ elbow (a different tendon at the elbow) found steroids gave better pain relief at 6 weeks, but by 3 months and 1 year the advantage disappeared. Moreover, steroid shots carry a risk of the pain coming back worse (relapse) and can weaken the tendon tissue if repeated. In the triceps tendon, steroid injections are generally avoided because they’ve been linked to tendon rupture in this area. Instead, if an injection is needed for a stubborn case, emerging treatments like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or autologous blood injections are considered, as these aim to stimulate healing rather than just reduce inflammation. However, injections are usually only explored after simpler measures fail, given the triceps tendon’s good potential to heal with conservative therapy.
Active Rehab and Exercise: Research consistently shows that properly graded exercise is one of the best ways to rehabilitate tendinopathies. Eccentric strengthening (exercises that emphasize slow lengthening of the muscle, like slowly lowering a weight in a triceps extension) has been found particularly useful for chronic tendon issues. Unlike static stretching – which hasn’t shown clear benefit once tendonitis is present – eccentric and progressive loading exercises can stimulate the tendon to repair and get stronger. One prospective study on athletes with elbow tendon pain, for instance, outlined phases: first rest and relieve pain, then start physiotherapy and strengthening once pain settles, and finally modify technique or training to prevent recurrence. The goal is to return the tendon and muscle to above pre-injury strength, since the initial weakness or overload is what made it susceptible. In short, research backs a combination of rest and rehab: calm the initial pain, then exercise and movement to rebuild resilience. Completely babying the arm without rehab can actually leave the tendon weaker and more prone to ongoing pain.
Shockwave Therapy and Regenerative Modalities: One of the most exciting areas of research for stubborn tendon pain is extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Shockwave is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in tissues. It’s not the same as therapeutic ultrasound – shockwaves deliver higher-energy pulses that kickstart biological repair mechanisms. Studies have shown shockwave can increase blood circulation in the tendon, promote new blood vessel formation, break down scar tissue, and even activate stem cells in the area. Essentially, it helps a chronically irritated tendon move out of the stalled healing phase and into active remodeling. For example, a 2018 clinical study with over 300 patients found that shockwave therapy significantly reduced pain and improved function in common tendinopathies (like elbow and rotator cuff tendonitis) compared to control treatments. Patients reported at least a two-point improvement in pain and mobility on a five-point scale after shockwave, and those gains persisted at follow-up. The authors concluded that shockwave was effective and safe enough to consider it a first-choice treatment for stubborn tendon injuries.
It’s worth noting that shockwave is particularly helpful for chronic cases that haven’t healed with rest. Unlike a painkiller or even a cortisone shot which might provide only temporary relief, shockwave aims to fix triceps tendonitis by actually jump-starting the tendon’s natural repair processes. Meta-analyses on other chronic musculoskeletal conditions (like chronic low back pain and plantar fasciitis) have found shockwave therapy yields significantly better pain relief and functional improvement than standard care, with no serious side effects. And when combined with exercise therapy, shockwave has shown even greater long-term benefits than exercise alone. All of this underscores an important theme: chronic pain often requires a comprehensive approach – one that addresses tissue healing (with regenerative therapies like shockwave) and retrains the body (with exercise and neuromuscular rehab).
Mind-Body Factors: Chronic tendon pain isn’t just a physical tissue issue; the nervous system plays a role too. Research into pain neurobiology shows that after an injury, your nerves and brain can become hypersensitive (a phenomenon called central sensitization). Essentially, the nervous system can “remember” pain and keep sounding the alarm even when the tissue has structurally improved. This might be why your pain spikes with certain movements or why stress seems to worsen your symptoms. New therapies targeting the nervous system – broadly termed neuromodulation – are gaining interest. These include techniques like specific microcurrent stimulation that help “reset” an oversensitized nerve network. Early evidence suggests calming the nervous system’s fight-or-flight response can reduce chronic pain intensity. While more research is needed in tendonitis specifically, it’s an area we watch closely, as it reinforces the idea that treating chronic pain means treating you as a whole person, not just an isolated tendon.
