If a dull ache on the outside of your elbow flares up every time you lift a bag, turn a key, shake hands, or grip a cup of chai, you may be dealing with tennis elbow. It’s one of the most common overuse injuries we see, and the good news is that it almost always improves with the right care, without surgery.
At VS Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Clinic in Lucknow, we help people get back to pain-free movement using proven, non-surgical methods. This guide explains what tennis elbow is, why it happens, and how the right treatment plan can get you back to normal.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the bony bump on the outer side of your elbow (the lateral epicondyle). Despite the name, you don’t have to play tennis to get it, in fact, most people we treat have never picked up a racquet.
Repetitive gripping, twisting, and lifting put strain on these tendons. Over time, tiny tears develop, leading to pain, tenderness, and weakness around the elbow.
Common Causes and Risk Factors
Tennis elbow develops from repeated stress on the forearm. Everyday activities that commonly trigger it include:
- Computer and mouse use for long hours
- Manual jobs like plumbing, carpentry, and painting
- Cooking, chopping, and other repetitive kitchen tasks
- Gardening and gripping tools
- Racquet sports, weightlifting, and gym work with poor form
- Carrying heavy bags or repetitive lifting
It’s most common between the ages of 30 and 55, and it can affect either arm.
Symptoms to Watch For
You may have tennis elbow if you notice:
- Pain or burning on the outer side of the elbow
- Tenderness when you press on the bony bump
- A weak grip or trouble holding objects
- Pain that worsens when lifting, gripping, twisting, or shaking hands
- Discomfort that radiates down the forearm
Symptoms often start gradually and worsen if the activity continues. Catching it early makes treatment faster and easier.
Why Choose Physiotherapy Over Painkillers or Surgery?
Painkillers only mask the symptoms, they don’t heal the tendon. Surgery is rarely needed and is usually a last resort. Physiotherapy targets the root cause: it reduces pain, restores strength, and corrects the movement patterns that caused the injury in the first place, lowering the chance of it coming back.
For most people, a structured physiotherapy programme is the most effective and lasting solution for tennis elbow.
Our Tennis Elbow Treatment Options in Lucknow
At VS Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Clinic, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all care. After a detailed assessment of your elbow, grip strength, and daily activities, we build a personalised plan that may include:
Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques to mobilise the elbow joint, release tight forearm muscles, and improve blood flow to the healing tendon.
Therapeutic Exercise
Targeted stretching and progressive strengthening (including eccentric exercises) to rebuild tendon strength and restore a pain-free grip, the cornerstone of long-term recovery.
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
A non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in stubborn, long-standing cases of tennis elbow.
Ultrasound and Electrotherapy
Used to ease pain and inflammation in the early, more painful stages.
Dry Needling
Helps relieve muscle tightness and trigger points in the forearm that contribute to elbow pain.
Bracing and Taping
A counterforce brace or supportive taping takes load off the injured tendon so it can heal while you stay active.
Chiropractic Care
Because we offer physiotherapy and chiropractic under one roof, we can also address related joint and posture issues in the wrist, shoulder, and neck that may be adding to your elbow strain.
Ergonomic and Activity Advice
Practical guidance on how to adjust your work setup, technique, and daily habits to prevent the injury from returning.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies from person to person. Mild cases often improve within a few weeks, while long-standing or severe cases may take a few months of consistent treatment and home exercises. The earlier you start and the more closely you follow your plan, the faster you’ll recover.
Why Choose VS Physiotherapy and Chiropractic Clinic in Lucknow?
- Experienced physiotherapists who specialise in musculoskeletal and overuse injuries
- Both physiotherapy and chiropractic care in one place for complete, joined-up treatment
- Personalised plans tailored to your lifestyle, work, and goals
- Modern equipment including shockwave and electrotherapy
- A friendly, hands-on team focused on getting you pain-free and keeping you that way
We’ve helped people across Lucknow recover from elbow pain and return to the work, hobbies, and sport they love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can tennis elbow heal on its own?
Mild cases sometimes settle with rest, but the tendon often stays weak and the pain returns once you resume activity. Proper treatment heals it faster and helps prevent recurrence.
Do I need an MRI or scan for tennis elbow?
Usually not. Most cases are diagnosed through a physical examination. Scans are only needed if the diagnosis is unclear or symptoms don’t improve as expected.
Is tennis elbow treatment painful?
Treatment is designed to relieve pain, not add to it. Some exercises and hands-on techniques may feel mildly uncomfortable at first, but your therapist works within your comfort level.
How many physiotherapy sessions will I need?
This depends on how severe and long-standing your condition is. Your physiotherapist will give you a clear estimate after your first assessment.
Can I keep working while having treatment?
In most cases, yes. Activity modification, bracing, and ergonomic advice allow you to stay active while the tendon heals.
Book Your Tennis Elbow Assessment Today
Don’t let elbow pain hold you back from your work, sport, or daily life. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner you’ll feel relief.
VS Physiotherapy, Osteopathy Centre and Chiropractic Clinic
C-18, Kalyanpur (West), Front of SRM (TATA) Motors, Mazar Waali Gali, Tedhi Pulia Ring Road, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh – 226022
Call / WhatsApp: 070079 32170
Clinic Timings
| Day | Timings |
| Monday – Friday | 8:00 am – 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
| Saturday | 8:00 am – 5:00 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for a professional medical assessment. Please consult a qualified physiotherapist or doctor for diagnosis and treatment tailored to your condition.