Condition Guide
Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow can cause pain on the outside of the elbow during gripping, lifting and wrist movements. Physiotherapy can help identify aggravating loads and guide a progressive plan to restore strength and function.
Your partner in health and recovery
Condition Guide
Tennis elbow can cause pain on the outside of the elbow during gripping, lifting and wrist movements. Physiotherapy can help identify aggravating loads and guide a progressive plan to restore strength and function.
Overview
Tennis elbow is pain and irritation around the tendon area on the outside of the elbow. It can feel sharp, aching or tender and often becomes noticeable when gripping, lifting, typing, using tools or playing sport. Physiotherapy may help by identifying what is irritating the tendon, guiding load changes and rebuilding strength so the arm can tolerate daily activities with more confidence.
Several factors may contribute, and the most relevant factors vary between people.
Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms are associated with:
These symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious condition is present, but they should be assessed promptly by an appropriate medical professional.
Treatment is individualised and may include:
Dry needling may be considered where clinically appropriate as one part of a broader rehabilitation programme. It is not required or suitable for every patient.
Tennis elbow often improves gradually. Recovery may take weeks to months, especially when symptoms have been present for a long time or work demands continue to irritate the tendon.
Recovery differs from person to person and depends on how long symptoms have been present, what loads the tendon needs to tolerate and how gradually strength is rebuilt. A clear assessment helps guide appropriate loading and rehabilitation without rushing the process.
No. Many people with tennis elbow do not play tennis.
Usually no. Loads should be modified and rebuilt gradually.
That decision should be made with a doctor. Physiotherapy focuses on load and function.
Yes, but persistent symptoms can still improve with an appropriate plan.
Yes.
Lateral elbow tendinopathy is commonly managed with education, load modification and progressive strengthening. Imaging is not routinely required for typical presentations.
Treatment recommendations should combine current evidence, clinical expertise and your individual assessment.
The elbow often needs a smarter loading plan, not complete avoidance forever. The goal is to rebuild useful capacity. My goal is to understand how your elbow pain affects your work, sport and everyday tasks, then help you rebuild strength and confidence through evidence-based rehabilitation, not just short-term pain relief.
Avoid testing your grip all day to see if it still hurts. Choose a few meaningful tasks to monitor while gradually rebuilding strength.
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Exercises should be selected according to the individual assessment. Exercise links remain marked as Resource in development until approved by Marna Webb.
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Contact Marna Webb Physiotherapy for an individual assessment and treatment plan.