Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer side of the elbow because of tiny injuries causing inflammation of tendons around your elbow. In many people, symptoms improve over time just by stopping activities that bring on the symptoms. Painkillers may help to ease the pain until the condition improves. A steroid injection may also ease pain in the short-term. However, the pain often returns. Physiotherapy is another treatment option. Other treatments are sometimes used if symptoms persist for example splints are often used which help support the elbow when using the arm. A physiotherapist can help advise you on suitable and correct splints and supports.

For most people with tennis elbow, the pain only occurs when they use their forearm and wrist, particularly for twisting movements such as turning a door handle or opening a jar. However, for some people the pain is constant; it occurs at rest and can affect their sleep. The pain may travel down your arm from your elbow towards your wrist. You may find it difficult to hold items such as a knife or fork, a cup or a pen, or to straighten your arm fully. Some people also notice a stiffness in the affected arm.

Tennis elbow is more likely to occur if you have unfit forearm muscles. For example, if you suddenly play a lot of tennis whilst on holiday, or you do a DIY project or some gardening when you are not used to strong forearm actions. However, even if you are used to heavy work, you can overdo it and injure a tendon. People whose work involves repeated twisting and gripping actions, such as carpenters and plasterers, are prone to getting tennis elbow.

Physiotherapy has been shown to be helpful in the treatment of tennis elbow. Our physiotherapists may be able to use techniques such as massage, laser therapy, acupuncture and ultrasound therapy as well as exercises to treat your tennis elbow.