Tennis Elbow: Causes, Treatment, and Physiotherapy Solutions

Adam Hutchings
Feb 8
2 min read

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it. Tennis elbow happens when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the elbow become irritated or damaged.

Tennis elbow pain shown by a man holding the outer elbow, demonstrating lateral epicondylitis commonly treated by physiotherapy.

These tendons help control wrist and hand movements. When they are overused or strained, small tears can develop, leading to pain, tenderness, and weakness. Everyday tasks like lifting a kettle, gripping tools, typing, or even shaking hands can become uncomfortable.

How Does Tennis Elbow Happen?

Tennis elbow usually develops gradually rather than from one single injury. Repetitive movements that involve gripping, twisting, or extending the wrist place repeated stress on the forearm muscles and tendons.

Common causes include manual work, gardening, DIY tasks, racket sports, weight training, prolonged computer or mouse use, and repetitive lifting. Poor technique, sudden increases in activity, or insufficient rest can all contribute. Over time, the tendon struggles to heal properly, leading to persistent pain and stiffness around the elbow.

Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow

Hands-On Treatment

Physiotherapy plays a key role in treating tennis elbow effectively. Hands-on treatment may include soft tissue massage to reduce muscle tension, joint mobilisation to improve elbow and wrist movement, and targeted techniques to stimulate tendon healing.

Your physiotherapist may also assess your posture, work setup, and movement patterns to identify contributing factors. Education is a vital part of treatment, helping you understand how to modify activities to reduce strain while still staying active.

Hands-Off Treatment (Exercises & Self-Care)

Exercise is one of the most effective treatments for tennis elbow. A physiotherapist will guide you through specific strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles, particularly eccentric loading exercises that encourage tendon repair.

Stretching exercises help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness, while gradual load progression builds resilience in the tendon. At home, self-care strategies such as activity modification, ice or heat application, and using supportive braces can help manage symptoms during recovery.

Helpful Products & Equipment

Alongside physiotherapy, certain products can support recovery and reduce discomfort during daily activities. A high-quality elbow brace or strap can help offload stress from the tendon and provide pain relief during work or exercise. You can find a popular option here: elbow support for tennis elbow.

Massage tools and forearm rollers are also useful for improving circulation and reducing muscle tightness. These tools allow you to perform self-massage safely at home. A recommended option can be found at this recovery tool.

For those focusing on long-term strength and prevention, resistance bands are excellent for guided rehabilitation exercises. They are lightweight, versatile, and ideal for progressive loading. A reliable set is available here: resistance bands for rehab.