At Unpain Clinic, we pride ourselves on being one of the top-rated physiotherapy clinics in Canada for triceps tendonitis and other stubborn injuries. Our approach is never just “one thing” – we combine several advanced therapies to attack the pain at its source and help your body heal. When you come in with triceps tendon pain, here are the main treatment options we may use (often in combination):
Shockwave therapy is usually at the core of our tendonitis treatment plans, and for good reason. We have True Shockwave™ devices that deliver focused healing waves into the injured triceps tendon. Patients often describe the treatment as a bit uncomfortable on very sore spots, but very tolerable overall (and only a few minutes long). The effects can feel almost “magical” – many people notice reduced pain and improved mobility even after 1–2 sessions, as one clinical review also found. How does it work? Shockwaves cause controlled micro-trauma that stimulates your body’s repair mechanisms. This leads to formation of new blood vessels and increased blood flow in the tendon, which bring nutrients needed for healing. The waves also break up disorganized scar tissue, allowing healthier collagen to be laid down. We love shockwave because it’s a regenerative therapy – it helps the tendon actually regenerate stronger tissue, rather than just masking pain. In fact, there are hundreds of studies linking shockwave to reduced pain and better function in tendinopathy patients, often within 5–6 sessions or fewer. It’s non-invasive, and unlike injections or surgery, there’s essentially no downtime after; you can go about your day (with some activity modifications) as it heals.
(Fun fact: Uran Berisha, our clinic founder and shockwave expert, has administered over 35,000 shockwave treatments and teaches other practitioners worldwide. You’re truly in experienced hands!)
If you haven’t heard of EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy), it’s a cutting-edge modality that uses high-frequency magnetic pulses to promote healing. Think of it like an MRI’s magnetic field, but applied therapeutically to decrease inflammation and boost cellular repair. We often pair EMTT with shockwave in stubborn tendonitis cases. The magnetic energy penetrates deep into the elbow and arm tissues to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and encourage tissue regeneration (even at the cellular metabolism level). Patients love that it’s painless – you just relax while a loop emits pulsating magnetic waves into the affected area. By modulating inflammation and pain signaling, EMTT helps quiet down an overactive pain response. We consider it a powerful complementary therapy: shockwave starts the tissue healing, and EMTT calms the inflammatory overdrive and pain sensitivity. The result is a one-two punch that can accelerate relief. For triceps tendonitis, EMTT can especially help if there’s a lot of reactive muscle tightness or joint irritation around the elbow, as it soothes these elements.
Chronic arm pain can cause your nervous system to go into “high alert” mode. Sometimes even after the tendon has started healing, the nerves keep over-reacting, sending pain signals with movement. To address this, we incorporate gentle neuromodulation therapies. One example is the NESA XSignal microcurrent treatment, a device we use at Unpain Clinic to “reset” nerve activity. It sends a very low electrical current (you barely feel a tingle) through pads on your skin, helping to rebalance the autonomic nervous system. In simpler terms, it tells your brain and nerves that it’s okay to relax – the area is safe and healing. This can reduce that persistent aching or sensitivity that traditional therapies alone might not fully address. We also consider other techniques like therapeutic taping or topical analgesics in this category – anything that provides a soothing input to the nervous system. The key is breaking the pain cycle: by calming over-sensitized nerves, neuromodulation helps break the cycle of pain-spasm-pain, so you can move more normally without your elbow “screaming” at you. It’s a truly holistic approach to pain: treat the tissue and teach the nerves to chill out.
No treatment plan for triceps tendonitis would be complete without hands-on care and exercise. Our physiotherapists and chiropractors are skilled in manual therapy techniques to address any joint misalignments or soft tissue restrictions that might be contributing to your pain. For example, limited mobility in your shoulder or stiffness in the elbow joint can put extra strain on the triceps tendon. Gentle joint mobilizations, deep tissue massage, or myofascial release around the shoulder, arm, and forearm can improve your overall mechanics. We often find trigger points (knots) in the triceps muscle or surrounding muscles that benefit from release – once those knots are relieved, the tendon stops getting overstressed. Manual therapy also promotes blood flow and tissue elasticity, supporting the healing process.
Equally important is exercise therapy. After we’ve calmed down the worst of the pain, we will guide you through targeted exercises to strengthen your arm safely. This typically includes eccentric strengthening for the triceps (as research supports) – for instance, slowly lowering a light dumbbell from an overhead triceps extension to build tendon resilience. We’ll also incorporate shoulder and scapular exercises if needed (often, poor shoulder stability or posture can overload the elbow). And don’t be surprised if we give you core or leg exercises too! Remember, the body is interconnected: weakness in your core or hips can alter your arm mechanics. As Uran often emphasizes on the Unpain Clinic podcast, treating the whole kinetic chain is crucial – you have to look above and below the injury. By improving your overall movement patterns and strength, we ensure that once your tendon heals, the pain stays gone. We’ll coach you on proper form and gradually progress your program. Active rehabilitation is a cornerstone, because you don’t just want temporary relief; you want lasting fix and to come back stronger than before.
