Tricep Tendinopathy – Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

Tricep tendinopathy is a condition where the tendon that connects your triceps muscle (the muscle at the back of your upper arm) to your elbow becomes irritated, weakened, or painful. This often shows up as pain at the back of your elbow, especially when pushing, lifting, or straightening your arm. People commonly notice discomfort during sports, exercise, or even simple daily tasks like pushing open a door.

Many people with tricep tendinopathy find relief and recover faster with chiropractic care for tricep tendinopathy, which can ease joint stress, improve alignment, and reduce strain on the tendon. Physiotherapy for tricep tendinopathy provides targeted exercises and hands-on treatment to restore strength, flexibility, and pain-free movement. Kinesiology for tricep tendinopathy also supports recovery by guiding safe, progressive rehab to rebuild function and help prevent future flare-ups. Together, these services can reduce discomfort, restore mobility, and get you back to your activities with confidence.

Overview of Tricep Tendinopathy

Tricep tendinopathy is an overuse injury of the tendon at the back of your elbow. It happens when the tendon is exposed to repeated stress without enough time to heal. Unlike an acute tear, tendinopathy develops slowly and is often linked to long-term strain rather than a single event.

This condition is less common than other tendon problems (like tennis elbow or Achilles tendinopathy), but it can significantly affect your daily life. Studies suggest that elbow tendon disorders affect up to 2% of the general population, with tricep tendon problems representing a small but meaningful portion, especially among athletes who do activities like weightlifting, throwing, or football (van der Made et al., 2015, British Journal of Sports Medicine, https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094386).

How Tricep Tendinopathy Impacts Daily Life

Work: If your job involves lifting, pushing, or repetitive arm use, pain can make simple tasks harder.
Sports: Athletes often notice performance drops, especially in pushing or overhead movements.
Sleep: Some people report elbow pain at night, especially when lying on the arm or after a heavy training day.
Mental health: Chronic pain can cause frustration, stress, or even low mood due to limits on activity.
Relationships: Difficulty lifting children, carrying groceries, or participating in hobbies can affect family and social roles.

Key takeaway: While tricep tendinopathy is not life-threatening, it can be life-limiting. Early recognition and management can prevent progression and support recovery.

Symptoms of Tricep Tendinopathy

The hallmark symptom of tricep tendinopathy is pain at the back of the elbow, especially during pushing or straightening the arm. The pain often starts gradually and can range from mild discomfort to sharp pain that limits function.

What are the main symptoms of tricep tendinopathy?

Pain at the back of the elbow, especially during pushing exercises (push-ups, bench press).
Tenderness when pressing on the triceps tendon near the elbow.
Stiffness in the morning or after rest.
Weakness or loss of strength when extending the arm.
Swelling or thickening around the tendon in more advanced cases.

How does tricep tendinopathy affect daily function?

Work impact: Repetitive strain jobs (construction, manual handling) worsen symptoms.
Sports impact: Bench press, dips, throwing, or blocking in football can become difficult.
Sleep impact: Night pain or discomfort when rolling onto the arm may occur.
Mood impact: Ongoing pain and activity limitations may cause stress, frustration, or reduced motivation.

Red flag signs (when to seek medical help)

While most cases are manageable, certain symptoms may point to a more serious issue, such as a partial or full tendon tear:

Sudden sharp pain with a “pop” sensation.
Rapid swelling and bruising.
Inability to straighten the arm against resistance.

If you notice these, you should seek medical care quickly.

Causes and Risk Factors for Tricep Tendinopathy

Tricep tendinopathy is caused by repeated strain and microtears in the tendon that don’t heal fully. Over time, the tendon fibers weaken, leading to pain and loss of function.

What causes tricep tendinopathy?

Overuse and repetitive loading: Common in athletes who lift heavy weights or throw frequently.
Sudden increase in training load: Jumping into intense push exercises without progression.
Improper technique: Poor form in weightlifting or sports adds strain to the tendon.
Direct trauma: A fall or blow to the elbow can trigger tendon irritation.

Who is most at risk?

Athletes: Especially weightlifters, throwers, football linemen.
Workers: Jobs involving repetitive pushing, lifting, or overhead activity.
Age: Tendons lose elasticity with age, making middle-aged adults more vulnerable.
Health factors: Obesity, diabetes, or inflammatory conditions may weaken tendons.
Posture and muscle imbalance: Weak shoulder or core muscles can overload the triceps.

