What are the treatment options for tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, involves irritation and reduced tolerance in the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. Pain may flare with gripping, lifting or repeated wrist movement. A clinician can assess strength, movement and other possible causes before choosing a plan.

Physiotherapy may address elbow and forearm movement, while Exercise Therapy gradually loads the tendon so everyday tasks become more manageable. A therapist can also adjust technique and identify activities that are repeatedly provoking symptoms.

Start by reducing the movements that sharply increase pain without stopping all use of the arm. Your plan may include rest breaks, a temporary change in grip or equipment, and a gradual return to work, sport or household tasks.

[Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) can guide loading and movement. [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/) may become the main home programme. Some clinicians discuss [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/) or [PRP Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/prp-injection/) when symptoms persist; these options have different purposes and should be weighed against examination findings. [Shockwave Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/shockwave-therapy/) may also be considered in selected cases.

Arrange an assessment if outer-elbow pain limits work, sleep, grip or arm movement, or if it is not settling with sensible activity changes. Seek prompt care after a significant injury, or if the arm becomes visibly deformed, markedly swollen, numb, unusually weak or difficult to move.

Ask which tendon or joint findings explain your pain, which activity should be modified, how loading will progress, and what benefit and drawbacks each injection or device may have for your situation.