Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Causes and Recovery

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most frequent elbow injuries treated by physiotherapists.

Despite its sporty name, it’s not just tennis players who suffer from it. In fact, we often see it in tradies, office workers, gardeners, musicians, and anyone whose daily tasks involve repetitive gripping or wrist movements.

This condition occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow become irritated or damaged, often due to repeated overuse. The result is pain, tenderness, and weakness in the forearm, which can make even the simplest tasks — like turning a doorknob or holding a coffee cup — surprisingly difficult.

The good news? With the right management plan, most people can make a complete recovery. Let’s take a closer look at what causes tennis elbow, how to recognise the symptoms, and how physiotherapy can help you get back to pain-free movement.

Causes of Tennis Elbow

The affected area in tennis elbow is the extensor tendon that connects your forearm muscles to the lateral epicondyle — the bony bump on the outside of your elbow.

These tendons are responsible for lifting your hand and extending your wrist, which means they work hard during gripping and lifting activities.

When these tendons are repeatedly overloaded, small microtears can form in the tissue, leading to inflammation, tenderness, and reduced function.

Common causes and risk factors include:

• Sports involving racquets or repetitive arm motion – Tennis, squash, badminton, cricket, or baseball.

• Manual labour and trade work – Carpentry, plumbing, painting, bricklaying, mechanics.

• Office and desk jobs – Prolonged computer mouse use, typing without ergonomic support.

• Hobbies – Gardening, knitting, woodwork, or musical instruments.

• Sudden spikes in activity – Starting a physically demanding project without gradual build-up.

• Poor technique – In sport or when using tools, placing extra strain on the elbow tendons.

  
  

While many cases build up over time, a sudden increase in load — like an intense weekend of DIY — can also trigger symptoms.

Recognising the Signs and Symptoms

Tennis elbow can develop slowly, often starting as a mild ache before progressing into persistent pain.

Typical symptoms include:

• Localised pain or a burning sensation on the outer side of the elbow.

• Tenderness when pressing on the lateral epicondyle.

  
  

• Weakness in grip — trouble holding cups, shaking hands, or carrying groceries.

• Pain when lifting the wrist or fingers against resistance.

• Discomfort radiating from the elbow into the forearm.

• Stiffness and soreness, particularly in the morning or after periods of rest.

For some, everyday actions such as turning a key, pouring a kettle, or using a screwdriver can cause discomfort.

Self-Care and Early Management Strategies

Catching tennis elbow early is key to preventing it from becoming a long-term problem. While professional assessment is important, there are a few initial steps that can help manage symptoms:

1. Relative rest – Avoid or modify activities that trigger pain, but try to keep the elbow gently moving to prevent stiffness.

2. Ice therapy – Apply a cold pack to the outer elbow for 15–20 minutes at a time, several times per day, to reduce inflammation.

3. Gentle stretching – Stretching the forearm extensors can help maintain mobility.

4. Supportive bracing – An elbow strap or forearm band can reduce strain during activities.

5. Anti-inflammatory measures – Medications may help in the short term, but only under the guidance of your GP or pharmacist.

6. Ergonomic adjustments – Altering your workstation, tool handles, or racquet grip can significantly reduce strain.

   
   

These strategies can provide relief in the early stages, but they won’t fully address the underlying tendon changes — which is where physiotherapy becomes essential.

When to Seek Professional Help

While mild cases can improve with rest and activity modification, professional help should be sought if:

• Pain persists for more than two weeks.

• Symptoms worsen despite rest.

• Grip strength noticeably declines.

• Night pain is affecting sleep.

• Pain is spreading further down the forearm or into the upper arm.

  
  

Physiotherapists can provide a precise diagnosis, address the root cause, and create a tailored rehabilitation plan to restore strength and function.

How Physiotherapy Helps with Tennis Elbow

At Revamp Physiotherapy, we follow a comprehensive approach to treating tennis elbow.

1. Detailed Assessment

We identify exactly which movements or activities are aggravating the tendon and examine your strength, posture, and movement patterns.

2. Hands-On Treatment

Manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and trigger point therapy can help ease pain and restore mobility.

3. Exercise Rehabilitation

We provide a progressive exercise program that focuses on:

• Strengthening the wrist extensors and forearm muscles.

• Improving shoulder and upper back strength for better arm mechanics.

• Enhancing grip strength to prevent re-injury.

  
  

4. Load Management Education

We guide you on how to gradually increase your activity without overloading the tendon.

5. Technique and Ergonomic Coaching

Whether it’s improving your tennis backhand, adjusting your workstation, or teaching safer tool handling, technique correction is a key part of recovery.

6. Return-to-Activity Planning

We help you get back to work, sport, and hobbies in a safe and sustainable way — reducing the risk of flare-ups.

Preventing Tennis Elbow in the Future

Once symptoms settle, prevention should be the focus. Some of the best ways to reduce your risk include:

• Warm up before activity – Simple wrist and forearm mobility exercises prepare the muscles and tendons.

• Gradual loading – Increase your activity level or training intensity slowly.

• Technique review – Have a coach or physiotherapist assess your form in sport or manual tasks.

• Maintain upper limb strength – Shoulder, upper back, and core strength can offload the elbow.

• Take regular breaks – Especially during repetitive work tasks or long computer sessions.

• Use appropriate equipment – Correct grip sizes, ergonomic tools, or padded handles can reduce strain.

  
  

The Bottom Line

Tennis elbow is common, but it doesn’t have to be long-lasting. With early intervention, targeted physiotherapy, and smart activity management, most people make a full recovery and return to the activities they enjoy.

If you’re in Carina, Carindale, or surrounding Brisbane suburbs, the team at Revamp Physiotherapy is here to help. We offer personalised care to relieve pain, restore strength, and prevent recurrence — so you can get back to living, working, and playing without limitation.

Book an appointment today and take the first step towards a stronger, pain-free elbow.