How is tricep tendinopathy different from other elbow conditions?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain is on the outside of the elbow, not the back.
Olecranon bursitis: Swelling at the elbow tip, but not tendon-related.
Tricep tear: Sudden injury with bruising, not gradual pain.

Reference: van der Made, A. D., Reurink, G., Gouttebarge, V., Tol, J. L., Kerkhoffs, G. M., Maas, M., & Almusa, E. (2015). Outcome after surgical repair of triceps tendon rupture: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 49(24), 1550–1554. https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2014-094386

Diagnosis, Recovery, and Management of Tricep Tendinopathy

Tricep tendinopathy can be a frustrating condition, but understanding how it is diagnosed, what recovery looks like, and how to manage it gives you a clearer path forward. Below, we walk through the clinical process in plain, practical language so you know what to expect.

Diagnosis of Tricep Tendinopathy

Tricep tendinopathy is diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, clinical history, and sometimes imaging. The goal of diagnosis is to confirm the tendon as the pain source and rule out other elbow conditions.

How do doctors test for tricep tendinopathy?

When you see a clinician, they’ll usually start by asking about your symptoms: when the pain started, what movements make it worse, and how it impacts your daily activities. Then they’ll examine your elbow and arm. Common steps include:

Palpation: Pressing on the back of your elbow where the triceps tendon attaches. Tenderness here strongly suggests tendon involvement.
Strength tests: Asking you to push against resistance (like extending your arm against the examiner’s hand). Pain or weakness often shows up here.
Flexibility checks: Looking at elbow and shoulder movement to see if stiffness or imbalance is contributing.
Functional movements: Reproducing activities like push-ups or pressing motions to check for symptom flare.

These tests give clues not just about the tendon itself but also about surrounding muscles and joint function.

What imaging is used for tricep tendinopathy?

Imaging isn’t always required, but it can help in unclear or severe cases.

Ultrasound: Shows changes in tendon structure, thickening, or partial tears.
MRI: Provides a detailed look at soft tissue. Often used if a full rupture is suspected or if pain doesn’t improve with treatment.
X-ray: Rarely used, but may help rule out bone spurs or arthritis around the elbow.

How do clinicians rule out other causes?

Pain at the back of the elbow could also mean olecranon bursitis (swelling at the elbow tip) or a triceps tear. In tendinopathy, the pain is more gradual, linked to activity, and without sudden bruising. If you had a sharp “pop” with swelling, a tear would be more likely.

Identifying the root cause

A key part of diagnosis is finding why the tendon is overloaded. Clinicians often check:

Training errors (sudden jump in weightlifting load).
Postural or strength imbalances (shoulder weakness causing extra strain).
Work demands (repetitive pushing or lifting).

This root-cause approach helps shape an effective treatment plan.

Reference: Kannus, P., & Józsa, L. (1991). Histopathological changes preceding spontaneous rupture of a tendon. The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery, 73(10), 1507–1525. https://doi.org/10.2106/00004623-199173100-00009

Recovery Timeline for Tricep Tendinopathy

Recovery from tricep tendinopathy varies depending on severity and how quickly treatment begins. Mild cases may resolve within weeks, while severe cases can take months.

How long does tricep tendinopathy usually take to heal?

Mild cases (early irritation, minimal pain): 4–6 weeks with rest and guided exercise.
Moderate cases (pain with daily activity, reduced strength): 8–12 weeks, often needing structured rehab.
Severe cases (persistent pain, partial tears, long-standing symptoms): 3–6 months, sometimes longer if surgery is required.

What factors affect recovery?

Adherence to rehab: Doing prescribed exercises regularly speeds recovery.
Load management: Avoiding “boom-and-bust” cycles of overuse prevents setbacks.
Age and health: Older adults and people with diabetes or obesity may take longer.
Previous injuries: A history of tendon problems raises recurrence risk.

Can tricep tendinopathy come back?

Yes. Recurrence happens if the root cause (e.g., poor lifting form, overtraining, or weak supporting muscles) isn’t addressed. Prevention strategies are crucial to long-term outcomes.

