TL;DR: Key Takeaways
Remedial massage may help manage muscular discomfort associated with tennis elbow, but it is not a guaranteed solution for tendon-related pain.
Tennis elbow affects the tendons on the outside of the elbow and commonly causes pain during gripping, lifting and repetitive wrist movements.
You don't need to play tennis to develop it. Tradespeople, gym-goers and people performing repetitive tasks can experience similar symptoms.
Research suggests hands-on treatment and exercise may provide small short-term improvements, although long-term benefits remain uncertain.
Managing repetitive workloads and gradually building forearm strength may be useful alongside massage.
At My Massage Therapist in Liverpool, NSW, I consider your wrist, grip, elbow, shoulder and relevant work or training demands before planning treatment.
You pick up your coffee cup and notice a sharp discomfort on the outside of your elbow. Later, you grab a dumbbell at the gym or use a screwdriver at work, and the same area starts bothering you again.
You haven't played tennis in years, so why does someone keep calling it tennis elbow?
If you're considering remedial massage for tennis elbow, it's worth understanding what's happening, why the symptoms can keep returning and what massage may realistically contribute.
Tennis elbow is often associated with repetitive gripping and wrist movements. While hands-on treatment may help with muscular discomfort, managing the demands placed on your arm is also worth considering.
Can Remedial Massage Help With Tennis Elbow?
Remedial massage may help some people manage the muscular discomfort and tightness associated with tennis elbow, particularly when combined with appropriate activity changes and movement advice.
However, massage should not be presented as a guaranteed solution for tendon-related symptoms.
A 2024 Cochrane review examined manual therapy and exercise for people experiencing lateral elbow pain.
The review included 23 studies involving 1,612 participants. It found that manual therapy, exercise or a combination of the two may slightly reduce pain and disability in the short term compared with minimal treatment.
The researchers also found that these benefits were not consistently maintained over time.
This is an important distinction.
Massage may be useful for managing discomfort, but that doesn't automatically mean the underlying tendon has recovered or that the arm is ready to tolerate its previous workload.
For someone who regularly lifts weights, uses tools or performs repetitive gripping tasks, the broader approach matters.
What Is Tennis Elbow and What Causes It?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral elbow tendinopathy or lateral epicondylalgia, involves pain around the outside of the elbow, commonly associated with the tendons of the wrist extensor muscles.
These muscles run along the back of your forearm and help control wrist movement and gripping.
The condition is commonly associated with repeated or demanding use of the wrist and forearm, particularly when the tissues are struggling to tolerate their current workload.
According to the 2022 clinical guidelines, lateral elbow pain can affect grip strength, upper-limb function and everyday activities.
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players.
It can affect people who regularly perform activities such as:
Using screwdrivers, spanners and other hand tools.
Lifting and carrying heavy objects.
Performing repetitive gripping tasks.
Training with barbells, dumbbells or kettlebells.
Playing racquet sports.
Repeatedly using the wrist and forearm during work.
The important factor is not simply how often you use your arm. It is how your symptoms relate to the demands being placed on it.
Is Tennis Elbow the Same as Golfer's Elbow?
No. Tennis elbow generally refers to pain on the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow is associated with pain on the inside.
Both can involve discomfort during gripping and repetitive upper-limb activities.
However, they affect different regions and may require different assessment considerations.
Pain around the elbow can also have other explanations, including nerve-related symptoms or conditions affecting nearby joints.
That is why the location of pain alone should not be treated as a complete assessment.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow commonly causes pain around the outside of the elbow, particularly during gripping, lifting or movements that load the wrist extensor muscles.
Symptoms may include:
Tenderness around the bony area on the outside of the elbow.
Pain when gripping tools, weights or everyday objects.
Discomfort when lifting a kettle, shopping bag or similar item.
Pain when extending the wrist against resistance.
Reduced confidence or strength during gripping.
Symptoms that become more noticeable during repetitive tasks.
The NHS elbow guidance identifies pain around the outside of the elbow as a common feature of tennis elbow.
