Tennis Elbow

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Also known as: Lateral Epicondylitis, Lateral Epicondylosis, Common Extensor Tendinopathy Despite the name, most cases of tennis elbow have nothing to do with tennis. It affects the common extensor tendon on the outside of the elbow — where the muscles that lift the wrist and fingers attach to the bony lateral epicondyle — and it develops from repetitive gripping, lifting, and wrist extension, not exclusively from racquet sports. Recognizing this as a tendinopathy (a condition of disorganized, degenerated tendon tissue) rather than tendinitis (acute inflammation) matters, because it changes treatment: rest and anti-inflammatories provide temporary relief at best, while progressive loading is what actually remodels the tendon. Pain and tenderness on the outer bony bump of the elbow, often radiating down the forearm, is the hallmark.

Lifting a coffee mug, turning a doorknob, or using a screwdriver provokes a sharp catch. Pain is worse with gripping and wrist extension, better with rest, and often lingers as a dull ache for hours after activity. Carpenters, plumbers, office workers, gardeners, and racquet players aged 35 to 55 are most commonly affected. The cornerstone of treatment is a graded eccentric wrist extensor loading program that remodels the tendon over time.

Shockwave therapy has strong evidence for stubborn lateral epicondylosis and is one of our most effective tools for cases that haven't responded to standard care. We add Graston/IASTM and ART to break up adhesions, mobilize the elbow, wrist, and cervical and thoracic spine — nerve tension from the neck frequently contributes — and fit a counterforce brace for activity. Most patients improve within six to twelve weeks. We may recommend: Graston/IASTM, ART, extremity adjustments, mobilization, shockwave therapy, eccentric loading protocol, kinesio taping, ergonomic coaching Seek immediate care if: Elbow pain follows acute trauma with visible deformity, or you develop numbness, tingling, or hand weakness that progresses.