Tennis Elbow Treatment & Pain Relief
Getting to the Root of the Problem: Tennis Elbow
Structure and Mechanics of the Elbow / Hand
The Most Common Symptoms for Tennis Elbow
People with tennis elbow (clinically known as lateral epicondylitis) often report pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow, which may radiate down the forearm and hand. The discomfort is typically aggravated by gripping, lifting, or twisting movements—such as turning a doorknob, shaking hands, or holding a coffee cup. Stiffness in the morning, weakness in the hand, and pain when extending the wrist or fingers against resistance are also common signs.
The Most Common Causes of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury, most often caused by repetitive strain or microtears in the tendon fibers where the forearm muscles attach to the lateral epicondyle. It can result from sports like tennis, squash, or badminton, but also from occupational or daily activities such as typing, painting, carpentry, or repetitive lifting. Poor biomechanics, muscle imbalance, and inadequate recovery time between repetitive tasks can further contribute to the condition.
How Can an Osteopath Help
An osteopath takes a holistic approach to managing tennis elbow by identifying the underlying causes of strain, rather than focusing solely on the site of pain. Treatment may include gentle manual techniques to reduce tension in the forearm muscles, improve joint mobility in the elbow, wrist, and shoulder, and enhance blood flow to promote healing. Osteopaths may also assess posture, ergonomics, and body mechanics to address contributing factors elsewhere in the body. Rehabilitation exercises are often prescribed to strengthen and stretch the affected muscles, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
By treating both the local irritation and the broader mechanical imbalances, osteopathic care aims to support long-term recovery and help patients return comfortably to their daily activities.