Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

What are tennis elbow symptoms?

Tennis elbow symptoms typically include:

1. Elbow pain: A dull or sharp pain, often on the outer side of the elbow, which can worsen with certain movements.

2. Weak grip strength: Difficulty gripping objects, shaking hands, or lifting items.

3. Tenderness: Sensitivity or soreness when touching the outer part of the elbow.

4. Stiffness: The elbow may feel stiff or tight, especially in the morning or after rest.

5. Worsening pain with activity: Pain may increase with activities like lifting, gripping, or twisting motions (such as turning a doorknob or shaking hands).

6. Radiating pain: Pain can sometimes extend from the elbow down into the forearm or wrist.

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How do you know if you have tennis elbow?

A definitive diagnosis of tennis elbow requires a visit to a healthcare provider. However, many people with tennis elbow experience a distinct type of pain in their elbow and arm. This pain typically feels:

• Sharp or burning.

• Worse when performing twisting or bending motions, such as turning a doorknob, opening a jar, or swinging the arm.

• Radiating from the elbow down to the forearm and wrist, often more noticeable at night.

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Does tennis elbow affect one or both arms?

Tennis elbow most often occurs in your dominant arm—the one you naturally use for most activities. The arm you use most for repetitive tasks, such as holding a racket or tools, is typically the one affected.

Although less common, it's possible to develop tennis elbow in both arms simultaneously.

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What causes tennis elbow?

Any repetitive motion or activity can lead to tennis elbow. Over time, the strain from these repeated movements accumulates, placing extra stress on the extensor muscle tendon. This added strain eventually results in small tears, known as microtraumas, which lead to noticeable symptoms and discomfort.

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Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of nerve damage:

• Weakness: Reduced strength in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

• Numbness: Loss of sensation or a tingling feeling in the affected area.

• Pain: Sharp, burning pain in the shoulder or arm.

• Paralysis: In severe cases, complete loss of muscle function in the affected limb.

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What are the risk factors?

Anyone can develop tennis elbow, but certain factors increase the risk, especially for people who:

• Regularly lift more than 45 pounds (22 kilograms).

• Are over 40 years old.

• Smoke.

• Have obesity (with a body mass index, or BMI, of 30 or higher).

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Athletes who participate in sports that strain the arms or elbows, such as:

• Tennis and other racket sports (like squash, pickleball, or racquetball).

• Baseball or softball.

• Bowling.

• Golf.

• Weight lifting.

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People whose jobs or hobbies put significant stress on their elbows, including:

• Painters.

• Musicians.

• Chefs or cooks.

• Carpenters.

• Plumbers.

• Cleaners.

• Gardeners.

• Manicurists.

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The Role of Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy in Tennis Elbow

Effective rehabilitation is crucial for recovering from tennis elbow. Sports Therapy & Physiotherapy focuses on restoring function, reducing pain, and preventing further damage, while sports therapy incorporates advanced techniques tailored to the specific demands of athletes.

• Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle exercises help maintain flexibility and prevent stiffness in the elbow joint.

• Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to rebuild strength in the forearm muscles, particularly those supporting the elbow.

• Pain Management: Modalities such as heat, ice, and electrical stimulation help manage pain and reduce inflammation.

• Shockwave Therapy: A non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing, reduce pain, and stimulate blood flow in the damaged tendon.

• Manual Therapy: Hands-on treatments, including massage, soft tissue mobilization, and joint manipulation, help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the healing process.

• Functional Training: Sport-specific exercises that mimic the movements of the athlete’s activity, enhancing performance and reducing the risk of re-injury.

• Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques to improve coordination between nerves and muscles, enhancing stability and control around the elbow.

This comprehensive approach supports recovery, pain relief, and long-term prevention of tennis elbow.

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Why Visit a Sports Therapist or Physiotherapist?

While general information can be helpful, the personalised care and expertise of a musculoskeletal injury specialist are crucial for effective treatment of tennis elbow. We can provide:

• Customised Treatment Plans: Based on individual assessment, a tailored program to address specific needs and goals.

• Expert Guidance: Professional supervision to ensure exercises are performed correctly and safely.

• Progress Monitoring: Regular assessments to track improvement and adjust the treatment plan as needed.

• Preventive Strategies: Education on body mechanics and preventive exercises to reduce the risk of future injuries.

What to book in for?

For a full assessment, treatment, advise, exercise plan etc... Book for a Initial Consultation & Treatment service. 

Book Here

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​References

• American Academy of Family Physicians. Tennis Elbow (https://familydoctor.org/condition/tennis-elbow/). Last updated 9/6/2018. Accessed 1/15/2024.

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)(https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis/). Last reviewed 8/2020. Accessed 1/15/2024.

• American Society for Surgery of the Hand. Tennis Elbow — Later Epicondylitis(https://www.assh.org/handcare/condition/tennis-elbow-lateral-epicondylitis). Last updated 2017. Accessed 1/15/2024.

• Buchanan BK, Varacallo M. Tennis Elbow (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28613744/). 2023 Aug 4. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing;2023 Jan. Accessed 1/15/2024.

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