Symptoms
- Pain on the outer side of the elbow
- Weak grip strength
- Pain worsening with gripping or twisting motions
- Tenderness over the lateral epicondyle
- Pain radiating down the forearm
Common causes
- Repetitive wrist extension activities
- Improper technique in racquet sports
- Occupational overuse (typing, manual work)
- Age (30-50 years)
- Poor forearm muscle conditioning
How physiotherapy helps
Treatment includes eccentric strengthening of wrist extensors, deep friction massage, ultrasound therapy, taping/bracing, and activity modification. Dry needling may also be used.
Exercises your physiotherapist may give you
- Eccentric wrist extensions with light weight
- Wrist flexor and extensor stretches
- Forearm pronation/supination
- Grip strengthening with stress ball
- Tyler twist exercise with FlexBar
Please note: start these exercises only after an assessment, and stop if pain increases. Your physiotherapist will choose the right exercises, number of repetitions and progression for you.
Guide written by the physiotherapists of CAPT – Centre for Advanced Physiotherapy, MVM Educational Trust. For more reading, search MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine).