Tennis Elbow Without the Tennis: Why Your Elbow Hurts
You've never held a tennis racket in your life, yet your elbow hurts every time you lift your kettle, shake hands or use your mouse. Surprisingly, only about 5% of people with "tennis elbow" actually got it from tennis.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is an overuse injury of the tendons on the outside of your elbow. These tendons control your wrist and fingers. When they're overloaded by repeated gripping, lifting or twisting, they become painful and weak.
It affects about 1–3% of people, most often between the ages of 30 and 50, and usually in the dominant arm.
Common causes include:
- Long hours of computer and mouse use
- Lifting, gripping and carrying, such as shopping bags or tools
- Manual work, housework and DIY
- Racket sports, gym training and throwing
Common signs include:
- Pain on the outer elbow, sometimes spreading down the forearm
- Weak grip and dropping things
- Pain lifting a cup, kettle or bag with your arm straight
- Pain that starts a day or two after a busy session
Why rest alone isn't enough
Tennis elbow can last anywhere from two weeks to two years. Injections may give quick relief, but they show no clear long-term benefit. The tendon needs the right kind of load to heal and get stronger.
How physiotherapy helps
At Katasi Physiotherapy, your plan may include:
- Progressive strengthening exercises for the wrist and forearm
- Mobilisation with movement, a hands-on technique with supporting evidence
- An elbow brace or taping to ease pain during gripping
- Desk and work set-up advice
- Dry needling for tight forearm muscles
Book your assessment
Get your grip strength back. Book at Katasi Physiotherapy, Mogotio Road off Muthithi Road, Westlands. Call or WhatsApp 0705 717 353.
Source: Physiopedia – Lateral Epicondylitis
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