Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t have to be a tennis player to experience it—any repetitive gripping or wrist extension activity can trigger symptoms. Whether you’re swinging a racquet, working with tools, or typing all day, tennis elbow can become a painful and limiting condition without the right care.
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is a form of tendinopathy involving the extensor tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow). Repeated use leads to tiny tears and degeneration in the tendon, resulting in pain and inflammation.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
This condition typically develops from repetitive stress rather than a single injury. Common causes include:
- Repetitive Wrist or Forearm Movements: Such as racquet sports, painting, or using hand tools.
- Poor Technique or Ergonomics: Especially in sports or work tasks involving gripping or lifting.
- Overuse in Daily Tasks: Gardening, cooking, or even frequent computer mouse use.
- Occupational Risk: Common in tradespeople, office workers, and manual labourers.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow usually develops gradually. Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow that may radiate down the forearm.
- Tenderness at the lateral epicondyle.
- Weak grip strength—difficulty holding or lifting objects like coffee mugs or bags.
- Worsened pain with lifting, twisting, or wrist extension activities.
Diagnosing Tennis Elbow
A clinical diagnosis is usually sufficient, based on:
- Medical History: Reviewing your activity patterns and symptom onset.
- Physical Examination: Palpation and movement tests to reproduce symptoms.
- Imaging (if needed): Ultrasound or MRI may be used for long-standing or unclear cases.
Treatment Options for Tennis Elbow
Fortunately, most cases of tennis elbow respond well to non-surgical treatment.
Initial Management
- Rest and Activity Modification: Avoid aggravating movements while healing begins.
- Ice Therapy: Helps reduce inflammation and pain during flare-ups.
- Bracing: A forearm strap can reduce stress on the tendon during activity.
Hands-On Rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy: Includes manual therapy, eccentric loading exercises, and education on activity modification.
- Athletic Therapy: Offers focused rehab plans for sport and task-specific demands, perfect for active individuals.
- Kinesiology: Improves mechanics and strength to reduce strain and prevent recurrence.
- Massage Therapy: Loosens tight forearm muscles and improves circulation around the elbow to support healing.
Advanced Treatment Options
- Shockwave Therapy: Stimulates tendon healing in persistent or chronic cases.
- Corticosteroid Injections: May offer temporary relief, though not a first-line treatment.
- Surgical Intervention: Rare, but considered in severe or long-standing cases. We collaborate closely with local orthopedic surgeons in Kamloops when a referral is necessary.
Recovery and Prevention
Most people recover from tennis elbow in 6–12 weeks, depending on the severity and adherence to rehab. Preventive strategies include:
- Proper warm-up and stretching
- Ergonomic adjustments for work or sport
- Strengthening and conditioning for the wrist, forearm, and shoulder
- Technique training for athletic or occupational tasks
How We Help in Kamloops
Our clinic offers a team-based, multi-disciplinary approach to treating tennis elbow:
- Physiotherapy, athletic therapy, and kinesiology work together to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
- Massage therapy supports soft tissue healing and improves comfort during rehab.
- Seamless referrals to local orthopedic specialists ensure timely care when further investigation is needed.
Back to Lifting, Gripping, and Moving Without Pain
If lateral elbow pain is interfering with your work, workouts, or daily tasks, we’re here to help. Book an assessment with our team to get a personalized treatment plan and expert support every step of the way. Let’s get you back to doing what you love—pain-free and stronger than ever.