[tsf_breadcrumb sep="/" class="breadcrumbs]
Home / Patients / Conditions We Treat /
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that can cause pain, weakness, and frustration for both athletes and non-athletes. Whether you’re an avid tennis or pickleball player, or simply someone who uses your arms repetitively at work or home, this condition can make simple daily tasks difficult.
The goal of this guide is to provide a comprehensive look at how physical therapy (PT) plays a vital role in treating and recovering from tennis elbow. Here, you will learn how targeted PT techniques and exercises can relieve pain, restore strength and flexibility, and help you return to the activities you love. This resource is designed not only for individuals seeking relief from tennis elbow but also for healthcare professionals looking to better understand the proven benefits of PT in managing this condition. Through evidence-based treatment strategies and expert training, our aim is to empower you with the knowledge and tools needed to take control of your recovery and improve your quality of life.
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to get it- it often develops from everyday activities that involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive wrist and arm movements. The discomfort comes from tiny tears or irritation in the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow, often from overuse and repetitive movements. Experts now understand that it’s not just inflammation. But a gradual breakdown of tendon fibers over time. PT is one of the most effective ways to manage tennis elbow, helping to ease pain. Restore strength, and prevent future flare-ups.1
Tennis elbow affects about 1-3% of adults each year, most often to those who are aged between 30 and 50. It tends to occur more frequently in people who perform repetitive hand or wrist motions, such as those who work on computers, do manual labor, or play certain spots. Studies also show that the dominant atm is usually the one affected, In some occupational groups, such as factory or assembly-line workers, rates can be as high as 7%, and in frequent tennis pliers, up to 40-50% experience symptoms at some point in their lifetime.1
Tennis elbow can have a significant impact on everyday activities. Simple tasks like turning a doorknob, lifting a coffee mug, carrying groceries, or typing can become painful and frustrating. The loss of grip strength and ongoing discomfort can interfere with work, hobbies, and fitness routines. Without proper treatment, symptoms can linger for months or even years. PT focuses on reducing pain, improving mobility, and strengthening the muscles and tenders surrounding the elbow to help people return to their normal activities safely and confidently.2
Tennis elbow develops when the tendons that attach to the outer part of the elbow become strained or irritated, typically from overuse and repetitive movements of the muscles in the forearm. These muscles and tendons help you extend your wrist and fingers, so any activity that involves frequent gripping, lifting, or twisting can put stress on them. Over time, degeneration can affect tendon fibers leading to pain and tenderness around the elbow. Common activities that can trigger or worsen tennis elbow include using hand tools, typing or computer work, painting, gardening, or lifting heavy objects with the wrist bent. Even small repetitive actions such as carrying a grocery bag or shaking hands, can aggravate symptoms once the tendon becomes inflamed.1
While anyone who uses their hands and arms regularly can develop tennis elbow, certain lifestyle, work, and physical factors make some individuals more prone to it than others. The condition doesn’t occur overnight- it typically builds up over time due to repetitive stress, poor movement patterns, or inadequate rest between activities. Understanding your personal risk factors can help you prevent flare-ups and recognize early warning signs before pain becomes chronic.
Tennis elbow can begin gradually, often as a mild ache on the outer part of your elbow that worsens over time. Many people first notice discomfort after repetitive tasks or lifting objects with a straight arm. As the condition progresses, pain and weakness can interfere with even simple daily activities. The most common symptoms of tennis elbow include:
The pain is typically located just outside the elbow, near the bony bump known as the lateral epicondyle, where the tendons of the forearm attach. In more persistent cases, discomfort may extend down the forearm toward the wrists, and even light activities, like typing or shaking hands, can trigger symptoms.
If left untreated, tennis elbow can become a chronic issue. However, early evaluation and treatment-particularly through PT- can significantly reduce pain, improve movement, and restore strength. A PT can assess your symptoms, identify contributing movement patterns, and create a personalized plan to help you safely return to your activities of daily living( ADLs).