However, not every case of elbow pain is tennis elbow.
If you experience persistent numbness, tingling, significant weakness or symptoms extending from the neck, further assessment may be appropriate.
What Does Research Say About Massage and Exercise for Tennis Elbow?
Research suggests manual therapy and exercise may offer small short-term improvements for some people with tennis elbow, but the overall certainty of the evidence remains limited.
The Cochrane review published in 2024 included 23 trials involving 1,612 participants.
Compared with minimal or no intervention, manual therapy, exercise or both produced small improvements in pain and disability at the end of treatment.
However, the researchers questioned whether these improvements were large enough to be clinically worthwhile, and the benefits were not sustained at longer follow-up.
A separate 2024 systematic review examined non-invasive treatments for lateral elbow tendinopathy.
It found that the evidence for different treatment options remained uncertain, particularly regarding longer-term outcomes.
These findings support a realistic approach.
Hands-on treatment may have a role, but no single technique should be promoted as the answer for everyone.
The evidence also does not justify claiming that deep pressure directly repairs a tendon.
Does Deep Tissue Massage Work Better?
Not necessarily. Stronger pressure does not automatically mean better results.
An area around the elbow may already be sensitive, particularly if everyday gripping and lifting are uncomfortable.
Applying excessive pressure can make treatment unpleasant without providing a clear additional benefit.
A 2023 review examining manual therapy for lateral elbow tendinopathy found insufficient evidence to establish the effectiveness of specific manual techniques.
At My Massage Therapist, I adjust pressure according to your presentation and response rather than assuming that painful treatment is more effective.
A Real Client Example: Tennis Elbow Symptoms Affecting Work
One client who comes to mind was a mechanic and recreational gym-goer experiencing an overuse-related tennis-elbow-type problem.
His symptoms were affecting his left wrist and forearm function, making parts of his work uncomfortable.
He also had a personal goal.
He'd been invited to a special sports-car race event about a month away and wanted to be functioning well enough to manage his work and enjoy the event.
Looking Beyond the Painful Elbow
Because his job involved regular use of tools and repetitive hand movements, I considered the demands placed on his wrist and forearm throughout the working day.
I also assessed relevant wrist, grip, elbow and shoulder function, with the neck considered where appropriate.
Treatment addressed muscular tightness and movement restrictions.
Alongside hands-on work, we progressively developed exercises targeting the wrist flexors and extensors, with a focus on strength and muscular endurance.
I also showed him practical self-management strategies, including foam rolling, massage-ball techniques, stretching and a warm-up before work.
What Happened Afterwards?
By the time of the event, he was able to use his left wrist again during work.
I suggested taking a massage ball along to the race event as a practical way to manage muscular discomfort if needed.
What stands out about this case is that treatment wasn't limited to applying pressure around the elbow.
We considered the demands of his job and worked on giving him practical strategies he could use between appointments.
His outcome was specific to his circumstances. It should not be taken as a promise that someone else will experience the same improvement within a month.
Why Does Tennis Elbow Keep Coming Back?
Tennis elbow symptoms may return when the activities aggravating the area continue to place more demand on the arm than it currently tolerates.
For example, someone might feel more comfortable after treatment but return to several hours of repetitive tool use the following morning.
Another person might reduce gym training for a few days, then immediately return to heavy gripping exercises.
In both situations, symptoms may become noticeable again.
That doesn't necessarily mean the previous treatment was unsuccessful.
It may mean the person needs a broader plan for managing activity and gradually rebuilding tolerance.
The lateral elbow guidelines discuss assessment of muscle function, activity limitations and relevant treatment approaches.
For recurring symptoms, it is worth considering:
Whether your work or training volume has recently increased.
How often you're performing demanding gripping tasks.
Which movements consistently aggravate symptoms.
Whether the arm has enough recovery time between demanding activities.
Whether suitable strengthening or movement modifications may help.
Should You Stop Using Your Arm Completely?
Not automatically. The aim is usually to find a manageable level of activity rather than assuming every movement must stop.
