Tennis Elbow

If you’ve been feeling a stubborn ache on the outside of your elbow, especially when gripping, lifting, or even typing for too long, then you might be dealing with tennis elbow. And despite the name, you don’t need to be anywhere near a tennis court to end up with it.

The Problem

Tennis elbow (or lateral epicondylitis) is a condition where the tendons on the outside of your elbow become irritated, overloaded or inflamed, usually from doing the same movements over and over. It’s not caused by one big injury, but rather a build-up of small stresses over time. You might notice:

• A nagging ache or tenderness on the outer elbow

• Pain that flares when you lift, grip, twist or type

• Stiffness in the morning or after rest

• Difficulty with tasks like pouring the kettle, opening jars, or even brushing your teeth

It can start as a minor annoyance, but if left untreated, it can really interfere with your day.

The Pattern

Tennis elbow often creeps in without warning. And while it can affect anyone, it’s especially common if you:

• Use your hands and arms repetitively—think manual work, desk jobs, weight training, or toddler-wrangling

• Have imbalances in the way you move—if your wrist, shoulder, or upper back aren’t doing their part, your elbow ends up overloaded

• Don’t get much movement variety—doing the same tasks the same way every day can slowly build up strain

• Push through discomfort—we all do it, but ignoring early signs makes recovery harder down the track

It’s a gentle cue from your body that something’s been under a bit more strain than usual and with a little support, it can settle again.

The Plan

The great news? You don’t have to put up with it. With the right support, tennis elbow is treatable and preventable.

At VIP Osteopathy, we will start by looking at the whole story, not just at the elbow. That means assessing how your neck, shoulder, upper back, and wrist are moving and working together. Treatment might include:

• Hands-on techniques to release tension, calm irritation, and improve how your arm moves

• Targeted exercises to strengthen your forearm and support muscles

• Postural and movement advice to reduce daily strain: both at work and at home

• Guidance on recovery—when to rest, when to move, and how to avoid flare-ups

The goal isn’t just to get you out of pain; it’s to help you move better, feel stronger, and get back to doing what you love.