What to expect from exercise therapy for tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is irritation and reduced load tolerance in tendons on the outer side of the elbow. A physiotherapist may check tenderness, grip strength, wrist movement, shoulder and neck contribution, and the tasks that bring on pain.

Treatment commonly begins with manageable isometric or slow strengthening for the wrist and forearm. It may progress to lifting, gripping, reaching, and work or sport movements. The aim is to improve the tendon’s ability to handle your usual demands, with the load changed if symptoms remain elevated after practice.

Perform the exercises at the prescribed intensity and keep the wrist in the position shown. Reduce repeated gripping, forceful twisting, or heavy lifting temporarily if those actions flare symptoms; use both hands or a larger grip when practical. Record how the elbow feels later that day and the next morning.

A gradual return to racquet sports, tools, keyboard-heavy work, or gym exercises is easier when one demand changes at a time. Read more about [Tennis Elbow](/conditions/tennis-elbow/) and [Exercise Therapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/exercise-therapy/).

Tell your clinician if pain is becoming more frequent, grip is declining, or the programme remains difficult despite technique changes. Seek prompt assessment for a newly injured elbow with deformity, major swelling, inability to move it, persistent numbness, or pronounced hand weakness.

Ask how much discomfort is acceptable, which work or sport tasks need modification, when to increase resistance, and whether a brace or other support would help a specific activity.