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Tennis Elbow Physiotherapy in Richmond
See below how Richmond Physiotherapist can help you
Tennis Elbow Physiotherapy: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. The condition develops when the tendons that attach to the elbow become irritated from repetitive gripping or wrist movements.
Despite the name, tennis elbow does not only affect athletes. It frequently occurs in people who perform repetitive activities such as typing, lifting, gripping tools, or using a mouse for long periods.
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing tendon irritation, restoring strength in the forearm muscles, and gradually returning the arm to normal function.
At Richmond Physiotherapist, we provide physiotherapy treatment for tennis elbow in Richmond designed to reduce pain and restore comfortable arm movement.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow typically develops due to repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons.
Common causes include:
• repetitive gripping or lifting
• racquet sports such as tennis or pickleball
• prolonged computer or mouse use
• weight training exercises
• manual labour or tool use
• repetitive wrist extension movements
Over time, these repeated stresses can irritate the tendon where it attaches to the elbow.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Symptoms of tennis elbow usually develop gradually and may worsen with continued activity.
Common symptoms include:
• pain on the outer elbow
• discomfort when gripping objects
• pain when lifting or twisting the wrist
• weakness in the forearm
• difficulty opening jars or gripping tools
• tenderness around the lateral elbow
Pain may increase during activities that involve gripping or lifting.
How Physiotherapy Helps Tennis Elbow
Physiotherapy treatment focuses on reducing strain on the irritated tendon while improving strength and movement control in the forearm.
During your physiotherapy assessment at Richmond Physiotherapist, we evaluate:
• elbow joint mobility
• forearm muscle strength
• wrist movement patterns
• gripping mechanics
• contributing shoulder and upper limb factors
Understanding these factors helps guide the most effective treatment approach.
Physiotherapy Treatments for Tennis Elbow
Treatment may include several physiotherapy techniques depending on the severity of symptoms.
Common treatments include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques used to improve elbow and wrist mobility.
Exercise Rehabilitation
Specific strengthening exercises designed to improve tendon capacity and forearm strength.
Dry Needling / IMS
Helps release muscle tension and reduce irritation in the forearm muscles.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy may be used for persistent tendon irritation associated with tennis elbow.
Movement Education
Advice on grip mechanics, workstation setup, and activity modification.
These treatments help restore strength and reduce stress on the affected tendon.
When to See a Physiotherapist
You should consider physiotherapy if:
• elbow pain persists for several weeks
• gripping objects becomes painful
• weakness develops in the forearm
• pain interferes with sports or exercise
• daily activities become difficult
Early treatment can help prevent tennis elbow from becoming a chronic condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
I don’t play tennis. Why do I have tennis elbow?
Almost nobody I treat for this plays tennis. It’s from repetitive gripping and wrist extension: typing, tools, cooking, lifting kids. The tendon at the outside of the elbow gets overloaded the same way whether you’re swinging a racquet or a hammer. The name is misleading.
Should I wear a brace for tennis elbow?
A counterforce brace, the strap just below the elbow, can help during aggravating activities by offloading the tendon. It’s a support, not a fix. The real fix is progressive tendon loading through eccentric exercises. Brace for the activity, exercise for the cure.
Why does it hurt to shake hands or lift a coffee cup?
Gripping and lifting with the wrist extended loads the exact tendon that’s irritated. That sharp pain on the outside of the elbow when you grip is the classic sign. It’s not weakness. It’s a pain response from an unhappy tendon.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Honestly, this one is slow. Three to six months is typical because the tendon has poor blood supply and you use your hands all day. The patients who get better fastest are the ones who do the eccentric loading exercises consistently and modify aggravating activities early instead of pushing through.
Book an appointment
Your recovery starts with one visit.
Every session is 1-on-1, built around your body and your goals. We bill your insurance directly, so you can focus on getting better.