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What is tennis elbow?
Medically it is called lateral elbow tendinopathy. It is irritation and weakness of the tendons that attach the forearm muscles, which lift the wrist and grip, to the bony point on the outer elbow. It is not only about tennis; it can appear after repetitive work such as using tools, a computer or mouse, or carrying objects, or after a sudden increase in activity. It is most common in middle age.
Common signs
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow that may spread down the forearm
- Pain that increases with gripping or lifting, shaking hands, opening a jar or turning a key
- Tenderness when pressing on the bony point on the outer elbow
- A weaker grip or a feeling of strain in the forearm
What usually helps?
In most cases the pain improves gradually over months. Activity modification helps: temporarily reducing the movements that aggravate the pain without stopping using the hand altogether, followed by gradual loading exercises for the forearm and wrist muscles that are increased slowly as things improve. Gentle stretching can help, and manual therapy and release of muscle knots in the forearm are used as part of the plan alongside exercise, not on their own. Steroid injections may give short-term relief but have been linked in some studies with slower recovery in the longer term, and the decision is the doctor’s alone. We advise patience and regularity, because recovery takes time.
How we treat you at Revibe
- We listen: when the pain started and which activities at work, sport or home make it worse
- We examine the elbow, wrist, shoulder, neck and grip strength to understand the source
- We identify what keeps the pain going, including load and how the hand is used
- We treat: manual therapy, release of muscle knots in the forearm, and dry needling or cupping when useful as part of the plan
- We progress with a home loading exercise programme and activity advice until you are back to your activities
When do you need urgent medical care?
- Arm or elbow pain with chest pain, shortness of breath or sweating — call an ambulance: 911 in Jordan or 122 in Iraq and Kurdistan
- Visible deformity of the elbow or being unable to move it after a fall or injury
- A hot, red, swollen elbow with fever
- New numbness or weakness in the hand or fingers, or pain spreading from the neck down the arm
- Severe constant night pain, even at rest, or with unexplained weight loss
In these cases go to the nearest emergency department or a doctor straight away — instead of booking physiotherapy.
FAQ
Do I have to stop using my hand?
Usually complete rest is not needed. We temporarily reduce the movements that aggravate the pain and adjust how you use your hand, then increase the load gradually with exercise.
Is a steroid injection a good solution?
It may ease pain for a short time, but it has been linked in some studies with slower recovery in the longer term. The decision is the doctor’s, and exercise remains the basis of recovery either way.
How long does tennis elbow take to improve?
In most cases it improves over months, and the time varies from person to person. Regular exercise and activity changes help recovery.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on your condition and how long you have had it; after the first assessment we explain the plan and the expected number of sessions.
More common questions: Elbow, wrist and hand questions — 15 questions
Ready to start?
Book your first session at Revibe Clinic in Amman (it starts with an assessment), or message us on WhatsApp.
Related pages
Source: NICE CKS — Tennis elbow
Reviewed by Ahmed AlKhatib, licensed physiotherapist — 22 October 2026
This information is general education and does not replace a clinical assessment.