For myself, it's been necessary to play short scale guitars detuned a half step to avoid injury. It's commonly done and worth looking into if it's a persistent problem. I still battle tendonitis on occasion and all the rest, careful use of ice after practice can help. . .it's an activity that's hard on the arm.

Hi guys-- wonderful site here and thanks very much for it. I'm much in the same position-- been playing for almost 30 years as well, pretty half-assed, but well enough to do the local gigs semi-successfully. Am very much in the position of wanting to take my playing to the next level and have found it very hard to find guidance that caters to those between trying to sound like Neil Young and those trying to sound like Pat Martino-- or at least as professionally and seriously as they may be able to achieve. Thanks for the positive attitude. . .I hope to return the support.