Tennis Elbow Treatment Southampton
What is the fastest way to heal tennis elbow?
Most tennis elbow pain improves fastest with physiotherapy, exercise and graded strength – not rest. Active rehab prevents it coming back.
Understanding Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is one of those conditions that can make the simplest tasks – pouring the kettle, lifting a bag, turning a doorknob – feel surprisingly difficult. Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it. It’s caused by irritation of the tendons that attach to the outer elbow, usually from a build-up of load rather than a single injury.
At Southampton Physio, we help people recover faster by combining short-term pain relief with a structured plan to rebuild strength. Our goal is simple: get you back to full function and stop the pain coming back.
Not a tear - an overload
Tennis elbow is rarely a “tear” or “inflammation”. Modern research shows it’s a tendinopathy – a process where the tendon becomes sensitive after being asked to handle more load than it’s ready for. Pain is your body’s protective alarm, not a sign of damage.
Common causes
- Repetitive gripping or wrist-extension tasks (DIY, computer mouse, gym work, racquet sports)
- Sudden increase in training or workload
- Poor equipment setup - for instance, a new racquet grip or desk height
Why resting rarely helps
While short rests may ease irritation, complete rest slows recovery. Tendons thrive on movement and progressive loading. Without it they weaken, making flare-ups more likely when you return to normal activity.
The reassuring truth
Even chronic cases improve with the right plan. Studies show that graded strength training and load management remain the gold standard for lasting recovery. Most people can expect steady progress within a few weeks with full strength returning over several months
How Physiotherapy Helps Tennis Elbow Recover Faster
Physiotherapy focuses on re-educating the tendon through specific, progressive exercises. Our clinicians tailor a plan around your current strength, work demands and hobbies.
Typical phases include:
- Pain reduction: gentle isometric exercises and manual therapy to calm symptoms
- Rebuild: eccentric or heavy-slow loading of the wrist and forearm muscles to restore tendon capacity
- Resilience: return to sport and functional drills that prepare you for everyday demands
This approach is strongly supported by research – physiotherapy has been shown to provide better long-term outcomes than injections or passive rest.
Shockwave Therapy and Other Advanced Options
For stubborn or long-standing tennis elbow, we may use Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) as part of your recovery plan.
Research suggests that shockwave can reduce pain and stimulate tendon healing in chronic cases – especially when progress has plateaued after three months or more of good rehab. It’s a non-invasive option that uses targeted sound waves to encourage new blood flow and tissue repair.
At Southampton Physio, we use ESWT as an adjunct rather than a standalone cure. Our focus stays on the fundamentals: graded exercise, education and long-term load tolerance.
Your Three-Stage Recovery Plan: Relieve → Rebuild → Resilience
- Relieve – calm symptoms and restore movement: reduce pain, identify triggers, make ergonomic changes
- Rebuild – strengthen the tendon and supporting muscles: progressive loading, grip strength tracking
- Resilience – prevent it coming back: compound movements, endurance drills, pacing education
By combining science-backed exercise with honest coaching, we help you move from “can’t” to capable again – stronger, more confident and pain-free.
Meet Your Clinician: Richard Moss
Written by Richard Moss, Senior Physiotherapist (MSCP, HCPC No. PH107654)
Tendon rehab specialist | Part of the Southampton Physio team
Richard has a special interest in elbow, shoulder and tendon rehabilitation. He’s helped hundreds of active adults – from desk workers to racquet sport players – recover from stubborn pain and rebuild strength.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can physiotherapy cure tennis elbow?
Most cases improve completely with a structured physiotherapy plan.
Can I still lift weights?
Yes – but you’ll need to adjust load and technique.
Does shockwave therapy work?
Research shows mixed results: some people respond well, others modestly. We use it as an adjunct to strengthening.
When should I see a physiotherapist?
If elbow pain lasts more than two weeks or limits daily tasks, book an assessment.
Is tennis elbow the same as golfer’s elbow?
They’re similar but affect opposite sides of the elbow.
Booking
Book Your Assessment in Southampton
Ready to start your recovery? Our Bedford Place clinic offers same-week appointments with experienced clinicians specialising in elbow and tendon rehab.
👉 Call 023 02381 102077 or Book Online to arrange your first session.
Educational Disclaimer and Evidence Summary
This information is for education only and not a substitute for personal medical advice.
Evidence sources include: NICE CKS (2024); Smidt et al (2002, Lancet); Coombes et al (2013, JAMA); Cullinane et al (2014, Br J Sports Med); Chen et al (2021, J Hand Ther); Cochrane Review (2005); Bisset et al (2014, JOSPT).