Tennis Elbow: How Occupational Therapy Can Help You Heal and Thrive

Tennis elbow doesn’t just affect athletes who play Tennis—it can impact anyone who uses their arms repetitively. At A Touch of Hope OT, we specialize in helping people of all ages recover with care, compassion, and science-backed solutions.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis Elbow, or Lateral Epicondylitis, is a condition caused by repetitive stress to the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow). These tendons are responsible for extending your wrist and fingers, and they are highly active in many daily tasks, often far beyond just playing tennis.

Despite the name, most people diagnosed with tennis elbow aren’t tennis players. In fact, we often see individuals in a wide variety of occupations and age groups dealing with this condition. Teachers, parents, musicians, hair stylists, warehouse workers, office employees, and even retirees engaging in gardening or home repairs can experience the discomfort of this overuse injury.

When the tendons are overused or strained without sufficient rest, tiny micro-tears begin to form. If not addressed, these tears can cause inflammation, pain, and a gradual decrease in function.

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

The root of the problem often lies in repetitive movements or gripping actions, especially those involving the hand and wrist. Over time, even small movements done repeatedly or with poor form can overload the tendons.

Common activities that may lead to tennis elbow include:

• Prolonged computer use with poor wrist or elbow positioning

• Frequent use of hand tools (screwdrivers, hammers, etc.)

• Playing string instruments or piano

• Lifting heavy grocery bags or children improperly

• Intensive cleaning or yard work

• Weightlifting with improper technique

Tennis elbow can also develop from a sudden increase in activity. For example, someone who starts a new home renovation project or exaggerates their gym workouts may experience symptoms after their tendons have been suddenly overloaded.

Signs and Symptoms to Look Out For

Tennis elbow usually develops gradually. You might first notice a dull ache or tightness around the elbow that worsens with use. Over time, the pain can become sharper, more consistent, and even start interfering with your ability to do simple things like shake hands, lift a coffee mug, or turn a doorknob.

Key Symptoms Include:

• Aching or burning pain on the outer part of the elbow

• Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, twisting, or wrist extension

• Tenderness around the lateral epicondyle

• Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning

• Weak grip strength or hand fatigue

• Pain that may radiate into the forearm and wrist

• Difficulty with tasks like opening jars, typing, or using a mouse

If you're noticing these signs, don’t wait for them to go away on their own. The sooner you address the problem, the quicker and more effectively you can heal.

Why Occupational Therapy Is So Effective

Occupational therapy (OT) is uniquely suited to treating tennis elbow because we don’t just look at the symptoms—we look at your entire life. At A Touch of Hope OT, we approach each client with a deep understanding of how injury impacts function, identity, and well-being.

While rest and medications may offer temporary relief, our goal is to help you return to your meaningful daily activities—safely and confidently.

We design individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans to not only reduce pain but restore function and prevent re-injury.

Our Therapeutic Approach to Tennis Elbow

Here’s what a comprehensive OT plan for tennis elbow might include:

1. Pain Management and Inflammation Control

In the initial stages of therapy, our focus is on reducing pain and inflammation. We may use:

• Cold therapy (ice packs, cryotherapy) to minimize swelling

• Heat therapy to improve circulation and promote healing in chronic cases

• Therapeutic ultrasound to enhance tissue repair at the cellular level

• Soft tissue mobilization to release tension and break down scar tissue

• Kinesiology taping for tendon support and proprioceptive feedback

Our treatments are always gentle and guided by your comfort and stage of healing.

2. Individualized Exercise Programming

We use specific, progressive exercises that are tailored to your unique situation. The goals are to:

• Stretch tight structures (Forearm and wrist extensor muscles)

• Strengthen weak or underused muscles

• Restore coordination between the wrist, elbow, and shoulder

Typical exercises include:

• Wrist extension and flexion with light resistance

• Eccentric loading exercises for the extensor tendons, mainly the Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis (ECRB).

• Shoulder stabilization and scapular strengthening

• Gentle nerve gliding techniques if nerve involvement is suspected

Every exercise is chosen for your current ability and gradually increased as you heal.

3. Ergonomic and Postural Education

For many of our clients, their daily work setup is a major contributor to injury. We’ll assess:

• Your desk or workstation arrangement

• How you use tools or carry objects

• How you position your hands during repetitive tasks

We provide detailed recommendations on:

• Keyboard and mouse placement

• Wrist and forearm support

• Proper lifting techniques

• Use of ergonomic tools or braces

These small adjustments can make a huge difference in recovery and prevention.

