What it is
Triceps tendinopathy involves the tendon where it inserts on the olecranon or the musculotendinous junction. Pressing, dips, push‑ups, and throwing aggravate symptoms.
A staged loading plan restores tolerance and power without long rest from training.
What happens when it occurs
The tendon becomes sensitive to tensile loads at end-range elbow extension and to compression with deep flexion in specific tasks. Progressive loading and technique changes reduce stress while capacity grows.
Common causes and risk factors
- Sudden increases in pressing, dips, or plyometric push work
- Throwing sports and serving in tennis
- Poor shoulder and scapular contribution during press tasks
Who is most affected
Strength athletes, CrossFit participants, throwers, and manual labourers who repeatedly press or push.
Typical symptoms
- Back of the elbow pain with pressing or locking the elbow
- Tenderness at the olecranon tendon insertion
- Stiffness after rest
When to seek care
If pain persists or if a pop and sudden weakness occur when pressing.
How we diagnose
History, palpation at the olecranon or junction, resisted extension tests, and functional pressing assessment. Ultrasound or MRI when a tear is suspected or progress stalls.
Management
- Isometrics, then heavy, slow resistance for elbow extensors
- Close‑chain progressions and tempo work
- Shoulder and scapular strength to share the load
- Technique coaching for lockout and range depth
Rehabilitation milestones
Phase 1 weeks 0 to 2: pain control, isometric extensions, and modified pressing depth.
Phase 2 weeks 2 to 8: heavy slow extensions, close‑chain progressions, scapular work.
Phase 3 weeks 8 to 16: power work, plyometric push and throw progressions.
Phase 4 months 4 to 6: return to competition loads by criteria.
Readiness to progress
- Extension strength within 90 per cent
- Pain-free push‑ups and overhead press at working loads
- No next‑day flare after plyometric sessions
Prevention
- Plan pressing volumes and vary angles
- Maintain shoulder strength and mobility
- Use deload weeks during heavy blocks
Australia snapshot
- Seen in gym communities and throwing sports programmes
- Access to imaging and guided injections is broad
- Most improve with a staged plan without surgery
Latest insights
Tempo and close‑chain work bridge the gap from pain to power.
Shoulder mechanics decide how much stress reaches the triceps tendon.
