Physio Elbow FAQs

Commonly this is “Tennis Elbow” clinically known as lateral epicondylitis (inflammation of the outer part of the elbow where the common tendon for 7 forearm muscles attaches). It often occurs by strenuous overuse of the muscles and tendons of the forearm, near the elbow joint.

You may notice pain on the outer aspect of the forearm at the “bend” of the elbow When lifting or bending :- - When gripping objects - Twisting movements, such as wringing out a flannel, opening a jar - Fully straightening your elbow

Tennis elbow is a self-limiting condition, which means it will eventually get better without treatment. However, there are treatments that can be used to improve your symptoms and speed up your recovery. It is important that you rest your injured arm and stop doing the activity that’s causing the problem. Holding a cold compress, such as a bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel, against your elbow for a few minutes several times a day can help ease the pain. Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol, may help reduce mild pain caused by tennis elbow. Non-steriodal anti-inflammatroy medication such as ibuprofen may also help reduce pain. Physiotherapy may be recommended in more severe and persistent cases. Massaging and manipulating the affected area may help relieve the pain and stiffness, and improve the range of movement in your arm. Surgery may be used as a last resort to remove the damaged part of the tendon. Most cases of tennis elbow last between six months and two years. However, in about 9 out of 10 cases, a full recovery is made within a year.

It’s not always easy to avoid getting tennis elbow, without not putting too much stress on the joint.

Tennis elbow is a common musculoskeletal condition. It’s estimated that as many as one in three people have tennis elbow at any given time. Each year in the UK, about five in every 1,000 people go to see their GP about tennis elbow. The condition usually affects adults and is more common in people who are 40-60 years of age. Men and women are equally affected.