Tennis Elbow Treatment

Tennis Elbow: What It Is, Why It Happens, and How to Recover with Physiotherapy

Tennis elbow might sound like a condition only athletes face, but in reality, it can affect anyone who repeatedly strains their forearm muscles. Whether you’re a tennis player, a painter, or someone who spends hours typing, this injury can significantly impact your daily activities. The good news? Physiotherapy offers proven solutions to help you heal, regain function, and reduce the chances of it coming back.

What Is a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically called lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow. Despite its name, only a fraction of cases come from playing tennis — repetitive movements in work or hobbies are often the main culprits.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow typically develops from activities involving repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting of the wrist and forearm. Common causes include:

• Playing racket sports like tennis or squash
  
• Using hand tools repeatedly (e.g., screwdrivers, hammers)
  
• Typing or mouse use for prolonged periods
  
• Painting or decorating
  
• Repetitive lifting in manual jobs
  

These actions can overload the tendons in your forearm, leading to microscopic tears and inflammation.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Tennis elbow usually develops gradually, with symptoms worsening over time. Look out for:

• Pain or burning sensation on the outside of the elbow
  
• Weak grip strength
  
• Pain when shaking hands or turning a doorknob
  
• Discomfort when lifting a cup or typing
  

If ignored, symptoms can become chronic and interfere with work, hobbies, and even simple daily tasks.

Diagnosing Tennis Elbow

A physiotherapist can usually diagnose tennis elbow based on your symptoms and activity history. In some cases, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to rule out other conditions such as arthritis or nerve compression.

How Physiotherapy Helps You Recover

Physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment for tennis elbow because it targets both the cause and the symptoms. At our clinic, we offer sports rehab to treat tendon overloads like tennis elbow, using a personalised approach that may include:

• Manual therapy: Gentle joint and soft tissue techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility.
  
• Exercise therapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises for the forearm, wrist, and shoulder to restore function.
  
• Dry needling or IASTM: Techniques to release muscle tension and stimulate healing.
  
• Activity modification: Guidance on adjusting your movements to reduce strain on the tendon.
  
• Ergonomic advice: Optimising your workspace or sports technique to prevent recurrence.
  

Recovery Timeline

Mild cases of tennis elbow may improve in a few weeks with the right physiotherapy plan, while more persistent cases can take several months. The key is early intervention and sticking to your treatment plan.

Preventing Tennis Elbow from Coming Back

Once you’ve recovered, prevention is essential. Your physiotherapist will help you:

• Build forearm and wrist strength
  
• Learn proper lifting and gripping techniques
  
• Incorporate regular stretching into your routine
  
• Take breaks during repetitive tasks
  

Local Call to Action:
If you’re experiencing persistent elbow pain, don’t wait until it becomes a long-term problem. Book a session with our Newcastle physiotherapy team today and start your journey back to pain-free movement.