4. Task Modification and Joint Protection

We’ll work with you to modify how you perform your daily tasks to protect your elbow while maintaining your independence. Examples include:

• Learning to lift objects using both hands and from closer to the body

• Using larger, padded grips on tools

• Adjusting techniques for cooking, cleaning, and sleep positioning

• Using assistive devices when appropriate

Our goal is to help you stay active while reducing strain on the healing tissues.

5. Splinting or Bracing Support

If needed, we may recommend:

• Forearm bands that reduce tension on the extensor tendon

• Wrist splints that stabilize the joint and allow rest during flare-ups

• Night splints to prevent unconscious stress during sleep

We ensure that any bracing used supports recovery without overly limiting movement or function.

6. Education and Prevention Strategies

Empowering you with knowledge is central to our philosophy. We’ll teach you:

• How to recognize early signs of overuse

• The importance of rest and recovery in muscle healing

• How to warm up properly before activities

• The value of regular stretching and self-care

We want you to not only recover but also stay strong and resilient in the long term.

Who We Help: All Ages, All Backgrounds

At A Touch of Hope OT, we treat tennis elbow in clients ranging from:

• Young athletes playing baseball, tennis, or gymnastics

• Parents and grandparents lifting children

• Musicians preparing for performances

• Adults working in construction, cosmetology, or office jobs

• Retirees enjoy hobbies like pottery, gardening, cards, or painting

No matter your age or activity level, we adapt our care to your lifestyle and goals.

Real-Life Example: Karen’s Story (Graphic Designer)

Karen, a 43-year-old graphic designer, came to us with distressing elbow pain that had worsened over several months. She had tried ice and anti-inflammatories, but the pain always returned when she went back to work.

After a thorough evaluation, we discovered that her desk setup was forcing her wrist into constant extension, and her mouse grip was far too tight. Together, we:

• Adjusted her chair and monitor height

• Switched her mouse to an ergonomic vertical design

• Introduced targeted exercises for wrist extensors

• Taught her how to stretch between long work sessions

Within eight weeks, Karen reported a 90% reduction in pain and had the tools to keep it from coming back.

Real-Life Example: George’s Story (Tennis Player)

George, a 26-year-old competitive tennis player, came to A Touch of Hope OT after months of irritating pain on the outside of his dominant elbow. At first, he assumed it was just muscle fatigue from frequent training. But as the pain intensified—especially during backhands and even while lifting his racquet bag—he knew it was more serious.

During our evaluation, we identified that his grip technique and racquet handle size were contributing to excessive strain on his extensor tendons. We also noticed tightness and muscle imbalances in his forearm and shoulder that were interfering with his stroke mechanics.

Together, we designed a recovery plan that included:

• Forearm eccentric strengthening tailored for racquet sport demands

• Manual therapy techniques of soft tissue mobilization, gentle massage, and manual traction to release tight tissues, reduce pain level, and improve mobility

• Education on optimal grip size and how to modify his racquet

• Shoulder and scapular stabilization exercises to improve kinetic chain efficiency

• Guided return-to-play progression, so he wouldn’t rush the process

Within 10 weeks, George was not only pain-free—he reported feeling stronger and more efficient on the court than before his injury. He now integrates the stretches and warm-up routine we created for him into every practice session.

Your Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

Every case is unique, but here's a general outline of how healing may progress:

• Week 1–2: Focus on pain relief, rest, and gentle movements

• Week 3–4: Introduce light stretching and functional modifications

• Weeks 5–6: Begin strengthening and activity reintroduction

• Week 7–8: Emphasize full return to work or sport, with prevention

• Beyond Week 8: Continued independence with occasional check-ins as needed

Why Choose A Touch of Hope OT?

We know that healing is about more than just reducing symptoms. It’s about reclaiming your ability to do what matters most—whether that’s holding your grandchild, playing your favorite song, or working without pain. With us, you’re never just a diagnosis. You're a whole person with a story, a goal, and a future. We’re honored to walk with you every step of the way.

Ready to Start Healing?

If you or a loved one is dealing with tennis elbow, don’t push through the pain. Reach out today for a comprehensive occupational therapy evaluation. We’ll meet you with compassion, knowledge, and a personalized plan designed to get you back to the life you love.

Contact A Touch of Hope OT. Let’s begin your healing journey—because recovery begins with a touch of hope. 📞 Call now and 📅 Schedule a consultation.