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Tennis Elbow: Early Treatment Can Make a Big Difference
Tennis elbow is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons and muscles on the outside of the elbow and forearm. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It frequently affects people whose work or hobbies involve repetitive gripping, lifting, carrying or manual tasks.
The condition typically develops when the forearm muscles become overloaded over time. These muscles attach to the outside of the elbow and are heavily involved in gripping and wrist movements. As the load exceeds the tendon’s capacity, pain can develop around the bony point on the outside of the elbow.
One of the most important factors in managing tennis elbow is addressing symptoms early before they become persistent or chronic. Early intervention may help reduce irritation and improve recovery outcomes.
Simple self-management strategies may include:
- Gentle massage through the forearm muscles
- Using a spiky massage ball to release muscle tension
- Stretching the forearm muscles within a comfortable range
- Modifying aggravating activities where possible
A common forearm stretch involves straightening the elbow and gently stretching the wrist and fingers until a mild pulling sensation is felt through the forearm. Stretches should remain comfortable and generally stay below a low level of discomfort.
If symptoms continue to persist, progressive strengthening exercises are often required. Research suggests that tendon injuries typically respond best to appropriately graded loading programs that help rebuild the strength and capacity of the tendon over time.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Pain during gripping or lifting
- Forearm tightness or weakness
- Discomfort during work or sporting activities
At Spine & Sports Physiotherapy, our Physiotherapists can assess tennis elbow, identify contributing factors and provide individualised treatment and strengthening programs to help reduce pain, improve function and prevent symptoms from becoming a long-term problem.