Return to work, sport, and lifestyle

Work: Many people can keep working with modified duties, but heavy lifting may need a gradual return.
Sports: Return is usually staged—starting with pain-free mobility, then strengthening, then sport-specific drills.
Lifestyle: Long-term success depends on balancing rest, proper training, and maintaining tendon health with ongoing conditioning.

Decision Pathway Example:

If pain is mild, rest, ice, and early strengthening often suffice.
If pain is moderate, structured physiotherapy and load modification are required.
If pain is severe, advanced imaging, injections, or surgery may be considered.

Reference: Andres, B. M., & Murrell, G. A. (2008). Treatment of tendinopathy: what works, what does not, and what is on the horizon. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 466(7), 1539–1554. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-008-0260-1

Management of Tricep Tendinopathy

Managing tricep tendinopathy involves a mix of rest, exercise, lifestyle changes, and, in some cases, medical interventions. The aim is to reduce pain, restore tendon strength, and prevent recurrence.

What’s the best way to manage tricep tendinopathy at home?

Self-care is the first step in most cases:

Relative rest: Avoid painful activities but keep moving the arm gently.
Ice/heat: Ice helps with acute flare-ups, while heat may ease stiffness.
Load management: Reduce weights or reps instead of stopping completely.

Step-by-step self-help & relief tips

Rest the elbow – Take a break from heavy pushing or pressing exercises.
Apply ice for 10–15 minutes – Especially after activity to reduce pain.
Gentle stretching – Stretch the triceps lightly without forcing the elbow.
Strengthen gradually – Start with light resistance bands before progressing to weights.
Check posture – Keep shoulders back and avoid slouching to reduce arm strain.
Modify activities – Swap push-ups for supported wall push-ups until symptoms ease.

These strategies give your tendon time to heal while maintaining strength.

What professional treatments are available?

Physical therapy: Focused on eccentric strengthening (slow, controlled lowering exercises).
Manual therapy: Techniques to improve flexibility and reduce tension in surrounding muscles.
Bracing/taping: May provide short-term support during activity.
Shockwave therapy or injections: Sometimes used in persistent cases.
Surgery: Rare, but an option for full ruptures or failed conservative treatment.

Prevention and long-term strategies

Maintain balanced strength across shoulders, arms, and core.
Warm up thoroughly before lifting or sports.
Progress training loads gradually (no sudden weight jumps).
Focus on technique in all pressing movements.

Community and lifestyle supports:

Chronic pain can affect your confidence and motivation. Joining support groups, training with peers, or working with a coach helps maintain accountability and prevent isolation.

Multidisciplinary Coordinated Care for Tricep Tendinopathy at CARESPACE

At CARESPACE, tricep tendinopathy is treated through a team-based, multidisciplinary approach that addresses both the physical and mental aspects of recovery. Instead of relying on a single therapy, you receive coordinated care from multiple professionals working together to help you heal faster, reduce pain, and prevent the problem from coming back.

How does CARESPACE treat tricep tendinopathy differently?

CARESPACE takes a multidisciplinary approach to tricep tendinopathy, combining expertise from chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, kinesiology, and mental health care. This teamwork ensures your treatment plan is personalized and evidence-based.

A physiotherapist may lead your recovery with exercises that strengthen the triceps tendon and surrounding muscles.
A chiropractor can improve joint mobility and reduce strain on the elbow by correcting posture and alignment issues.
Massage therapy targets muscle tightness in the triceps and shoulders, easing tension that worsens pain.
Kinesiologists and fitness trainers guide safe return-to-sport and activity, ensuring gradual load progression.
Psychotherapy or coaching addresses stress, sleep problems, and coping strategies when pain affects your mental well-being.

By combining these therapies, you avoid the “silo effect” of one-off treatments. Instead, every step is coordinated to support long-term tendon health.

Why does a team approach help tricep tendinopathy recover faster?

A team approach works because tricep tendinopathy isn’t just a local tendon issue—it’s influenced by strength, posture, stress, and lifestyle. CARESPACE’s coordinated care model looks at the full picture.

Acute phase (first few weeks): Pain and swelling are managed with physiotherapy, gentle mobility, and massage therapy. Stress-reduction strategies help prevent pain from becoming overwhelming.
Subacute phase (weeks 4–12): Strengthening exercises, chiropractic adjustments, and activity modifications restore function. Nutrition guidance may support tissue healing.
Maintenance phase (3+ months): Kinesiology, fitness training, and coaching keep you active and strong while preventing recurrence. Psychotherapy or mental performance coaching can help manage lingering stress or confidence issues.