To see how these pieces come together, let’s share a brief patient experience. One client, a 50-ish-year-old fitness coach from Edmonton, came to us with nearly 9 years of chronic arm and shoulder pain after an accident. He had fallen off a ladder and injured his elbow years prior – surgery was done on his shoulder, but ever since, he felt sharp pain shooting from his elbow up through his biceps to the shoulder. He had tried “everything” (physio, massage, acupuncture, cortisone shots) and was told he might just have to live with the pain. During his initial assessment at Unpain Clinic, our therapist listened carefully and then asked, “Has anyone ever fully checked your elbow?” The answer was no – the focus had always been on the shoulder. We found that his triceps tendon and elbow joint were actually key troublemakers from that old injury. We started treating his elbow and surrounding tissues with shockwave therapy, targeting not just the shoulder. After 3 sessions, he didn’t feel much change yet, but we encouraged him to give it a little time and avoid overstraining while the treatments took effect. Sure enough, a few months later he reported that his elbow and shoulder pain had dramatically reduced. In about 6 months, after 9 long years of pain, he was essentially pain-free and back to his active lifestyle. By treating the true cause (an overlooked elbow tendon issue and scar tissue) and using regenerative therapy plus holistic rehab, we helped his body finally heal. He was able to resume boxing and coaching without that constant pain – something he once thought impossible. This story is a great reminder: when we look for why it hurts (not just where it hurts), and treat the root cause with the right tools, even long-term pain can turn around.
(Testimonial source: Jack T., chronic elbow/shoulder pain client – shared with permission)
While professional therapy is often needed for stubborn triceps tendonitis, there’s a lot you can do on your own to support healing. Think of these as your “home treatment kit” for triceps tendonitis – simple steps and exercises for triceps tendonitis that can reduce pain and prevent further injury:
Relative Rest and Activity Modification: It’s crucial to give your tendon a break from aggravating activities. This doesn’t mean stop all arm use, but avoid heavy lifting, push-ups, or repetitive elbow extensions that provoke pain. If you’re weight training, temporarily cut out exercises like dips, heavy presses, or repetitive tricep kickbacks – these moves heavily load the triceps. Opt for lower-impact exercises that don’t cause pain. Remember, continuing the same strain that caused the injury will just perpetuate the cycle. Many patients worry about losing progress at the gym, but this short rest (or switching to leg workouts, etc.) is key to not undoing the healing.
Ice and Anti-inflammatories: In the acute or painful phase, icing the back of the elbow for 10-15 minutes at a time can help calm inflammation and numb pain. Do this especially after any activity that irritates the arm. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory gels or creams (like a diclofenac gel) can also provide relief by reducing local inflammation. Topical NSAID gels have the benefit of targeting the area with minimal systemic side effects. You can gently massage the gel into the tender spot a few times a day as directed. Oral anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen) may be used short-term, but check with your doctor, especially if you have any medical contraindications. Keep in mind that medications and ice mainly manage symptoms; they don’t fix the tendon, so use these methods to make yourself comfortable, but pair them with the rehab steps below.
Elbow Support or Band: Using a tricep tendonitis band or elbow strap is another home strategy to consider. These are similar to the straps used for tennis elbow, but positioned slightly higher up, just above the elbow on the triceps muscle. The idea is that the band can redistribute force away from the tendon insertion, giving it a mini “offload” during activities. Some patients find an elbow brace or sleeve compressive support helps reduce pain during daily tasks. It’s certainly not a cure, but if it allows you to do light activities with less pain, it’s worth it. Ensure any brace is not too tight (you don’t want to cut off circulation). We can advise you on proper placement if you’re unsure.
Gentle Stretching and Mobility: Keeping the arm moving within pain-free ranges is important so you don’t get too stiff. Gentle triceps stretches can be done as long as they do not sharply increase pain. A classic triceps stretch is raising your arm overhead, then bending the elbow so your hand drops behind your head (as if scratching your upper back) – use the opposite hand to lightly push the elbow back. You should feel a mild stretch in the back of the arm. Hold ~20 seconds, no bouncing. Do not overstretch to the point of pain, especially if the tendon is very irritable. Some literature suggests stretching is less beneficial once a tendinopathy is chronic, so focus more on gentle range-of-motion movements: for instance, bending and straightening the elbow without weight, or doing light “nerve glides” (moving the arm to gently stretch the nerves if prescribed by your physio). Heat can also be used before stretching to relax the muscles (try a warm shower or heating pad on your triceps for 10 minutes).
