What to expect from physiotherapy for tennis elbow

Tennis elbow, also called lateral elbow tendinopathy, causes pain around the outside of the elbow when the forearm and wrist are loaded. Your therapist may examine grip strength, wrist movement, shoulder and neck contribution, tenderness and the tasks that bring on pain. They may ask about computer use, tools, lifting, racquet technique or other repeated gripping. This helps identify a manageable starting load.

You may begin with gentle wrist and forearm contractions, then progress to slow resistance exercises and practical lifting or gripping drills. Changing handle size, posture, breaks or lifting technique can reduce repeated strain during recovery. Keep using the arm within the agreed limits; avoiding every use can make return to normal tasks harder. Increase exercise or sport gradually and tell your therapist if pain becomes sharp or affects sleep.

Arrange prompt review for sudden loss of grip, new hand or arm weakness, persistent numbness, major swelling, redness with fever, or pain following a significant fall. Ask for reassessment when symptoms spread, steadily worsen or do not respond to the planned changes. These signs may point to nerve, joint or tendon problems that need a different evaluation.

Ask which tendon is involved, how to modify gripping at work, whether a brace is useful, what exercise response is acceptable, and which milestones support a return to racquet sports or lifting.