Tennis Elbow: What Is It and How Can Physiotherapy in Edmonton Help?

Tennis elbow is a common condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow, usually where the forearm tendon that extend the wrist and fingers.

Despite the name, you don't have to play tennis to develop tennis elbow. It can affect anyone who frequently grips, lifts, twists, uses tools, plays sports, or performs repetitive wrist and forearm movements.

Physiotherapy can help by identifying what is contributing to your symptoms, gradually strengthening the affected muscles and tendons, and helping you return to work, exercise, and everyday activities with less pain.

TL;DR

• Tennis elbow causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.

• It is often associated with repeated gripping, lifting, or wrist movements.

• You don't have to play tennis to develop it.

• Common symptoms include elbow pain, forearm discomfort, and reduced grip strength.

• Physiotherapy can help through progressive strengthening, activity modification, and hands-on treatment.

• Recovery can take several weeks to months, particularly if symptoms have been present for a long time.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy or lateral epicondylalgia.

It affects the forearm muscles and tendons that help extend the wrist and fingers. These tendons attach to the bony area on the outside of the elbow and are used during gripping, lifting, and wrist movement.

When the tendon is repeatedly exposed to more load than it can comfortably tolerate, it can become painful and sensitive. Pain is usually felt on the outside of the elbow but may also extend into the forearm.

Pain affecting the muscles and tendons on the inside of the elbow, which help flex the wrist and fingers, is a different condition known as golfer’s elbow.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow often develops after repetitive or increased use of the wrist and forearm.

Symptoms may gradually appear over time or begin after a sudden increase in activity.

Common triggers include:

• Repetitive gripping or lifting

• Using power tools

• Computer or mouse work

• Painting or carpentry

• Gardening

• Weight training

• Tennis and other racquet sports

• Golf or hockey

Sometimes the problem isn't the activity itself, but how quickly the amount of activity changed.

For example, playing several tennis matches after months away from the sport, starting a new gym routine, completing a home renovation, or suddenly doing much more physical work can expose the tendon to more stress than it is used to.

What Are the Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?

The most recognizable symptom is pain on the outside of the elbow.

You may also notice:

• Tenderness around the outside of the elbow

• Pain extending into the forearm

• Weak or painful grip

• Pain when lifting or carrying objects

• Discomfort when opening jars or turning door handles

• Pain when extending your wrist

• Difficulty performing repetitive tasks

For some people, symptoms are relatively minor. For others, simple activities like holding a coffee cup or carrying groceries can become uncomfortable.

How Can Physiotherapy Help Tennis Elbow?

Physiotherapy focuses on improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate the activities you need and want to do.

Your physiotherapist will first assess your elbow and surrounding areas to determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

This can include looking at:

• Elbow and wrist movement

• Grip and forearm strength

• Shoulder function

• Neck mobility

• Work or sport demands

• Movements that aggravate your pain

Looking beyond the elbow can be important. In some cases, problems involving the neck or nerves can cause or contribute to pain around the outside of the elbow.

Exercise and Strengthening

Progressive strengthening is an important part of tennis elbow rehabilitation.

Exercises may target the wrist, forearm, grip, elbow, and shoulder.

The goal isn't simply to make the pain disappear. It's to gradually increase the amount of load your arm can tolerate so you can return to your usual activities with greater confidence.

Manual Therapy

Depending on your symptoms, your physiotherapist may also use joint mobilization, soft tissue techniques, or other hands-on treatments to help manage discomfort and improve movement.

These treatments are generally combined with exercise rather than used as the only treatment.

Activity Modification

You don't necessarily have to completely stop using your arm.

Instead, your physiotherapist may recommend temporarily changing how much or how

often you're performing aggravating activities.

This could mean modifying your grip, adjusting your workstation, changing lifting technique, reducing training volume, or taking more frequent breaks.

As your strength and symptoms improve, activities can gradually be increased again.

Should You Rest Tennis Elbow?

Some rest from particularly painful activities can be helpful, but completely avoiding movement isn't usually the long-term solution.

Tendons need appropriate loading to regain strength and tolerate everyday demands.

The challenge is finding the right balance between doing too much and doing too little.

A physiotherapist can help determine how much activity is appropriate at each stage of recovery.

How Long Does Tennis Elbow Take to Heal?

Recovery time varies.

Some people notice significant improvement within several weeks, while persistent cases may take several months.

Recovery can depend on how long you've had symptoms, your work or sporting demands, tendon irritability, strength, and how consistently you're able to follow your rehabilitation plan.

Tendon recovery is often gradual, so occasional increases in symptoms don't necessarily mean you've caused another injury.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider seeing a physiotherapist if your elbow pain has lasted more than a few weeks, your grip feels weak or painful, everyday activities are becoming difficult, or symptoms repeatedly return when you resume normal activities.

An assessment can also be helpful if you're unsure whether the pain is actually coming from the elbow, particularly when symptoms extend into your forearm, wrist, shoulder, or neck.

Get Help for Tennis Elbow With Physiotherapy in Edmonton

Tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when it starts interfering with work, exercise, sports, and simple everyday movements.

Physiotherapy can help you understand what's contributing to your symptoms, gradually rebuild strength, and safely return to the activities that matter to you.

At Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness in Edmonton, we provide individualized physiotherapy based on your symptoms, activities, and recovery goals. If elbow pain is limiting what you can do, book an appointment with Shift Physiotherapy & Wellness today and let our team help you get back to moving with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tennis Elbow

Do you have to play tennis to get tennis elbow?

No. Tennis elbow can affect anyone who frequently performs gripping, lifting, twisting, or repetitive wrist movements. It is commonly seen in tradespeople, office workers, gym-goers, gardeners, and athletes.

Can physiotherapy help tennis elbow?

Yes. Tennis elbow physiotherapy in Edmonton can help through progressive strengthening, activity modification, manual therapy, education, and a gradual return to normal activities.

Should I completely rest my arm?

Usually not. Temporarily reducing activities that significantly aggravate your symptoms can help, but gradual exercise and strengthening are important for rebuilding the tendon’s ability to tolerate load.

How long does tennis elbow take to improve?

Some people improve within several weeks, while persistent cases may take several months. Recovery depends on the severity and duration of your symptoms as well as the demands you place on your arm.

Can tennis elbow come from your neck?

Pain around the outside of the elbow can sometimes be influenced by the neck or nerves in the arm. A physiotherapy assessment can help determine whether your symptoms are coming primarily from the elbow or whether another area may be contributing.