What is it?
Tennis elbow is a condition that causes pain on the outer part of the elbow, where the forearm muscles attach to the bone. It’s not just from playing tennis – it’s caused by overuse or strain of the forearm muscles from any repetitive activities.
What causes it?
Tennis elbow often develops from activities that involve repeated gripping, lifting, or wrist movements. Common causes include:
- Repetitive tasks like typing, using tools, or lifting at work
- Sports involving racquets or throwing
- Household chores or gym exercises that overload the forearm muscles
It typically develops gradually and is more common in people aged 35–50.
How it feels
- Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer elbow area
- Pain when lifting, gripping, or twisting objects (e.g. turning a door handle or opening a jar)
- Weak grip strength in many cases
How physiotherapy helps
A physiotherapist can guide your recovery with:
- Education and advice about activity modification and proper technique
- Manual therapy to reduce muscle tension and improve mobility
- Stretching and strengthening exercises to gradually restore forearm function
- Eccentric loading programs, where muscles are strengthened while lengthening
- Taping or bracing for short-term support if needed
- Advice on pacing and ergonomics to prevent recurrence
Recovery
Most people recover well with a structured rehab program, although it may take a few weeks to several months depending on severity and activity levels. Staying consistent with exercises is key to long-term improvement.
Reference:
Järvinen TLN, Repo JP. Tennis Elbow. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023. NCBI Bookshelf NBK431092
