Tennis elbow: assessment and advice in Kettering.
Tennis elbow — lateral epicondylitis — affects far more office workers and tradespeople than tennis players. It is usually a tendon problem, and current guidance generally favours graded loading over complete rest. An assessment looks at the elbow together with the wrist, shoulder and neck, to distinguish local tendon symptoms from pain referred from the neck. There is no promise that hands-on care will heal a tendon injury; where associated neck or upper-back problems are contributing, care for those may be considered where appropriate, alongside suitable exercise and activity advice.
How tennis elbow feels.
- Pain on the outside of the elbow that worsens with gripping
- Discomfort that radiates down the forearm to the wrist
- Weakness when lifting a kettle, mug or shopping bag
- Tenderness on the bony bump on the outer elbow
- Pain triggered by twisting motions — door handles, screwdrivers, mouse clicks
- Morning stiffness in the forearm and elbow
What may be involved.
- Repetitive gripping or wrist extension at work or in the gym
- Sudden increase in racquet sport, climbing or DIY load
- Office work with poor mouse/keyboard ergonomics
- Trade work — plumbers, electricians, painters and decorators
- Neck or shoulder problems referring pain to the elbow
- Weakness in the shoulder and shoulder-blade muscles adding load at the elbow
How we approach tennis elbow.
Assess what's driving the pain
Lateral elbow pain isn't always tennis elbow — radial-tunnel syndrome, nerve irritation and referral from the neck can mimic it. We assess the elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck to distinguish a local tendon problem from associated neck or shoulder involvement, and refer on if needed.
Be clear about scope
Where the pain is coming from the tendon itself, there is no promise that hands-on care will heal a tendon injury. Where associated musculoskeletal neck or upper-back problems are contributing, care for those may be considered where appropriate — and we'll explain which applies to you.
Exercise and activity options
Progressive loading exercises for the wrist extensors are a mainstay of current tendinopathy management, and we can discuss a suitable programme and how to adjust grip-heavy activities. Responses vary and tendon problems are often slow, so we'll review rather than promise a timeframe.
Address contributing factors
Desk and tool ergonomics, grip technique and any shoulder-blade weakness that may be adding load at the elbow.
What to expect.
A tennis elbow appointment includes a careful history, an assessment of the elbow, shoulder and neck, a clear explanation of the findings and a practical exercise and activity plan — with referral where appropriate.
Appointments are with Neil Taylor, the clinic's sole osteopath (GOsC registered).
New patient £65 (45–60 minutes) · Follow-up £60 (30 minutes).
- 1.
Detailed history including your work, sport, gym training and any previous elbow, shoulder or neck issues.
- 2.
Assessment of the elbow, wrist, shoulder and neck to distinguish local tendon symptoms from neck referral.
- 3.
A clear explanation of the findings and, where associated neck or upper-back problems are present, discussion of whether care for those is appropriate.
- 4.
A loading and activity plan calibrated to where you are, reviewed with you as you go — with GP or physiotherapy referral where appropriate.
Frequently asked.
Do I need to stop playing tennis or going to the gym?
Usually no — but training load needs adjusting and grip-heavy activities may need temporary modification. Complete rest is rarely recommended for tendon problems; current guidance generally favours modified activity with graded loading.
How long does tennis elbow take to settle?
Recovery varies widely. Tendon problems are often slow — weeks to months is common, and long-standing cases can take longer. We'll be honest about your likely picture after assessment rather than promising a timeframe.
Should I have a steroid injection?
The evidence is mixed. Injections can give short-term relief for some people, but some studies suggest poorer longer-term outcomes compared with rehab alone. It's a decision for you and your GP.
Is a tennis-elbow strap worth wearing?
A counter-force brace may offload the tendon while you work or play — useful as a short-term tool for some people, but not a fix on its own. We can show you how to use one if it looks appropriate for you.
Can my neck cause my elbow pain?
Yes, in some cases. Irritation in the lower neck can refer pain into the outer elbow and forearm and mimic tennis elbow. We assess the neck as standard at your first visit, and where an associated neck problem is found, care for it may be considered where appropriate.
When should elbow pain be seen by a doctor?
See your GP promptly if elbow pain follows a fall or injury with swelling, deformity or inability to move the joint, if the elbow is hot, red or swollen, if you have a fever, or if you notice significant weakness, numbness or pins and needles in the hand.
Sources and further reading
Ready to book a tennis elbow assessment?
Call, WhatsApp or book online. We'll take a careful history at your first visit and be honest about whether osteopathic care looks appropriate for your situation.