Elbow Pain Doctor Naples FL | Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow | Dr. Rubin
Elbow pain can sideline your game and make everyday tasks miserable. Dr. Gregory Rubin specializes in diagnosing and treating the full spectrum of elbow conditions — from tennis elbow and golfer's elbow to UCL injuries and elbow arthritis — without surgery. Using in-office ultrasound, precise injections, and orthobiologic therapies, most elbow conditions respond well to nonsurgical treatment.
Elbow Conditions We Treat in Naples
Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)
Tennis elbow is the most common elbow diagnosis we treat — and it's not just for tennis players. Any repetitive gripping, forearm rotation, or overhead activity can trigger it. The good news: the vast majority of tennis elbow cases resolve without surgery. PRP injections have strong evidence for stubborn cases that haven't responded to cortisone.
Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer's Elbow)
Golfer's elbow causes pain on the inside of the elbow and is common in golfers, pitchers, and anyone who grips and twists repeatedly. Ultrasound-guided injections combined with eccentric strengthening exercises are the cornerstone of treatment.
UCL (Ulnar Collateral Ligament) Sprains
UCL injuries range from mild sprains to complete tears. While severe UCL tears in professional throwers often require reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), many recreational athletes and non-throwers do well with nonsurgical management including PRP and bracing.
Olecranon Bursitis
Swelling at the back of the elbow (olecranon bursitis) can result from trauma, repetitive pressure, or inflammatory conditions. Aspiration with or without corticosteroid injection is often highly effective and avoids the risks of surgical bursectomy.
Cubital Tunnel Syndrome
Cubital tunnel syndrome involves compression of the ulnar nerve at the elbow, causing numbness, tingling, and weakness in the ring and small fingers. Mild-to-moderate cases often respond to activity modification, bracing, and targeted injections.
Elbow Arthritis
Post-traumatic and degenerative arthritis of the elbow causes stiffness, clicking, and pain with activity. PRP is a nonsurgical option that can provide meaningful relief and delay or avoid the need for more invasive treatment.
Diagnosis: Getting It Right the First Time
Accurate diagnosis is essential for elbow pain — many conditions look similar but require different treatment. Dr. Rubin uses a detailed clinical exam combined with in-office musculoskeletal ultrasound to identify the exact source of pain. Dynamic ultrasound can show tendon tears, inflammation, calcifications, and nerve compression in real time.
Read more at the Sports Medicine Review Blog — Special Tests for Elbow Exam
Nonsurgical Treatment Options
• Ultrasound-guided cortisone injections for acute flares
• PRP injections for chronic tendinopathy (tennis/golfer's elbow)
• Fenestration and needling for calcific tendinitis
• Elbow bracing — counterforce bracing, hinged bracing
• Physical therapy with eccentric strengthening protocols
• Activity modification and ergonomic guidance
PRP for Tennis Elbow — A Naples Perspective
Platelet-rich plasma has become one of the most effective treatments for chronic lateral epicondylitis that hasn't responded to cortisone. Multiple studies support PRP over cortisone for long-term outcomes in tennis elbow. Dr. Rubin performs all PRP injections under ultrasound guidance for maximum precision at both Naples locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does tennis elbow take to heal without surgery?
A: Most cases of tennis elbow resolve within 6–12 months with appropriate treatment. Stubborn cases lasting longer than 3–6 months are good candidates for PRP.
Q: Is PRP better than cortisone for tennis elbow?
A: For chronic tennis elbow lasting more than 3 months, PRP shows better long-term results than cortisone in multiple clinical studies. Dr. Rubin will help you decide which is more appropriate based on your timeline and symptoms.
Q: Can golfer's elbow be treated without surgery?
A: Yes. The vast majority of golfer's elbow cases resolve with nonsurgical treatment. Surgery is rarely needed and is a last resort.
Q: Do I need an MRI for elbow pain in Naples?
A: Not always. Dr. Rubin can diagnose most elbow conditions with clinical exam and in-office ultrasound. If MRI adds clinical value, he will order it.
Q: Can I walk in for elbow pain today?
A: Yes. Walk-in elbow evaluations are welcome at both Naples locations. Call 239-325-1135 for a same-day hold.
See a Naples Sports Medicine Physician Today
Elbow pain that's been going on for weeks doesn't have to become a surgical problem. Dr. Rubin sees elbow patients same-day at both Naples locations — no referral needed. Call 239-325-1135 or walk in during clinic hours.