Condition
Tennis elbow: causes, symptoms and treatment
A clinically reviewed guide to tennis elbow — outer-elbow tendon pain and how it is managed.
- Elbow
Quick answer
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is pain on the outer elbow from overloaded forearm tendons, often from repetitive gripping. It usually improves with load management and a progressive tendon-strengthening programme, though it can take time.
Key facts
- Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow and forearm tendons.
- Most cases are from repetitive gripping, not just tennis.
- Tendon-loading exercise is the mainstay of recovery.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overload problem of the tendons on the outer elbow, where the forearm muscles attach.
Despite the name, most cases have nothing to do with tennis — they arise from repetitive gripping and wrist use at work or in daily activities. It is a tendon-loading problem rather than simple inflammation.
What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?
The main symptom is pain and tenderness on the outer elbow, worse with gripping, lifting or twisting.
- Pain on the outer elbow, sometimes radiating into the forearm
- Pain with gripping, lifting, or twisting the wrist
- Tenderness over the outer elbow
- A weakened grip due to pain
How is tennis elbow treated?
Tennis elbow is treated with load management and a progressive tendon-strengthening programme, alongside manual therapy.
Modifying aggravating activities while gradually loading the tendon is central. Shockwave therapy may help stubborn cases. Recovery can take several months, and patience with the programme is important.
At Postura Wellness, care for tennis elbow is built around OrthoRestore™ — our signature method that combines chiropractic and physiotherapy into one coordinated plan. Depending on your assessment, it can bring together chiropractic adjustments, dry needling, muscle manipulation, Active Release Technique, and targeted exercises, supported where helpful by technology such as shockwave therapy and bioelectric therapy. The aim is to relieve symptoms while addressing the underlying causes, with a plan tailored to you.
Get a clear plan for your tennis elbow
Book an assessment at either branch and get a tailored plan.
This page is for general information and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified clinician about your individual condition.
Sources
- Sports Injuries — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Joint Disorders — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Injuries and Wounds — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Bones, Joints and Muscles — MedlinePlus, US National Library of Medicine
- Muscle and Bone Diseases — NIH National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases
- Orthopedic services — MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia