Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow. While tennis players can experience this condition, it affects anyone who performs repetitive wrist or elbow movements, from gardeners and painters to desk workers and athletes.
This consolidated guide combines insights from several VanCity Physio articles to give you a complete overview of what tennis elbow is, why it happens, how to treat it, and how physiotherapy can support both recovery and long-term performance.
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the elbow and wrist “extensor” muscles—specifically the tendon portion that attaches near the outside of the elbow. Tendons are cord-like structures that connect muscle to bone, and the tendon most commonly affected is from the extensor carpi radialis brevis muscle, though others may also be involved.
It is a painful disorder characterized by the weakening or microtrauma of the tendons that join your forearm muscles to your bones. While tennis only accounts for 5–10% of cases, the condition more often develops during repetitive or strenuous tasks such as gardening, painting, typing, or using a chainsaw.
Common symptoms include:
A change in elbow load—such as a new sport, increased intensity, or a repetitive work task—may lead to microtrauma in the tendon. As the repetitive movement continues, the body struggles to heal, resulting in prolonged pain and irritation.
Repetitive or forceful elbow and wrist activity is the primary cause, not just tennis.
Yes. You can reduce your likelihood of developing tennis elbow by:
You can begin managing tennis elbow at home by:
These steps may help reduce pain before beginning structured physiotherapy.
Physiotherapy plays a central role in treating tennis elbow, with goals to reduce pain, improve function, and promote tendon healing. At VanCity Physio, treatment may include:
Braces or tape can support the affected tendons and reduce strain during daily activities.
Your physiotherapist will teach you:
Many athletes who visit VanCity Physio are striving to perform at their best—and that includes overcoming injuries like tennis elbow.
Through therapeutic exercises, manual techniques, and targeted interventions, physiotherapists help athletes:
To optimize performance, physiotherapists incorporate training tailored to the movements, skills, and demands of an athlete’s sport. This helps improve:
Physiotherapists assess fundamental movements (such as squats, lunges, and jumps) to uncover:
Addressing these not only enhances performance but also reduces the risk of future injuries.
Prevention includes:
VanCity Physio integrates mental and emotional factors into treatment. Stress management, visualization, and goal setting support a well-rounded, successful recovery.
Tennis elbow is painful and frustrating, but with early intervention and a structured physiotherapy plan, recovery is highly achievable. Whether you are a desk worker, weekend gardener, or high-performance athlete, the right treatment approach will help reduce pain, restore strength, and prevent future setbacks.
VanCity Physio is here to help you bounce back, stay strong, and reach your full potential. Book a Consultation Today!
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