Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Common Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness on the outside (lateral) part of the elbow
• Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions
• Weakened grip strength
• Pain that can radiate down the forearm
• Symptoms that build gradually with repetitive activity rather than from a single injury

Why It Happens

The extensor tendons on the outside of the elbow are used constantly for gripping and wrist motion. Despite the name, most cases have little to do with tennis — repetitive gripping and lifting at work, in the gym, or around the house are common triggers. As with other tendinopathies, cumulative micro-strain that outpaces the tendon's ability to remodel leads to disorganized tissue and pain.

Why It Can Become Persistent

The forearm extensor tendons are used in nearly every gripping task throughout the day, from typing to carrying groceries, which makes it genuinely difficult to offload the area. This is a major reason tennis elbow has a reputation for lasting many months without a deliberate loading and activity-modification strategy.

Who Commonly Gets It

Tennis elbow is common in people whose work or hobbies involve repetitive gripping or forearm rotation — trades work, computer use combined with other repetitive tasks, racquet sports, and weightlifting are all commonly associated.

How It Is Usually Diagnosed

Diagnosis is typically clinical: tenderness over the outside of the elbow, pain with resisted wrist extension, and a grip-strength deficit. Imaging is not usually required but can be used if symptoms are atypical or not improving as expected.

Traditional Treatment Options

• Activity modification: Reducing aggravating gripping/lifting tasks temporarily.
• Physical therapy / eccentric loading program: A progressive forearm-strengthening program is considered a first-line, evidence-supported treatment.
• Counterforce brace: A forearm strap can reduce strain on the tendon during activity for some patients.
• NSAIDs: Sometimes used short-term for symptom control.
• Corticosteroid injection: Can provide short-term relief, though some research suggests worse longer-term outcomes compared with other treatments for this specific condition.

Why Someone Might Start Looking for Another Option

A meaningful number of people with tennis elbow still have symptoms after months of bracing, rest, and a home exercise program, especially if they can't fully avoid gripping tasks at work. That's when many patients start researching other non-invasive options.

Where Shockwave Therapy May Fit

Shockwave therapy is one of the more researched non-invasive treatments specifically for chronic lateral epicondylitis, including direct comparisons against corticosteroid injection in the research literature.

How Shockwave Treatment Works for This Area

Acoustic pressure waves are directed at the tender area over the outside of the elbow. See What Research Says below for how shockwave therapy has compared with corticosteroid injection and other treatments in clinical trials.

What the Treatment Feels Like

Most patients describe a firm tapping or pressure sensation, with some tenderness directly over the sore spot. Sessions are brief and most patients resume normal activity, including light gripping tasks, the same day per your provider's guidance.

What Happens During Your First Visit

Your visit begins with a provider evaluation focused on your history and a physical exam relevant to your complaint. If shockwave therapy is determined to be clinically appropriate, your first treatment can typically be provided the same visit. See our What to Expect page for the full walkthrough.

Who May Not Be Appropriate

• Suspected nerve entrapment (such as radial tunnel syndrome) mimicking tennis elbow, which needs its own evaluation
• Active infection, open wounds, or certain bone conditions at the treatment site
• Certain circulatory, neurological, or bleeding-related conditions, per your provider's screening

This list is not exhaustive. Your provider will screen for contraindications during your evaluation.