Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to develop this condition—it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist movements.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow) become irritated. This typically happens due to repetitive motions such as gripping a racquet, using a computer mouse, typing, or even carrying heavy bags.
Common Symptoms:
• Pain or burning on the outer part of the elbow
• Weak grip strength
• Pain that worsens when gripping objects, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob
• Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning
• Pain that may radiate down the forearm
How Physiotherapy Can Help:
Physiotherapy is highly effective for treating tennis elbow. Treatment typically includes:
• Manual therapy – Soft tissue release and joint mobilization to reduce pain and improve mobility.
• Dry needling – Targeting trigger points in the forearm muscles to release tension and promote healing.
• Strengthening exercises – Progressive loading exercises to rebuild tendon strength and resilience.
• Activity modification – Guidance on adjusting your daily activities and ergonomics to reduce strain on the elbow.
• Bracing – A counterforce brace may be recommended to offload the tendon during activities.
Recovery Timeline:
With proper treatment, most people see significant improvement within 6-12 weeks. However, recovery time varies depending on the severity of the condition and how long symptoms have been present. Early intervention typically leads to faster recovery.
If you're experiencing elbow pain that's affecting your daily activities, don't wait for it to worsen. Book an appointment for a thorough assessment and personalized treatment plan.