Strengthening Exercises: Eccentric and isometric exercises are extremely effective for tendon rehab. One easy at-home exercise is isometric elbow extension: stand facing a wall, bend your elbow 90 degrees and push your palm against the wall (like a static push-up at the wall). Push with about 50-70% effort so you feel the triceps engage but without sharp pain. Hold for 10 seconds, repeat 5–10 times. This can reduce pain via something called the analgesic effect of isometrics. Another is the eccentric dumbbell triceps extension: hold a light weight (even a soup can) above your head with the affected arm, support at the elbow with your other hand, and slowly lower the weight behind your head (bending the elbow). Use your other hand to help raise the weight back up, and repeat the slow lowering 8–12 times if it’s pain-free. This eccentric loading helps stimulate tendon remodeling. Start with very light weight (or just gravity) to test tolerance. Important: these exercises should be mostly pain-free or just mild discomfort at most. If something causes pain to spike, back off and consult your physiotherapist for modifications. As you heal, your therapist will progress you to more functional triceps exercises (like modified push-ups or resistance band work), but don’t rush into those until guided.
Maintain Shoulder and Wrist Mobility: Since the triceps tendon spans the elbow, issues in the shoulder or forearm can influence it. Include some gentle shoulder blade squeezes, shoulder circles, and wrist stretches in your routine. For example, wrist flexor stretches (arm straight, palm down, gently pull fingers back) can relieve any compensatory tension in the forearm that might be contributing to elbow pain. This addresses the common question: “Can triceps tendonitis cause forearm pain?” Indirectly it can – when your triceps is painful, you might overuse forearm muscles or alter your arm mechanics, leading to forearm aches. So keeping the whole arm flexible and strong will help the elbow in the long run.
Gradual Return to Activity: As your symptoms improve, plan a gradual comeback to your usual workouts or tasks. If you stopped weightlifting, for example, reintroduce triceps exercises at a much lighter intensity initially. Warm up thoroughly, and consider doing higher-rep, lower-weight sets to build endurance in the tendon before heavy strength work. Pay attention to form – engage your shoulders and core to avoid dumping stress on the elbows. And listen to your body: a little discomfort during rehab exercises can be okay, but sharp pain is a sign to slow down. It’s often said in rehab that you should “increase activity to tolerance” – meaning, add a bit more each few days as long as the pain remains low and doesn’t flare up the next day.
Finally, educate yourself and be patient. Tendon healing can take weeks to months. You’re not failing if it’s not 100% after a couple weeks. Tendons have relatively less blood supply than muscle, so they mend more slowly. The good news is they do mend, and often come back stronger with the right approach. If at-home measures and time (say 4–6 weeks) aren’t making a noticeable difference, don’t suffer in silence – that’s the time to seek professional help and possibly more advanced therapies like shockwave. Often, a combination of clinic treatments and home exercises yields the best outcome.
The hallmark symptom is pain at the back of the elbow, right where the triceps muscle attaches to the olecranon (the bony tip of the elbow). It often starts as a dull ache after activity and can progress to sharper pain with movements like pushing or straightening the arm. You might notice the pain when doing push-ups, weightlifting (e.g. bench press or tricep dips), or even pushing yourself up from a sitting position. Other symptoms include tenderness when you press on the triceps tendon, stiffness in the elbow (especially after rest), and sometimes mild swelling or a spongy feeling around the tendon. Typically, people maintain strength in the arm but it hurts to use it with force. In chronic cases, the area might feel thickened. If you ever feel a sudden pop in the elbow and immediate bruising or inability to extend the arm, that’s more indicative of a tendon tear rather than tendonitis.
Triceps tendonitis primarily causes pain in the elbow region (posterior elbow). However, it can lead to forearm or even hand discomfort indirectly. How? The body is a connected chain. When your triceps tendon is painful, you might unconsciously change how you use your arm – for example, you may rely more on your forearm muscles to do tasks to avoid using the painful triceps. This overuse of forearm muscles can cause soreness there. Additionally, the nerves that travel down your arm (such as the radial nerve) run near the triceps. If there’s a lot of inflammation, sometimes people can get a bit of nerve irritation, which might be felt as radiating pain down to the forearm. That said, forearm pain isn’t a classic symptom of triceps tendonitis by itself, so it’s wise to have an assessment to ensure there isn’t another issue simultaneously. Often by treating the triceps tendonitis and improving your overall arm mechanics, any secondary forearm pain will resolve as well.
