Orthopedic Referrals · Atlanta, GA

Relief for lateral epicondylitis starts with the right specialist

Tennis elbow affects far more people than just athletes. If you're dealing with persistent outer elbow pain, connecting with a qualified orthopedic surgeon early makes a measurable difference in outcomes.

3%
of adults affected annually
95%
resolve without surgery
12mo
avg untreated duration

Connecting Atlanta patients with the right specialist

This site exists to help patients navigating lateral epicondylitis — commonly known as tennis elbow — find qualified, experienced physicians in the Atlanta metro area who specialize in diagnosing and treating this condition.

The physicians listed below are board-certified specialists with established practices in pain management, sports medicine, and orthopedic rehabilitation. Each has a track record of treating elbow and upper extremity conditions with both conservative and interventional approaches.

If you're unsure which type of specialist is right for your situation, the condition guide below can help you understand the treatment pathway before your first appointment.


Advanced Treatment

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous tendon debridement

For chronic lateral epicondylitis that has not responded to conservative care, a minimally invasive procedure is available that physically removes the diseased tendon tissue — rather than masking symptoms with injections.

How it works

Under continuous ultrasound guidance, the treating physician makes a small incision and advances a small-gauge device directly to the degenerative portion of the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle. A precise, high-pressure saline jet simultaneously breaks down and removes the damaged collagen — an integrated aspiration channel clears the debris as healthy fibers are left intact. The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes in an office or clinic setting under local anesthesia.

Why it works for tennis elbow specifically

Chronic lateral epicondylitis is a tendinopathy — a degenerative condition — not a simple inflammation. Cortisone injections reduce inflammation temporarily but do not address the underlying degenerated collagen, which is why pain returns. This procedure mechanically removes that degenerative tissue at the common extensor or flexor origin, targeting the actual source of chronicity. Results are confirmed under real-time imaging.

How it compares
Cortisone injection
Reduces inflammation temporarily. Does not remove degenerative tissue. Pain typically returns within weeks to months.
Percutaneous debridement
Physically removes degenerative collagen under ultrasound guidance. Small incision, local anesthesia, office procedure. Addresses the source.
PRP therapy
Stimulates a healing response but does not remove existing diseased tissue. Complementary, not equivalent.
Surgical release
Open or arthroscopic tendon release. Effective but requires surgical center, general anesthesia, and longer recovery.
Small incision, performed in-office under local anesthesia
No general anesthesia or surgical center required
Real-time ultrasound guidance throughout
Most patients return to normal activity within days to weeks
Treats the degenerative tissue — not just the pain

What is tennis elbow?

Lateral epicondylitis is an overuse injury of the tendons that attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, 95% of cases occur in non-tennis players.

Causes & Risk Factors
Repetitive gripping, lifting, or forearm rotation — common in office workers, tradespeople, and athletes alike. Onset is typically gradual, peaking between ages 30 and 50.
Symptoms to Watch
Burning pain on the outer elbow, weakened grip, discomfort when lifting even light objects, and pain that worsens with wrist extension. Symptoms may radiate down the forearm.
Treatment Pathway
Conservative care resolves most cases: rest, PT, bracing, and anti-inflammatories. Persistent cases respond well to PRP therapy or minimally invasive release. Surgery is rarely indicated.

Specialist Network

Physicians I work with directly

Each physician listed below has an established practice in the Atlanta metro area treating conditions including lateral epicondylitis, tendon disorders, and musculoskeletal pain. These are not directory listings — they are specialists with proven expertise in elbow conditions.

CG
Dr. Clay Charles Guynn, DO
Orthopedic Sports Medicine · Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute · Lawrenceville & Dacula, GA
Fellowship-trained in sports medicine. Expert in non-surgical management of musculoskeletal conditions including PRP, ultrasound-guided injections, and regenerative medicine techniques for elbow and tendon disorders.
MS
Dr. Matthew Simmons, MD
Non-Operative Orthopedics · Orthopedic Sports Medicine
Northside Hospital Orthopedic Institute · Atlanta Metro, GA
Specializes in non-operative orthopedic care and sports medicine, focused on helping patients recover from musculoskeletal injuries without surgery where possible.
KK
Dr. Kamal Kabakibou, MD
Interventional Pain Medicine · Anesthesiology
The Center for Pain Management · Atlanta, GA (Howell Mill Rd)
Board-certified anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist with 30+ years of experience. Fellowship-trained at Baylor College of Medicine. Expertise in comprehensive pain management for chronic elbow and musculoskeletal conditions.
EO
Dr. Efosa Ogiamien, MD
Interventional Pain Medicine · Anesthesiology
OlympusMD Pain & Wellness Specialists · Metro Atlanta, GA
Founding partner of OlympusMD. Board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain physician, fellowship-trained at UAB. Experienced in advanced procedures including spinal cord stimulation, PRP, and regenerative medicine.
OH
Dr. Omar Hajmurad, MD
Interventional Pain Medicine · Anesthesiology
OlympusMD Pain & Wellness Specialists · Metro Atlanta, GA
Board-certified attending anesthesiologist and interventional pain medicine physician. Fellowship-trained at Emory University. Specializes in comprehensive pain management with a patient-first philosophy.

Next Steps

Ready to see a specialist?

Each physician listed above is accepting patients in the Atlanta metro area. Contact their offices directly to schedule a consultation for your elbow condition.

Contact OlympusMD Northside Providers
OlympusMD Phone
(770) 676-9805
Dr. Kabakibou Phone
(404) 603-9090
Northside Sports Med
(770) 237-3475