Tennis Elbow Treatment
Pain on the outside of the elbow that makes gripping, lifting, and everyday tasks sore. Most cases never involve tennis. Evidence-based loading rehabilitation gets it right.
HCPC Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists · Royal College of Podiatry Member · Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow · MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist · Physio First Member · BUPA & WPA Recognised
What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis, or lateral elbow tendinopathy) is pain centred on the bony point on the outside of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles that extend the wrist attach. Despite the name, the vast majority of cases have nothing to do with tennis: manual work, DIY, lifting, gardening, and sustained computer and mouse use are far more common triggers.
It is a tendinopathy, a problem of tendon load capacity rather than simple inflammation, which is why rest alone rarely fixes it and why treatment is built around progressive loading. At Lower Limb Clinic our clinicians assess the elbow, wrist, and neck to confirm the diagnosis, with in-house diagnostic ultrasound available to visualise the tendon where needed.
Full-body physiotherapy is now available at Lower Limb Clinic in Belfast. Book online to see our physiotherapist.
Common Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Pain when gripping, shaking hands, or turning a door handle
- Pain lifting a kettle, mug, or shopping bag
- Weakness of grip
- Pain spreading down the forearm
- Stiffness or ache after rest, easing then worsening with use
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping and lifting at work or in the gym
- Manual trades, DIY, and gardening
- Sustained computer and mouse use
- Racquet sports, especially with a change in equipment or technique
- A sudden spike in unaccustomed activity
- Reduced tendon load tolerance with age
How We Treat Tennis Elbow
The strongest evidence for tennis elbow supports progressive loading rehabilitation: starting with isometric holds to settle pain, then building through strengthening of the wrist extensors, grip, and the whole kinetic chain including the shoulder. We combine this with load management advice so the aggravating activity is modified rather than simply abandoned, manual therapy where it helps symptoms, and shockwave therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases. We generally avoid corticosteroid injection for tennis elbow, as research shows it can worsen long-term outcomes despite short-term relief.
MSK Assessment
Clinical examination of the elbow, wrist, grip strength, and neck to confirm the diagnosis and rule out referred pain. Diagnostic ultrasound available in-house where imaging is needed.
Progressive Loading Programme
A staged strengthening programme for the wrist extensors and grip, the treatment with the best evidence base, progressed to match your work and sport demands.
Load Management & Ergonomics
Practical modification of the tasks driving the problem, from tool grip and lifting technique to desk and mouse setup, plus counterforce brace advice where useful.
Shockwave Therapy
Available in-house for chronic cases that have not responded to loading, delivered alongside the rehabilitation programme rather than instead of it.
Ready to get tennis elbow treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Elbow pain has lasted more than two weeks despite modifying activity
- Grip is weak or painful during everyday tasks
- Pain is affecting your work or sport
- Symptoms returned as soon as you resumed normal activity
- You have numbness or tingling in the hand alongside elbow pain
- You have already tried rest and it has not lasted
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Tennis Elbow at Lower Limb Clinic.
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast
Get Expert Treatment
- Same-week appointments available
- No GP referral needed
- MSc-qualified specialists
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Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get specialist Tennis Elbow treatment at your nearest Belfast clinic
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.