Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain around the outside of the elbow. Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it, repetitive movements, overuse, or strain in the forearm muscles can lead to this condition. Pain and discomfort can make everyday tasks like lifting objects, shaking hands, or even typing challenging.
The good news is that physiotherapy offers effective strategies to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help you return to daily activities stronger than before.
Understanding Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become inflamed or overloaded. It often develops gradually, with symptoms becoming noticeable over time.
Common signs include:
- Pain or burning on the outer elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Discomfort when lifting, twisting, or performing repetitive tasks
Early physiotherapy intervention can prevent the condition from worsening and shorten recovery time.
Physiotherapy Strategies for Healing
Physiotherapists use a combination of exercises, manual therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to treat tennis elbow effectively.
1. Targeted Exercises
Strengthening and stretching exercises are crucial to healing. They help reduce strain on the affected tendons and improve overall function. Common exercises include:
- Wrist extensor stretches to relieve tension
- Eccentric strengthening exercises to rebuild tendon resilience
- Grip strengthening with stress balls or light weights
Performing these exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist ensures proper technique and optimal results.
2. Manual Therapy
Hands-on treatment can make a big difference in managing pain and improving mobility. Physiotherapists may use:
- Soft tissue massage to reduce tension
- Joint mobilisations to improve flexibility
- Techniques to promote blood flow and healing in the tendon
Manual therapy works alongside exercises to speed up recovery.
3. Ice and Heat Therapy
Managing pain and inflammation at home is also important. Physiotherapists often recommend:
- Ice packs during acute flare-ups to reduce inflammation
- Gentle heat to relax muscles and improve circulation during recovery
These therapies complement professional treatment and provide comfort between sessions.
4. Activity Modification
Avoiding movements that aggravate your elbow is key. A physiotherapist can help you:
- Identify repetitive actions causing pain
- Adjust work or sports techniques
- Continue daily activities without worsening symptoms
5. Supportive Braces
Elbow straps or wrist splints can reduce strain while allowing movement. They are particularly helpful during:
- Work tasks that involve lifting or gripping
- Sports or hobbies that stress the forearm
- Daily activities while your elbow heals
How Home Physio Group Can Help
At Home Physio Group, we provide personalised, home-based care for patients with tennis elbow. Our expert physiotherapists can:
- Develop tailored exercise plans specific to your needs
- Offer hands-on treatments to accelerate recovery
- Advise on daily activity modifications to prevent recurrence
- Provide ongoing support while you recover in the comfort of your home
With consistent physiotherapy, most patients experience significant pain relief and regain full function within a few weeks to months.
Key Takeaways
Tennis elbow may be painful and limiting, but recovery is possible with the right approach. Remember:
- It’s often caused by repetitive strain, not just sports
- Physiotherapy is highly effective in managing symptoms and preventing recurrence
- Early treatment, guided exercises, and activity adjustments accelerate healing
Tennis Elbow does not have to slow you down. Contact Home Physio Group today to schedule an assessment and start your journey to recovery. Call us on 0330 335 1016 or use the contact sheet and we will get back to you.