Let's Talk Tennis Elbow & What We Can Do About It

You've probably heard of Tennis Elbow - as it's commonly called - but did you know the condition is scientifically known as Lateral Epicondylalgia or Lateral Epicondylitis?

Try saying one of those ten times, fast!

What Is It?

Lateral Epicondylalgia, commonly known as Tennis Elbow, is a condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. It involves irritation or overload of the wrist extensor tendons, particularly where they attach to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus.

Despite the name, it is not limited to tennis players. It is typically an overuse injury that develops when repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist extension places excessive load on the tendon. These tendons are important for stabilising the wrist and hand during everyday tasks. When their load capacity is exceeded, pain and reduced function can occur.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Pain with gripping, lifting or carrying objects

• Reduced grip strength

• Pain when using tools, typing or shaking hands

• Discomfort that may spread into the forearm

• Tenderness when pressing on the outside of the elbow

Pain is often worse with activity and may build gradually over time.

What Causes It?

Lateral Epicondylalgia develops when the tendon is exposed to excessive or repetitive load without adequate recovery. Common contributing factors include:

• Repetitive gripping or wrist extension tasks

• Sudden increase in manual work, gym training or sport

• Poor load management or lack of rest between activities

• Weakness in the forearm, wrist or shoulder muscles

• Poor technique in sport or lifting tasks

• Prolonged computer or desk-based work

  
  

It is often not one single cause, but a combination of load, strength and recovery factors.

Who Does It Affect?

• Office workers and individuals with repetitive computer use

• Tradespeople and manual labourers

• Tennis and racquet sport players

• Gym-goers performing high gripping or pulling exercises

• Adults aged 30-60 years

Lateral Epicondylalgia can affect both active and non-active individuals, particularly when there is a sudden change in activity levels.

How Is It Diagnosed?

Lateral Epicondylalgia is typically diagnosed through a clinical physiotherapy assessment rather than imaging.

Diagnosis is based on:

• Pain located on the outside of the elbow

• Pain with gripping or wrist extension activities

• Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle

• Reduced grip strength

Scans are rarely required unless symptoms are severe, not improving, or there is suspicion of another condition.

Physio Assessment: What To Expect

Your physiotherapy assessment may include:

Movement & Strength Testing

• Grip strength testing

• Wrist and elbow strength assessment

• Functional tasks such as lifting or gripping

• Shoulder and upper limb strength

Load & Activity Review

• Work and daily activity demands

• Gym, sport or repetitive task history

• Recent changes in load or activity

Excluding Any Other Causes

• Radial Tunnel Syndrome

• Cervical Spine Referral

• Elbow Joint Pathology

Effective Physiotherapy Treatment:

Physiotherapy focuses on reducing pain while improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate load.

Treatment may include:

Load Management

• Modifying aggravating activities such as gripping or lifting

• Adjusting work or gym tasks to reduce strain

Progressive Strength Training

• Targeted loading of the wrist extensors

• Gradual progression to functional and higher-load exercises

Movement Retraining

• Improving lifting and gripping technique

• Addressing contributing shoulder or upper limb mechanics

Education

• Understanding tendon pain and recovery

• Activity pacing and return-to-work or sport planning

Manual Therapy

• Soft tissue techniques and joint mobilisation where appropriate

Bracing or taping may be used short-term to reduce pain, but long-term improvement relies on progressive loading.

Recovery Times:

Most people begin noticing improvement within 4-6 weeks of structured physiotherapy treatment. Full recovery typically takes 8-12 weeks, depending on symptom severity and activity demands. Persistent or long-standing cases may take 3–6 months to fully resolve.

Local Physiotherapy In Woodvale

If you live in Woodvale, Kingsley, or surrounding suburbs and are experiencing any of these symptoms in your elbows - whether you're super active or not - our physiotherapists can help you restore movement to your arms and get those elbows pain-free.

Make Your Next Move, Book Today!

Book an appointment at Pro Perform Physiotherapy in Woodvale for expert assessment and treatment. Call us on (08) 9309 3166 or book an appointment online today.