THE RED DOOR CLINIC · MELLIEĦA
Elbow pain
Outer elbow, inner elbow, or pain that travels from the neck. The assessment tells them apart.
Elbow pain is often a tendon-load problem from gripping, tools, a mouse or a racket. It can also be referred from the neck, or follow a knock. At The Red Door Clinic in Mellieħa we do not assume tennis elbow from the spot that hurts. The assessment checks the elbow, the grip and the neck.
Reviewed by Andrew George, Lead Physiotherapist · 5 October 2026
Common causes
Repeated grip and wrist work irritates the tendons on the outer elbow, the pattern often called tennis elbow, or, less often, the inner elbow. A new gym programme, a tool, or long hours on a mouse are typical backgrounds.
A fall onto the elbow, a joint that will not straighten, or pain with chest symptoms needs a different route. Chest pressure with arm pain is an emergency, not a clinic booking.
What it can feel like
Aching or sharp pain at the outer or inner elbow with gripping, lifting a kettle, or twisting a jar. Morning stiffness that eases, then returns with use, is common in tendon problems.
Pain that also lives in the neck or travels past the elbow into the hand may be coming from higher up. That is why the neck is part of the assessment.
When to seek urgent care instead
Most muscle and joint pain is not an emergency. Go to accident and emergency, or call emergency services, if you have a suspected broken bone, a joint that looks deformed, pain after a significant fall, chest pain, trouble breathing, a head injury with confusion or vomiting, numbness in the saddle area, or loss of bladder or bowel control. A limb that is cold, pale or blue, or sudden severe swelling, also needs urgent medical care rather than a clinic appointment.
Pain in the shoulder or arm that arrives with chest pressure, breathlessness, sweating, nausea or feeling faint can be a heart symptom. Call emergency services. Do not wait for physiotherapy.
If you are unsure, use emergency services first. For everything else, contact the clinic and describe what happened. We do not diagnose by message.
How the clinic can help
A consultation and assessment with Andrew George, our lead physiotherapist, is €55, and follow-up physiotherapy is €45. The assessment looks at the movement that hurts and the story around it. You leave with a plain-language explanation and a plan that fits the week you actually have.
Where massage helps alongside physiotherapy, the clinic houses qualified massage therapists in the same building. Massage does not replace an assessment when pain, injury or a change in movement is the concern.
Book through the contact form, by phone on 2152 4199, or by WhatsApp on 7924 1880. Describe your symptoms and the team will help you choose the right first appointment.
LET’S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Not sure where to start? Start with us.
Tell us what hurts, what has changed, or what you want to get back to.
YOUR NEXT STEP
Related conditions and next steps
A LITTLE CLARITY
Frequently asked questions
Is all outer elbow pain tennis elbow?
No. Tennis elbow is one tendon pattern. Neck referral and a recent knock can feel similar. The assessment checks before the plan is chosen.
Will rest fix it?
Rest from the aggravating grip helps in the short term. Tendons usually need graded loading to become more tolerant. Rest alone often leaves the same pain when you go back to the task.
LET’S FIND YOUR NEXT STEP
Your next chapter starts with a conversation.
Tell us what hurts, what has changed, or what you want to get back to.