Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and discomfort in the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow isn’t exclusive to tennis players—it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles. If you’re struggling with elbow pain, understanding tennis elbow anatomy, its causes, symptoms, and treatment options can help you find relief.
Disclaimer: The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
Tennis Elbow Anatomy: Understanding the Condition
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony prominence on the outer elbow) become inflamed or irritated. These tendons are responsible for controlling the wrist and fingers, and overuse can lead to microscopic tears, causing pain and weakness.

Tennis Elbow Causes: What Triggers the Condition?
Repetitive stress on the forearm muscles and tendons is the primary cause of tennis elbow. Common triggers include:
Repetitive arm motions – Sports like tennis, pickleball, and golf, as well as work-related activities such as carpentry, painting, or typing, can contribute to the condition.
Poor technique or improper equipment – Incorrect form in sports or using tools with excessive grip force can increase strain on the elbow.
Aging and tendon degeneration – The risk of developing tennis elbow increases with age, especially in individuals between 30 and 50 years old.
What is Tennis Elbow Like? Recognizing the Symptoms
Tennis elbow symptoms develop gradually and typically worsen over time. Common signs include:
Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
Weak grip strength when shaking hands or holding objects
Pain that worsens with wrist and forearm movements
Burning sensation along the forearm
For a visual representation of symptoms, you may find tennis elbow symptoms images helpful in identifying the condition.
Where Does Tennis Elbow Hurt? Understanding the Pain Pattern
Tennis elbow pain primarily affects the outer part of the elbow, but it can radiate down the forearm and into the wrist. It often worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions.
Tennis Elbow Pain Treatment: How to Find Relief
If you’re experiencing persistent discomfort, consider these tennis elbow lateral epicondylitis treatment options:
Conservative Treatments:
Rest and Activity Modification – Avoid repetitive movements that aggravate the pain.
Ice Therapy – Applying ice packs can reduce inflammation and pain.  Thermipaq has a a great cold pack that stays cold or purchase a cold massager to roll over the symptomatic area.
Heat Therapy - Applying heat to your elbow is one of the simplest and most effective ways to ease muscle tension and stiffness. Heat increases blood flow, relaxes muscles, and reduces pain signals. Apply a moist heating pad for 15–20 minutes. Avoid excessive heat to prevent burns. NOTE that moist heating pads are the most effective. My favorite brands are Thermophore and Thermipaq
Please Note: Some links on my site are affiliate links, which means that I collect a small portion of your sale, at no extra cost to you. This helps with the cost of running a website, providing services, etc.
Topical Magnesium - our muscles use magnesium to contract and relax so using it topically can decrease muscle tightness (without upsetting your stomach). My favorite is Trace Minerals products, their Magnesium Lotion has been out of stock recently, as I think they're switching to this spray. You can get 20% off with my Fullscript link, you just need to sign-up for an account but can continue to use this indefinitely
Bracing or Strapping – A forearm brace can relieve strain on the tendons.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Gentle stretching and strengthening of the forearm muscles promote healing.
Manual Therapy & Myofascial Release – Hands-on techniques can improve circulation and reduce tension.
Advanced Therapies:
Dry Needling – Targets trigger points and promotes tissue repair.
Cupping Therapy – Enhances blood flow and reduces muscle tightness.
Dolphin Neurostim (Microstim - MPS therapy) – Stimulates healing in chronic and acute cases.
The Releaseology Difference in Tennis Elbow: Targeted, Hands-On Relief
If you’re struggling with tennis elbow and looking for effective, hands-on treatment, Releaseology takes a unique approach to relieve pain, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. With a combination of manual therapy, neurokinetic techniques, and targeted muscle work, I don’t just treat symptoms—I address the root cause.
Ready to take the next step? Don’t let tennis elbow keep you from doing what you love. Book a session today and experience the Releaseology difference in relieving pain and restoring function!
These are my three services that include an assessment and evaluation of your pain. If you have specific questions for your care, you can always e-mail me at sara@releaseology.com or text 480.712.0699 or book a free virtual consult
Medical Disclaimer
The content on this site and my posts are for educational and informational purposes only and not meant as medical advice. It is not intended as medical advice or to replace a relationship with a qualified healthcare professional. There is absolutely no assurance that any statement contained or cited in an article touching on medical matters is true, correct, precise, or up-to-date. Please consult a clinician that is familiar with your care, if you have specific questions for your own care.
More from Releaseology
Don't forget to check out other resources on my site! You can book a session with me here, find a list of conditions I treat here, find more about me here, learn how to regulate your own vagus nerve and nervous system here and read more on my blog here. Lastly, follow me on my social channels: Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok!
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