Triceps tendonitis is irritation or micro-tearing of the tendon that causes pain but not a complete rupture. A triceps tendon tear means some (partial tear) or all (full rupture) of the tendon fibers have ripped away from the bone. The differences come down to severity of symptoms and function. In tendonitis (or tendinopathy), you’ll have pain and maybe weakness due to pain, but you can still straighten your arm against resistance, and the pain usually came on gradually. In a significant tear, the onset is usually acute – often an injury event like lifting something very heavy or a direct blow. A pop or tearing sensation may be felt. With a full tear, you cannot actively straighten your elbow (the arm will give out because the connection is lost), and there is often a visible indentation just above the elbow where the tendon should attach. There will also be swelling and bruising in the days after. Partial tears can be trickier to distinguish from bad tendonitis – you might have marked weakness but still some ability to extend, and a lot of pain. Imaging (ultrasound or MRI) is the best way to confirm a tear. Why does it matter? A small partial tear might heal with the same conservative treatment as tendonitis (rest, therapy), but a large partial tear or complete rupture usually requires surgical repair. If you’ve had a long-standing tendonitis, the risk of a tear is higher, so it’s important not to ignore severe or sudden worsening of pain. At Unpain Clinic, we assess the integrity of the tendon – if a tear is suspected, we’ll guide you to the appropriate specialist. The good news: true triceps ruptures are quite rare (less than 1% of tendon injuries). Most elbow pain cases we see are tendonitis/tendinosis and can be managed without surgery.
Healing time can vary widely depending on the severity and how it’s treated. Mild cases of triceps tendonitis (caught early) might improve in a few weeks with rest and proper rehab. More chronic cases can take a few months to fully resolve. In general, tendons go through phases of healing: inflammation (first few days), repair (several weeks), and remodeling (up to 6+ weeks as collagen fibers strengthen). Many people start to feel noticeable relief around the 4–6 week mark of consistent treatment (that’s often when pain decreases significantly). However, returning to full activity level (especially heavy sports or labor) might take 8–12 weeks or longer to be safe. If you incorporate regenerative therapies like shockwave, you might accelerate this timeline – for example, shockwave studies on tendinopathy often show improvements after about 4–6 sessions over 4–8 weeks. It’s important to continue strengthening even when the pain subsides, to reduce re-injury risk. Also, individual factors play a role: fitness level, age, nutrition, and how diligently you avoid aggravating the tendon during healing. A general guideline we give is: most tendinopathies heal in 2–3 months with proper care, but you might feel 80-90% better much sooner, and conversely a very chronic case could take 6+ months for full recovery. Patience and consistency are key. If you’re ever unsure, get a professional evaluation – sometimes what we think is “tendonitis” dragging on may need a different approach or diagnosis.
Shockwave therapy is generally well-tolerated and relatively quick, but it can cause some discomfort during treatment. Most clients describe it as a series of tapping or pulsing sensations on the skin. When the shockwave is delivered to a very sensitive or scarred area, you might feel a sharp sensation or ache that ranges from mild to occasionally moderately painful – however, it lasts only a few seconds at a time, and the therapist can adjust intensity to your comfort. The good news is any treatment discomfort stops the moment the session ends; there is no lingering burning or anything like that. In fact, many patients experience immediate pain relief right after a session (likely due to the pain-modulation effects and blood flow increase). It’s also common to feel a bit “sore” or achy in the treated area for a day or two afterward, similar to how you might feel after a deep massage – this is a normal response as the body initiates healing. We always communicate during the procedure: you let us know if it’s too intense and we adjust. In our experience, even those nervous about pain get through shockwave sessions just fine – we’ve had clients say “that’s it? I was worried for nothing.” And the payoff, in terms of pain relief in the days after, tends to far outweigh the momentary discomfort. If you have concerns, talk to your therapist; we can start with lower settings and gradually increase as you get used to it. Most people find each subsequent treatment is easier as the area heals and becomes less tender.
No, you do not need a referral from a physician to see our physiotherapists or chiropractors. We are a direct-access clinic, meaning you can book an appointment on your own. Simply contact us or use our online booking to schedule your initial assessment. That said, if you have extended health benefits, be sure to check your policy – a few insurance plans do require a doctor’s note for reimbursement of physiotherapy or chiropractic services. This is not common, but it’s worth verifying with your provider. Generally, though, you can come straight to us. In fact, the sooner you address an issue like triceps tendonitis, the easier it is to treat, so don’t delay an evaluation waiting on a referral. Our team will assess your condition and, if we think you need further medical investigation (like imaging or a specialist consult), we will definitely communicate that and even liaise with your family doctor. But you can start with us – no referral needed.
