Tennis elbow physiotherapy

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) causes pain on the outside of the elbow that can radiate into the forearm. Despite its name, it most commonly affects people who do repetitive hand and wrist movements at work, not just tennis players. Physiotherapy is the most effective treatment.

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Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow become overloaded and develop small tears. This leads to pain and weakness, especially when gripping, lifting, or twisting. Common activities that trigger it include typing, using a mouse, cooking, gardening, and manual work.

The condition used to be called an "inflammation," but we now know it is primarily a degenerative tendon problem (tendinopathy). This is important because it changes the treatment approach: rest alone does not fix tendinopathy. The tendons need progressive, controlled loading to heal and rebuild strength.

Symptoms we treat

Pain on the outside of the elbow
Pain when gripping, lifting, or turning objects (opening jars, shaking hands)
Weakness in the forearm and wrist
Pain that worsens with repetitive hand and wrist movements
Morning stiffness in the elbow
Tenderness when pressing the outer elbow

Our treatment approach

Progressive tendon loading exercises (isometric, eccentric, heavy slow resistance)
Forearm and wrist strengthening program
Activity modification to reduce aggravating loads
Ergonomic assessment for desk workers
Manual therapy for pain relief
Gradual return to full activity without restrictions

Recovery timeline

Tennis elbow typically responds well to physiotherapy over 6 to 12 weeks, though complete tendon healing may take 3 to 6 months. Many patients notice reduced pain within 2 to 3 weeks of starting a loading program. The key is a gradual, progressive approach, as tendons need time to adapt and rebuild strength.

When to see a physiotherapist

See a physiotherapist if you have persistent elbow pain lasting more than 1 to 2 weeks, if gripping or lifting causes pain, or if elbow pain is affecting your work. Early treatment prevents the condition from becoming chronic. If you have had elbow pain for months, physiotherapy can still improve it significantly.

Frequently asked questions

Can tennis elbow be treated online?
Yes. Tennis elbow treatment is exercise-based, making it ideal for online physiotherapy. Your physiotherapist can assess your arm movement and strength via video, demonstrate the progressive loading exercises, review your work setup, and adjust your program over time. Most patients with tennis elbow do very well with online sessions.
Should I rest my arm with tennis elbow?
Complete rest is not recommended. While you should avoid activities that cause sharp pain, the tendons need controlled, progressive loading to heal. Your physiotherapist will identify which activities to modify and which specific exercises to do. Prolonged rest often leads to weaker tendons and longer recovery.
Do I need a brace for tennis elbow?
A forearm strap or brace can provide short-term pain relief during activities, but it does not treat the underlying problem. Bracing combined with a physiotherapy exercise program is more effective than bracing alone. Your physiotherapist can advise whether a brace would help in your specific case.
How is tennis elbow different from golfer's elbow?
Tennis elbow affects the outside of the elbow (the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles), while golfer's elbow affects the inside (the wrist flexor tendons). Both are tendinopathies treated with similar principles: progressive loading, activity modification, and strengthening. The specific exercises differ based on which tendons are affected.

Get treatment for tennis elbow

Available anywhere in India

Online physiotherapy

Live video sessions with an experienced physiotherapist. Get assessed, treated, and guided through your recovery from home.

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4 locations in Vijayawada

Physiotherapy at home

At your doorstep in Vijayawada

Dr. Rajendra

Written by Dr. V. B. Rajendra Prasad, MPT (Orthopaedics)
Physical Therapist licensed in the United States. About Dr. Rajendra

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