Tennis Elbow Treatment and Rehabilitation
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common cause of pain on the outer side of the elbow in Singapore. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It often develops due to repetitive wrist movements, gripping activities, or overuse of the forearm muscles.
This condition occurs when the tendons that attach to the outer elbow become irritated or overloaded. Without proper management, tennis elbow can lead to persistent pain, reduced grip strength, and difficulty performing daily activities such as lifting objects, typing, or opening jars.
If you develop pain on the outer elbow, reduce activities that involve gripping or lifting, apply ice for 10–15 minutes, and avoid repetitive wrist movements. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve with rest. Early diagnosis and guided rehabilitation improve recovery outcomes.
If you're unsure whether your elbow pain is due to tennis elbow or another condition, our GP and physiotherapy team can assess your elbow, determine whether imaging is required, and guide you through a safe recovery plan.
Disclaimer:
The following page is not meant as a replacement for a physical consult and examination with our Doctors and is meant as educational information and general guiding principles for patients. Each patient should be managed according to their unique condition, and this page is also not meant as a guarantee for the flow of services that patients will receive at Regis Medical. For example, a patient who presents with signs of a suspected fracture, significant ligament injury, or severe tendon tear may require further assessment at separate locations first, before undergoing physiotherapy safely.
What to Do When Tennis Elbow Pain Starts
1. Reduce Strain on the Elbow
- Avoid heavy gripping or lifting
- Reduce repetitive wrist movements
- Modify gym or sports activities temporarily
2. Manage Pain & Irritation
- Apply ice for 10–15 minutes
- Avoid deep pressure over the painful tendon
- Consider using a counterforce elbow strap
3. Gentle, Pain-Free Movement
- Light wrist mobility exercises
- Gentle forearm stretching
- Avoid forceful strengthening early on
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the extensor tendons that control wrist movement become irritated from repeated strain.
Structures Involved
- Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) tendon
- Lateral epicondyle (outer elbow bone)
- Forearm extensor muscles
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping or lifting
- Racket sports (tennis, badminton, squash)
- Weight training
- Frequent mouse or keyboard use
- Manual work involving tools
Common Symptoms
Symptoms Often Include
- Pain on the outer elbow
- Pain when gripping or lifting objects
- Reduced grip strength
- Pain when extending the wrist
- Tenderness when pressing the outer elbow
- Discomfort during activities like typing or opening jars
Red Flags! Seek Medical Care Immediately
- Severe elbow pain after trauma
- Significant swelling or bruising
- Numbness or tingling in the arm or hand
- Progressive weakness
- Inability to move the elbow normally
Self-Check: How Severe Is My Tennis Elbow?
Mild
- Pain only during activity
- No significant weakness
- Improves with rest
Moderate (Please consider seeking medical attention)
- Pain during daily tasks
- Reduced grip strength
- Symptoms persist for weeks
- Requires physiotherapy
Severe (Please consider seeking medical attention expediently)
- Pain even at rest
- Difficulty lifting light objects
- Persistent symptoms despite rest
- Requires GP evaluation and possible further imaging
When to See a Doctor in Singapore
While many cases of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) improve with early care, some conditions may be more serious than they initially appear. Partial tendon tears, radial nerve entrapment, ligament sprains, joint arthritis, or even referred pain from the neck or shoulder can present with symptoms similar to tennis elbow.
If you experience severe pain, numbness or tingling, visible swelling or bruising, marked weakness, or symptoms that worsen despite rest, please consult a doctor promptly or visit an Emergency or Urgent Care Department for evaluation. This information is for education and is not a substitute for a professional diagnosis.
Visit a Doctor if:
- Pain lasts more than 2–3 days
- Grip strength is reduced
- Pain affects daily activities
- Symptoms worsen despite rest
- You are unsure about the diagnosis
In the above instances, it would be highly recommended by doctors to rule out more serious elbow or arm conditions through appropriate imaging, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, and for the patient to be assessed by an Emergency Physician or Orthopaedic Surgery Specialist before commencing physiotherapy. Early identification of structural injuries ensures safe and effective treatment.
GP Diagnosis & Treatment
Our GP will examine your elbow, wrist movement, and forearm muscles to determine the severity of the condition.
An X-ray or Ultrasound/MRI May Be Needed If:
- Pain persists despite early care
- Diagnosis is uncertain
- A tendon tear is suspected
- Mechanism of trauma involved in injury
What Our GP Can Provide
- Diagnosis and severity assessment
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication (if appropriate)
- Advice on activity modification
- Medical certificate (MC) for rest if required
- Referral for imaging if necessary
- Same-day referral to in-house physiotherapy (If available and deemed suitable)
Physiotherapy for Tennis Elbow Recovery
Our in-house physiotherapy can help reduce tendon irritation and restoring strength.
1. Pain & Irritation Reduction
- Soft tissue release
- Manual therapy around the elbow
- Ice or therapeutic modalities if indicated
- Taping or bracing for tendon support
2. Mobility & Tendon Gliding
- Forearm stretching
- Wrist mobility exercises
- Controlled tendon gliding techniques
3. Strengthening & Tendon Loading
- Eccentric wrist extension exercises
- Grip strengthening
- Forearm muscle conditioning
- Progressive tendon loading
4. Return-to-Activity Programme
- Gradual return to sports or gym
- Technique correction for repetitive tasks
- Activity modification to prevent recurrence
Acupuncture as a Complementary Treatment Option
Some patients benefit from acupuncture for Slipped Disc. Acupuncture may help reduce lower back pain, muscle tension, and nerve discomfort.
Our clinic integrates acupuncture with GP evaluation and physiotherapy to support pain relief and smoother recovery.
Can You Exercise With Tennis Elbow?
Yes, with proper modifications.
Our physiotherapists can guide you on:
- Safe strengthening exercises
- Activities to avoid temporarily
- When to return to sports or gym training
- How to strengthen without worsening symptoms
Preventing Tennis Elbow
- Strengthen forearm muscles
- Avoid excessive gripping
- Improve technique during sports or gym training
- Use ergonomic equipment at work
- Warm up before repetitive activities
How our integrative care helps
Consult Our Doctors
Tennis elbow can affect daily tasks, work activities, and sports performance. Early assessment and proper treatment help prevent long-term tendon damage.
Feel free to contact us to arrange a consultation with our doctor.
We’ll help you recover safely and return to comfortable, pain-free movement.
Finding Us
Holland Village
255 Holland Ave, Singapore 278983
Near MRT Exit B
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
Katong
437 Joo Chiat Road, Singapore 427650
Near Marine Parade MRT
Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri:
8.30am - 2.30pm
5.30pm - 10.00pm
Wed:
8.30am - 2.30pm
Sat:
9.00am - 3.00pm
Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays. For the latest updates on our clinic’s opening hours, please check our Google Maps.
** GP registration ends 15 mins before the closing time above, while Physiotherapy & Acupuncture end registration 45 mins before. Please book an appointment in advance to avoid queues and disappointment.
