The triceps tendon attaches the muscle at the back of the upper arm to the point of the elbow. Tendonitis here comes from overuse — repetitive throwing, hammering, or pushing motions — or occasionally a direct blow, causing pain at the back of the upper arm near the elbow.
Early management
Ice for 20–30 minutes several times a day (or ice massage, being careful of the nerve that runs near the skin at the elbow). Anti-inflammatory medication and a compression strap during aggravating activities can help while it settles.
Rehab progression
- Stretching: reaching down behind the head with clasped hands, and a towel-assisted stretch, ease tension in the triceps.
- Resistance stretch: pulling against a towel held overhead builds light tolerance without straining the tendon.
- Progressive strengthening: overhead extensions and triceps kickbacks with light weight, increasing gradually.
Return to sport once tenderness and swelling have resolved and strength matches your uninjured arm.
Triceps rehabilitation exercices
This page is educational and general in nature and does not replace an individualized evaluation — see our medical disclaimer.