Elbow
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy)
Quick answer
Tennis elbow is a load-related tendinopathy of the wrist extensor tendons at the outer elbow, causing pain with gripping, lifting and repetitive hand use. Treatment focuses on graded grip and wrist extensor loading, with shockwave therapy considered as an adjunct in selected persistent cases.
Common symptoms
- Pain over the outer elbow
- Painful or weakened grip
- Discomfort lifting a kettle or mug
- Symptoms with keyboard, mouse or tool use
Potential causes and contributing factors
- Repetitive gripping at work
- Rapid increases in gym pulling or carrying
- Racquet technique or equipment change
- Sudden unaccustomed manual tasks
Who commonly experiences it
Desk professionals, tradespeople, racquet-sport players and gym-goers increasing pulling volume.
How it is assessed at Back2Health
- Grip strength testing
- Resisted wrist and finger extension
- Neck and nerve screening
- Work and training task review
Where shockwave may fit
Lateral elbow tendinopathy is a commonly considered indication when symptoms persist beyond an appropriate period of load management and progressive loading.
Where it may not fit
Elbow pain arising from the neck, a nerve entrapment or a joint problem will not respond to tendon-directed treatment, so diagnosis comes first.
Rehabilitation and alternative treatment
Whether or not shockwave is used, the rehabilitation plan does the long-term work. Alternatives and adjuncts may include physiotherapy alone, manual therapy where indicated, load management, footwear or equipment changes, and referral for imaging or a medical opinion.
- Isometric grip work for symptom modulation
- Progressive wrist extensor loading
- Shoulder and scapular strength
- Workstation and tool-use adjustments
- Return-to-racquet progression
When medical referral may be needed
Pins and needles into the hand, or pain that started with a neck problem, should be assessed before tendon-focused treatment.
Seek urgent care for major trauma, sudden inability to bear weight, suspected fracture, severe swelling or redness, fever, unexplained weight loss, progressive weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy) — questions patients ask
A strap can help some people manage symptoms during loading, but it is a short-term aid rather than the treatment itself.
Medical disclaimer. Information on this website is provided for general education and does not replace an individual clinical diagnosis or medical advice. Shockwave therapy is not suitable for every person or every condition. A qualified clinician must assess suitability.
Written by the Back2Health physiotherapy and rehabilitation team · Clinically reviewed by the Back2Health clinical team · Last reviewed 3 August 2026
Find out whether shockwave is right for your condition
Start with a clinical assessment. The Back2Health team will evaluate the source of your symptoms, explain whether shockwave is appropriate and build a rehabilitation plan around your goals.