Compared to single-discipline care, this approach lowers recurrence risk and improves long-term outcomes. For example, someone who only rests and uses medication might feel better short term but often relapses once they return to sport or heavy work. In contrast, coordinated care builds resilience in both body and mind.

What does multidisciplinary care look like in real life?

At CARESPACE, your care plan is customized based on your unique needs. A typical journey might look like this:

You begin with a physiotherapy assessment to confirm tricep tendinopathy and rule out other elbow conditions.
At the same time, you’re referred to massage therapy to reduce muscle tension in your arm and shoulders.
If your pain has caused you stress or disrupted your sleep, a psychotherapist or mental performance coach helps you cope and stay positive.
Once the tendon is healing, a kinesiologist or fitness trainer guides your return to activity, showing you how to safely progress exercises.
For posture-related issues, a chiropractor may support better alignment in your shoulders, spine, and arms to reduce tendon strain.
A nutritionist may also suggest dietary strategies that promote tendon healing and reduce inflammation.

This level of integration means that every provider communicates with the others. You’re not left juggling appointments or wondering if treatments overlap. Instead, your recovery is planned as one seamless path.

How does CARESPACE address the mental health side of tricep tendinopathy?

Chronic pain is not just physical—it affects sleep, mood, motivation, and relationships. CARESPACE makes sure the mental health side of tricep tendinopathy isn’t ignored.

Psychotherapy and counselling help you manage frustration, anxiety, or stress that often accompany long-term tendon pain.
Coaching and mental performance support keep you motivated and focused on recovery goals.
Lifestyle guidance (nutrition, sleep hygiene, stress reduction) strengthens both your physical and mental resilience.

This integration matters because research shows people with tendon pain often report lower quality of life if mental health isn’t addressed. At CARESPACE, recovery isn’t only about healing the elbow—it’s about restoring confidence, energy, and function in all areas of your life.

Why choose CARESPACE for tricep tendinopathy?

CARESPACE provides a unique advantage because care is evidence-based, natural, and coordinated across multiple disciplines. You don’t just receive treatment for your tendon—you receive a personalized recovery plan that looks at your whole body, mind, and lifestyle.

Personalized plans: Designed around your symptoms, work demands, and activity goals.
Team-based recovery: Every discipline communicates to avoid gaps or duplication in care.
Faster results: Early combination of therapies speeds up recovery timelines.
Long-term prevention: By addressing posture, strength, stress, and lifestyle, recurrence risk is significantly reduced.

In contrast, standard single-discipline care often treats only the symptoms. CARESPACE helps you understand the root causes, build resilience, and return to your life stronger than before.

Related Conditions for Tricep Tendinopathy

Several conditions share similar symptoms with tricep tendinopathy, especially pain at the elbow or arm.

Olecranon bursitis: Swelling at the tip of the elbow, often mistaken for tendon pain.
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Pain on the outside of the elbow instead of the back.
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis): Pain on the inner side of the elbow caused by different tendon involvement.
Triceps tear: A sudden rupture that causes bruising and loss of strength, unlike the gradual onset of tendinopathy.
Arthritis of the elbow: Joint stiffness and swelling that may mimic tendon pain.

Because these conditions can overlap, a professional evaluation is important to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other issues.

Looking for information on a different condition? Visit our full Conditions List.

Tricep Tendinopathy FAQs

If you’re dealing with Tricep Tendinopathy, you may have questions about symptoms, causes, and the best treatment options available. Below, we’ve outlined the most important information to help you understand Tricep Tendinopathy, what recovery might look like, and how CARESPACE can support you with a personalized care plan.

1. What is the fastest way to relieve tricep tendinopathy pain?

The fastest way to relieve tricep tendinopathy pain is to reduce the load on your tendon while using ice and gentle stretching. Resting from painful activities, applying ice for 10–15 minutes, and performing light mobility exercises can bring short-term relief.

For longer-term results, strengthening exercises and posture correction are crucial. Simply resting often gives temporary relief but symptoms may return if you don’t address the underlying cause. Compared to a triceps tear (which may need urgent care), tendinopathy usually responds well to progressive exercise and load management.