If you’ve noticed persistent pain or tenderness on the outer part of your elbow that makes gripping, lifting, or twisting movements uncomfortable, it may be a sign of tennis elbow. A PT is often the best professional to see first for this type of pain. PTs are movement specialists who are trained in identifying, diagnosing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions such as tennis elbow. You do not need to see a doctor prior to starting PT, as PTs are fully qualified to assess your symptoms, determine whether they stem from tendon overuse or another issue, and design a personalized treatment plan to help you recover and obtain your goals Seeing a PT early can help relieve pain sooner, improve mobility, and prevent the condition from becoming chronic. If your pain is severe, involves swelling or numbness, or does not improve with conservative treatments, a PT can refer you to a physician for imaging or further assessment.
Diagnosing tennis elbow typically doesn’t require extensive imaging or lab work. Instead, it’s based on your symptoms, medical history, and a detailed physical exam. During an evaluation, your PT will ask about your daily routines, work demands, and recreational activities to understand what might be aggravating your elbow. They will assess your wrist and forearm strength, grip endurance, and range of motion (ROM) to pinpoint areas of weakness or pain, The PT may also palpate specific parts of your elbow to locate tenderness and perform specific orthopedic tests to confirm or rule out the diagnosis. In addition, they’ll observe your movement mechanics to determine whether factors such as shoulder instability, muscle imbalance, or poor ergonomics are contributing to your symptoms.
In most cases, imaging like X-rays, ultrasounds or MRIs aren’t necessary unless symptoms are severe, long lasting, or unresponsive to conservative treatments. These tests are typically used to rule out other causes of elbow pain, such as arthritis, stress fractures, or nerve entrapment.1 By identifying how and why the tendon became overworked- whether due to repetitive strain, poor technique, or muscle weakness- PTs can create a targeted plan that promotes healing, restores function, and reduces the risk of re-injury.
Tennis elbow is often managed successfully without surgery. Non-surgical treatments are typically the first approach and include PT, which focus on stretching, strengthening, and improving mechanics to reduce strain on the elbow. Over-the-counter pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications can help manage discomfort during recovery. In cases where conservative measures are not sufficient, surgical options may be considered. Outpatient procedures aim to repair damaged tendon tissue and relieve pain, with most patients returning to normal activities after PT.
Living with tennis elbow often involves a combination of activity modification, targeted exercises, and guided rehabilitation. A PT will design a program that includes gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles and tendons. Common stretches may focus on extending and flexing the wrist and fingers, while strengthening exercises often involve resistance bands, light weights, or specialized equipment to gradually build tendon resilience. PTs may also use techniques such as manual therapy or eccentric exercises to reduce pain and promote healing, THe goals of PT are to relieve pain, restore strength and mobility, improve functional use of the arm, and prevent recurrence. With consistent adherence to these exercises and lifestyle modifications, most patients regain their ability to perform everyday tasks and recreational activities without discomfort.
Preventing tennis elbow involves a combination of proper technique, regular conditioning, and mindful activity habits. Strengthening and stretching the forearm, wrist, and hand muscles can reduce strain on the tendons, while maintaining good ergonomics during sports, work, or repetitive tasks helps prevent overuse injuries.
Using appropriate equipment, such as well-fitted racquets or ergonomic tools, and avoiding sudden increases in activity intensity and frequency can also lower risk. Long-term elbow and wrist health can be supported by periodically resting the arms, staying active with balanced strength training, and addressing early signs of discomfort with targeted exercises or professional guidance from a PT. These strategies help maintain mobility, reduce pain, and promote lasting joint and tendon health.
Selecting a qualified PT is an important step in achieving a successful recovery from tennis elbow. Seek therapists who are experienced in treating musculoskeletal and overuse injuries, especially those with training in upper extremity rehabilitation. Reading reviews, asking for recommendations, and confirming credentials can help ensure you find a knowledgeable provider. Equally important is establishing a strong patient-therapist partnership, where open communication, goal setting, and active participation in exercise foster better outcomes. A collaborative approach allows the PT to tailor treatments to your specific needs, monitor your progress, and make adjustments as needed-helping you recover more efficiently and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Engage in activities that repeatedly strain the forearm and elbow, such as heavy lifting, gripping, or repetitive wrist motions. Lifting with an overhead grip is aggravating; patients should try to lift underhand grip. Overusing the affected arm, ignoring early symptoms, or skipping proper rest and rehabilitation can worsen the injury.