Private health insurance (extended benefits) often covers shockwave therapy under physiotherapy, as long as the treatment is performed by a registered physiotherapist as part of a physio treatment plan. So, if you have benefits for physiotherapy, your shockwave sessions at Unpain Clinic can usually be claimed like any other physio visit. We direct bill many insurers as well. It’s always a good idea to confirm the details of your plan – some plans have limits per visit or per treatment type. Shockwave is not separately coded; it falls under the physio service. Now, regarding provincial healthcare (such as Alberta Health Care or OHIP in Ontario): generally, public health insurance does not cover shockwave therapy. In Alberta, for example, only clinics with specific Alberta Health Services contracts can provide limited coverage for physio, and even then shockwave isn’t typically included. Unpain Clinic operates fully in the private sector, so visits are billed to you (and then to your insurance if you have coverage). The cost of shockwave is higher than a standard physio session due to the technology, but because it often requires fewer sessions, patients find it very cost-effective in the long run (fewer total visits and faster results). We are transparent about fees – check our pricing page or ask, and we’ll help you maximize any insurance benefits you have. Ultimately, don’t let cost be a barrier to seeking care; we can discuss treatment plans that work for you.
Persistent triceps tendonitis pain can be a real drag on your life – but it does not have to be permanent. If you’ve been stuck in a cycle of rest, pain, repeat, it’s time to approach your arm pain from a new angle. Triceps tendonitis often isn’t going away because the underlying causes (degenerative tendon fibers, improper healing, muscle imbalances, or missed diagnosis of a partial tear) haven’t been fully addressed. By understanding the condition and embracing evidence-based treatments, you can finally turn the corner. Modern research and our clinical experience show that a combination of regenerative therapies like shockwave, novel technologies like EMTT and neuromodulation, skilled manual therapy, and targeted exercise can unlock your body’s healing potential – even for chronic, stubborn cases. We hope this article has given you clarity and hope that your arm can heal. You don’t have to live with that elbow pain or give up the activities you love. Recovery might not happen overnight, but with the right approach, triceps tendonitis pain can greatly improve, and you can regain strength and confidence in your arm.
If you’re ready to break free from the injury cycle and get answers tailored to your situation, we’re here to help. Our team at Unpain Clinic will not just ask “Where does it hurt?” – we’ll dig into “Why does it hurt?” and create a plan to fix it. Let us help you finally overcome that arm pain that isn’t going away.
Book Your Initial Assessment NowAt Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?”
If you’ve been frustrated by the cycle of “try everything, feel nothing,” this assessment is for you. We take a whole-body approach so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
✅ What’s Included
Comprehensive history & goal setting
Orthopedic & muscle testing (head-to-toe)
Motion analysis
Imaging decisions (if needed)
Pain pattern mapping
Personalized treatment roadmap
Benefit guidance
🕑 Important Details
60 minutes, assessment only
No treatment in this visit
👩⚕️ Who You’ll See
A licensed Registered Physiotherapist or Chiropractor
🔜 What Happens Next
If you’re a fit, we schedule your first treatment and start executing your plan.
🌟 Why Choose Unpain Clinic
Whole-body assessment, not symptom-chasing
Root-cause focus, not temporary relief
Non-invasive where possible
No long-term upsells — just honest, effective care
🎯 Outcome
You’ll walk out knowing:
What’s wrong
Why it hurts
The fastest path to fix it
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
1. Dedes V, et al. (2018). Effectiveness and Safety of Shockwave Therapy in Tendinopathies. Med Ultrason;20(4): 403–409.
2. Pain and Beyond – Unpain Clinic Podcast (July 17, 2024) – Interconnectedness of the body and shockwave therapy benefits.
3. Unpain Clinic – Physical Therapy for Tendonitis in Edmonton.
4. Unpain Clinic – Old Injury Pain Coming Back? Move Better This New Year.
5. Sibley PA, et al. (2016). Tendinopathies Around the Elbow: Distal Biceps and Triceps. Shoulder & Elbow;8(4): 247–254.
6. Unpain Clinic – Client Reviews & Success Stories (Jack T. case).
7. Unpain Clinic FAQ – Shockwave Therapy (n.d.).
8. Atlantic Orthopaedic Specialists – Triceps Tendonitis (Patient Education).
9. Unpain Clinic – Physical Therapy for Tendonitis in Edmonton (FAQ section).
