Treating Tennis Elbow with Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy has a 77% Success Rate for Tennis Elbow Pain
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury caused by repetitive strain to the forearm extensor muscles and tendons. These muscles are responsible for straightening and lifting the wrist and hand.
Repeated loading and gripping activities can lead to micro-tearing of the tendons where they attach to the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. Over time, this results in pain, weakness, and reduced function of the hand, wrist, and elbow.
Despite its name, tennis elbow commonly affects people who do manual work, use a computer mouse extensively, lift repetitively, or play racket sports.
Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
- Pain or tenderness on the outside of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain when lifting, gripping, or twisting objects
- Discomfort when using a keyboard or mouse
- Pain when lifting everyday items such as a kettle or bag
How Is Tennis Elbow Treated?
Conventional Treatment Options
Initial management of tennis elbow usually involves conservative treatment, including:
- Relative rest and activity modification
- Ice application
- Pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication
- Elbow supports or braces
- Physiotherapy and targeted strengthening exercises
While many people improve with these approaches, recovery can be slow, and symptoms may persist for several months.
If conservative treatment fails, corticosteroid injections are sometimes offered. These can reduce pain quickly by decreasing inflammation around the elbow. However, injections often provide short-term relief only, as they suppress the body’s healing response and may delay tendon repair, increasing the risk of recurrence.
Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Why Shockwave Therapy Is So Effective?
Shockwave therapy is one of the most effective non-invasive treatments for chronic tennis elbow.
A 2015 study published in the Journal of Physiotherapy Sciences found shockwave therapy to be more effective than corticosteroid injections, particularly for long-term pain relief and functional improvement.
Radial shockwave therapy works by:
• Stimulating blood flow to the damaged tendon
• Initiating a controlled inflammatory response to promote healing
• Reducing pain signals from the affected area
• Encouraging repair of micro-tears within the tendon
Research shows that pain can be significantly reduced within up to six shockwave sessions, with a reported 77% success rate in the general population.
Shockwave Therapy Combined with Physiotherapy
One of the key advantages of shockwave therapy is that it allows pain to reduce quickly enough to introduce hands-on treatment and progressive strengthening exercises. This combined approach helps:
• Restore grip and wrist strength
• Improve elbow load tolerance
• Reduce the risk of recurrence
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
If you are struggling with everyday tasks such as:
• Lifting a laptop or bag
• Pouring a kettle or lifting a pan
• Playing tennis or racket sports
then shockwave therapy may be the most effective treatment option for your tennis elbow pain.
Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire
At Physio-logical, based in Rowlands Castle, Hampshire, we provide expert assessment, Physiotherapy, and Shockwave Therapy for tennis elbow.
Book Your Appointment
To book your Shockwave Therapy sessions:
• 📞 Call 02394 350270
• 📧 Email enquiries@physio-logical.net
• 💻 Book online via our website
Research suggests 6 Shockwave Therapy sessions provide optimal results, with treatments spaced 5–10 days apart, depending on symptom severity and duration.
Early, targeted treatment can significantly reduce pain and help you return to work, sport, and daily activities without discomfort.
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