Tennis Elbow
06.10.2026 | Blog
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is pain around the outside of the elbow. It happens when the muscles and tendons around the elbow are used too much or repeatedly.
You do not have to play tennis to get tennis elbow. It can happen to anyone who often uses their arm, wrist or hand.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow can happen because of repeated movements such as:
- Lifting or carrying heavy things
- Gripping objects tightly
- Using a computer mouse for long periods
- Repeatedly using tools
- Playing tennis or other sports
- Repeated wrist or arm movements
- Doing more exercise or work than usual
Sometimes, the pain develops slowly without one clear injury.
Common Symptoms
People with tennis elbow may feel:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Pain that may travel down the forearm
- Pain when lifting or carrying things
- Pain when gripping or squeezing
- Difficulty opening a jar or turning a door handle
- Weakness in the hand or arm
- Tenderness around the elbow
- Pain that gets worse with repeated arm or wrist movements
How Physiotherapy Can Help
Our physiotherapists will assess your elbow, wrist, and surrounding muscles to identify the factors contributing to your pain. Treatment may include:
- Pain management – techniques to help reduce pain and irritation.
- Elbow and wrist exercises – targeted exercises to improve movement and function.
- Progressive strengthening – gradually strengthening the forearm and elbow muscles to improve load tolerance.
- Manual therapy – hands-on techniques to help improve mobility and reduce discomfort.
- Activity modification – guidance on adjusting daily activities, work, or sports movements to avoid unnecessary strain.
- Home exercise programme – personalised exercises to support your recovery between sessions.
Our goal is to help you reduce pain, restore arm function, and safely return to your daily activities, work, or sports.
Simple Explanation
Think of your elbow like a hinge that helps your arm move. When the muscles and tendons around it are used too much, they can become irritated and painful.
If your elbow pain continues or starts affecting your daily activities, work or sports, it is a good idea to have it checked by a healthcare professional or physiotherapist.