Understanding Tennis Elbow
Expert Care Designed to Stop the Pain and Start the Healing.
Tennis elbow, clinically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by the overworking of the tendons in the forearm. It specifically affects the area where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.
Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it; any activity that involves repetitive gripping and twisting can trigger the condition.
How Injuries Occur
Tennis elbow is primarily a repetitive stress injury. It occurs when the muscles and tendons are subjected to more force than they can handle. Common triggers include:
Repetitive Motion: Frequent use of the wrist and forearm, such as painting, typing, using a screwdriver, or using a manual saw.
Poor Technique: In sports like tennis, using an improper backhand technique or a racket that is too heavy or tightly strung.
Sudden Overload: Lifting a heavy object with the palm facing down, which puts immense strain on the outer elbow tendons.
Types of Damage
The injury usually involves the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB) muscle and its tendon. Damage typically manifests as:
Micro-tearing: Small, microscopic tears in the tendon fibres where they attach to the lateral epicondyle (the elbow bone).
Tendon Degeneration: If the body cannot keep up with the repair of these micro-tears, the tendon tissue begins to weaken and degenerate (tendinosis).
Inflammation: In the early stages, the area may become inflamed and swollen, causing acute pain when the muscle is engaged.
The Impact of Neglect
Ignoring the early signs of tennis elbow can lead to a cycle of chronic injury:
Chronic Pain: What begins as a dull ache can turn into a sharp, constant pain that radiates down the forearm, making even holding a coffee cup difficult.
Reduced Grip Strength: As the tendon weakens, you may find yourself dropping objects or struggling with basic tasks like turning a doorknob or shaking hands.
Tendon Rupture: In extreme cases, a severely weakened tendon can partially or completely tear away from the bone, which may require surgical intervention.
Compensatory Injuries: To avoid elbow pain, you may alter your movement, which can lead to secondary strain in the shoulder or wrist.
Who is This Treatment For?
Tennis elbow treatment is ideal for:
- Office workers using a mouse or keyboard extensively
- Tradespeople (e.g. builders, plumbers, electricians)
- Gym-goers and athletes
- People performing repetitive arm movements
- Anyone experiencing elbow pain or reduced grip strength
If your elbow pain is interfering with daily tasks, treatment can help restore function.
Benefits of Rotator Cuff Treatment
Regular treatment can help you:
- Reduce elbow pain and inflammation
- Improve grip strength
- Restore normal arm function
- Prevent further strain or injury
- Support long-term recovery
- Return to work, sport, and daily activities faster
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Recovery can take a few weeks to several months depending on severity and how early treatment begins.
Should I stop using my arm completely?
Not usually. Reducing aggravating activities while staying gently active is often the best approach.
Is treatment painful?
Some techniques may feel intense due to tight or irritated tissues, but treatment is always adjusted to your comfort.
Can tennis elbow come back?
Yes, especially if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. We focus on prevention as well as treatment.
When should I seek treatment?
If pain persists, worsens, or affects your grip and daily activities, it’s best to seek treatment early.
Book Your Tennis Elbow Treatment
Don’t let elbow pain limit your work, training, or daily life. Our tailored treatments are designed to relieve discomfort and restore strength.
Zeshan was the first health practitioner who truly understood the underlying root cause of my issue,
Outstanding care, true expertise and genuine results. After years of navigating a complex chronic issue, consulting a GP, a private neurologist, NHS physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, and massage therapists, I still lacked a diagnosis for chronic pain issues, and often felt like my condition was only ever being managed rather than truly treated.Zeshan was the first health practitioner who truly understood the underlying root cause of my issue, tracing a series of hip and spine misalignments back to an old ankle injury. Over the course of 8 sessions, we made remarkable progress. My neck and shoulder tension dropped significantly, and my recurring headaches have stopped.
His approach combines hands-on expertise with a home exercise and mobility routine that actually delivers results. If you are looking for someone who takes the time to properly assess, listen and map out a real path toward recovery, Zeshan is exceptional at what he does, I can’t recommend him highly enough!
— Therese Hurst
