What Is Tennis Elbow? Understanding the Condition and Its Causes

If you've ever experienced pain or discomfort on the outer part of your elbow, you may be dealing with tennis elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop this condition. In fact, any repetitive arm movement that puts strain on the tendons around the elbow can lead to pain and weakness.

Tennis elbow is one of the most common causes of elbow pain, affecting people across various professions and activities. From office workers to tradespeople and gym-goers, anyone who frequently uses their wrist and forearm muscles may be at risk.

So, what exactly is tennis elbow, what causes it, and how can you manage it? Let’s break it down.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. These tendons help with movements like gripping, lifting, and twisting the wrist and forearm. When they become irritated or inflamed, it leads to pain, tenderness, and reduced strength.

Although the condition is often linked to racket sports, many work and daily activities can cause the same strain, leading to irritation in the extensor tendons of the forearm.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

1. Repetitive Arm Movements

One of the leading causes of tennis elbow is repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons. Actions that involve gripping, lifting, or twisting can place excessive strain on the tendons, leading to tiny tears and inflammation.

Some of the most common activities that contribute to tennis elbow include:
✔ Using tools – Trades such as carpentry, plumbing, or painting.
✔ Typing and computer work – Constant mouse and keyboard use.
✔ Weightlifting and gym exercises – Especially those involving gripping barbells or dumbbells.
✔ Sports with repetitive arm use – Tennis, squash, golf, or rowing.
✔ Playing musical instruments – Violin, guitar, and piano.

2. Poor Technique & Overuse

Incorrect technique when lifting, gripping, or swinging can increase the load on the forearm tendons, making them more vulnerable to strain. This is especially common in sports like tennis, where poor racket grip or improper backhand technique can lead to excessive stress on the elbow.

Similarly, overuse without proper recovery can increase the risk. Those who perform repetitive movements for work or exercise without allowing the tendons to rest and heal may develop persistent elbow pain.

3. Weak Forearm & Shoulder Muscles

Weakness in the forearm, wrist, or shoulder muscles can lead to excess strain on the elbow tendons. When these muscles aren’t strong enough to support repetitive movements, the tendons take on more stress, leading to irritation and injury over time.

Building forearm strength and improving shoulder stability can help distribute force more evenly, reducing the likelihood of developing tennis elbow.

Signs & Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow symptoms develop gradually, often starting as mild discomfort before worsening over time. The most common symptoms include:

✅ Pain on the outer part of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm.
✅ Weakened grip strength, making it harder to hold objects.
✅ Pain with gripping, twisting, or lifting, such as holding a coffee cup or shaking hands.
✅ Elbow stiffness, especially in the morning or after activity.
✅ Tenderness when pressing on the bony part of the elbow (lateral epicondyle).

The pain may worsen with repetitive activities and can become more persistent if not managed early.

How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?

The good news is that tennis elbow is treatable, and with the right approach, most people recover fully. Early intervention can reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence.

1. Rest & Activity Modification

Reducing repetitive movements that strain the elbow is key to allowing the tendons to heal. This may mean adjusting technique, taking breaks from aggravating activities, or modifying how certain tasks are performed.

2. Manual Therapy & Hands-On Treatment

Physiotherapists use hands-on techniques such as:
✔ Soft tissue massage – To relieve muscle tightness and improve blood flow.
✔ Joint mobilisation – To improve movement and reduce strain on the elbow.
✔ Tendon release techniques – To target irritation and ease discomfort.

3. Strength & Mobility Exercises

A structured exercise program helps rebuild strength, flexibility, and endurance in the forearm and wrist. Some commonly used exercises include:

🏋 Eccentric wrist extensions – Strengthening the forearm extensor tendons.
🏋 Grip strengthening exercises – Using resistance tools to improve grip strength.
🏋 Shoulder and posture work – Enhancing shoulder stability to reduce strain on the elbow.

4. Dry Needling & Other Physiotherapy Techniques

Some people find relief with dry needling, which helps release muscle tension and promote healing. Other physiotherapy approaches like ultrasound therapy or taping may also be used to support the recovery process.

5. Gradual Return to Activity

Once symptoms improve, gradually increasing activity levels is important to prevent recurrence. Proper warm-ups, technique adjustments, and strengthening exercises help ensure the tendons can handle movement without becoming irritated again.

Preventing Tennis Elbow from Coming Back

After recovering from tennis elbow, preventative strategies can help reduce the risk of future flare-ups:

✔ Strengthen the forearm and shoulder muscles to improve resilience.
✔ Use proper technique when gripping, lifting, or playing sports.
✔ Modify repetitive activities to avoid excessive strain.
✔ Take regular breaks to avoid overloading the tendons.

Making these small changes can go a long way in keeping the elbow healthy and pain-free.

Final Thoughts: Understanding & Managing Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a common but manageable condition caused by repetitive strain on the forearm tendons. Whether it’s from work, sports, or daily activities, understanding the causes and risk factors is the first step in finding effective relief.

At Muscle People Physiotherapy, we provide hands-on treatment, strength exercises, and movement strategies to help ease pain and restore function. With the right approach, you can get back to doing what you love—without elbow pain holding you back.

📌 Struggling with tennis elbow? Book an appointment today and start your recovery journey!