(Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy)
Discover how physiotherapy can help alleviate tennis elbow symptoms through exercises, shockwave therapy, ultrasound, and injections. Get back to sports and daily life pain-free.
What is it?
Despite its name, you don’t need to play tennis to develop tennis elbow! It’s caused by irritation of the tendons that attach to the outside of your elbow, usually from repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist movements.
Who does it affect?
- Tennis and racquet sports players.
- Golfers, climbers, and gym enthusiasts.
- Occupations with heavy gripping or repetitive hand use (plumbers, carpenters, desk workers with lots of typing or mouse use).
How physiotherapy can help
- Exercise therapy:
Targeted exercises strengthen the wrist and forearm muscles, helping the tendon cope with everyday demands. Stretching can also improve flexibility and reduce strain. Your physio will guide you through gradual progressions, from simple movements to sport or work-specific tasks.
- Shockwave therapy:
For stubborn or long-term cases, shockwave therapy can be a helpful tool. It stimulates the healing process within the tendon, improving blood flow and encouraging repair. Many patients experience a reduction in pain and an improvement in grip strength after treatment.
- Diagnostic ultrasound:
An ultrasound scan gives a clear view of the affected tendon. It can show changes in tendon thickness, inflammation, or small tears, helping confirm the diagnosis. This ensures your treatment plan is precise and targeted.
- Injection therapy:
When pain is severe or unresponsive to exercise alone, ultrasound-guided dry needling /fenestration can be a suitable option. These can provide pain relief, making it easier to participate in rehab. They are typically combined with strengthening exercises to achieve lasting improvement. - Other physio treatments:
Manual therapy can release stiffness in the elbow, wrist, or even neck that may be contributing to the problem. Bracing or taping techniques can reduce load on the tendon during work or sport. Your physio can also advise on ergonomic changes, such as desk setup or grip technique, to prevent flare-ups.
Take-home message
Tennis elbow typically resolves with structured rehabilitation and smart load management. With physiotherapy support, you can resume your daily tasks and sports activities without experiencing pain.
References
Cutts S, Gangoo S, Modi N, Pasapula C. Tennis elbow: A clinical review article. J Orthop. 2019 Aug 10;17:203-207. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2019.08.005. PMID: 31889742; PMCID: PMC6926298.
Hubert Lenoir, Olivier Mares, Yacine Carlier, Management of lateral epicondylitis, Orthopaedics & Traumatology: Surgery & Research, Volume 105, Issue 8, Supplement, 2019, Pages S241-S246, ISSN 1877-0568, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.otsr.2019.09.004.