Better Understanding Tennis Elbow and How Physiotherapy Can Help

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain and weakness in the outer elbow, and despite the name, most people who get it have never picked up a racquet. With the right treatment, a full recovery is achievable for the vast majority of people.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outside of the elbow. Repetitive gripping and wrist movements gradually overload these tendons, leading to small areas of tendon damage and, over time, pain and weakness.

Common causes

Repetitive gripping or wrist extension movements are the main driver — common in trades work, computer use, gardening, racquet sports, and even everyday activities like carrying shopping bags or using tools. A sudden increase in these activities is often the trigger.

Symptoms

• Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow, sometimes radiating into the forearm
• Weak grip strength — struggling to hold a cup or shake hands comfortably
• Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting or wrist movement
• Tenderness when the outer elbow is pressed

How physiotherapy helps

• Load management — identifying and modifying the activities driving the overload, without necessarily stopping them altogether
• Progressive strengthening — a graduated loading program for the forearm tendons is the most evidence-backed treatment, gradually rebuilding the tendon's capacity
• Manual therapy — to address associated stiffness and improve comfort
• Bracing or taping — can reduce load on the tendon during aggravating activities
• Ergonomic advice — adjusting grip technique, equipment or workstation setup to reduce ongoing strain

Recovery timeline

Tennis elbow can be slow to resolve — tendons heal gradually, and consistency with a loading program over several weeks to months makes the biggest difference. Most people see steady improvement with the right approach, without needing injections or surgery.

If you're dealing with persistent elbow pain, book an assessment with our physiotherapy team to get a tailored recovery plan underway.