However, what is appropriate depends on the severity and nature of your symptoms.
Someone with mild discomfort during a particular exercise may be able to modify the weight, grip or number of repetitions.
Someone experiencing significant pain or difficulty completing ordinary tasks may need more substantial changes and further assessment.
The goal is to avoid repeatedly aggravating the area while maintaining suitable activity where possible.
What Happens During a Remedial Massage Appointment for Tennis Elbow?
An appointment begins with understanding your symptoms, the activities that aggravate them and how your arm is functioning.
At My Massage Therapist, I use an assessment-led approach rather than automatically treating only the painful spot.
1. Discussing Your Work and Training
I'll ask about your symptoms and the activities that seem to influence them.
For example, if you're a mechanic, that might involve discussing repetitive tool use.
If you train at the gym, we may discuss exercises involving gripping, pulling or wrist loading.
2. Assessing Relevant Movement
Depending on your presentation, assessment may include relevant movement, range-of-motion or strength testing.
I may consider the wrist, grip, elbow and shoulder, along with other areas where symptoms suggest they are relevant.
3. Targeted Hands-On Treatment
Where appropriate, treatment may involve remedial massage, deep tissue techniques, trigger point therapy or other suitable soft-tissue techniques.
The aim is to address relevant muscular discomfort and movement restrictions within the scope of remedial massage.
4. Reassessment and Aftercare
I may reassess relevant movements following treatment.
When appropriate and when time permits, I may also provide practical exercise or movement recommendations.
These can include suitable mobility, strengthening or self-management strategies based on your presentation.
You can read more about my exercise prescription approach.
Can Forearm Strengthening Help With Tennis Elbow?
Forearm strengthening may be a useful part of managing tennis elbow symptoms, but exercises need to be matched to the individual's tolerance and circumstances.
The muscles involved in gripping and wrist control are exposed to regular demands during work, training and everyday activities.
Gradually developing strength and endurance may help someone better manage those demands.
However, exercise is not a guaranteed solution.
The 2024 Cochrane findings show that evidence for exercise and manual therapy remains uncertain, with small short-term benefits and limited evidence of sustained improvements.
This is why I prefer practical, individualised recommendations rather than telling everyone with elbow pain to perform the same exercise routine.
What About Stretching and Massage Balls?
Stretching and massage-ball techniques may help some people manage forearm muscular discomfort.
However, they should not be treated as substitutes for assessment when symptoms persist.
If stretching produces sharp pain or makes symptoms noticeably worse, it may not be appropriate at that time.
Similarly, repeatedly applying strong pressure directly over a sensitive tendon is not necessarily helpful.
The aim is to choose techniques that are comfortable and relevant to your symptoms.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice for Elbow Pain?
Seek medical advice when elbow symptoms are persistent, worsening, unexplained or significantly affecting your ability to use your arm.
The NHS guidance recommends medical assessment for elbow or arm pain that does not improve after several weeks.
More urgent assessment may be appropriate if you experience:
Severe pain following an injury.
An obvious change in the shape of your elbow or arm.
Significant swelling with fever or feeling unwell.
New numbness or tingling following an injury.
Marked or rapidly worsening weakness.
Not every case of elbow pain is caused by tendon overload.
If symptoms suggest nerve involvement, significant injury or another condition requiring medical care, massage may need to be modified or postponed.
Remedial Massage for Tennis Elbow in Liverpool NSW
Tennis elbow can be frustrating because it affects movements you rely on every day.
Turning a screwdriver, lifting a shopping bag, gripping a barbell or even holding a coffee cup can become uncomfortable.
Remedial massage may help manage associated muscular discomfort, but it's worth considering your workload, movement tolerance and suitable exercise alongside hands-on treatment.
At My Massage Therapist in Liverpool, NSW, I work with people experiencing muscular tightness, repetitive strain and training-related discomfort.
My approach involves relevant assessment, targeted treatment and practical aftercare where appropriate.
If your elbow discomfort is associated with repetitive work or training, you can also read about chronic overuse conditions and sports-related complaints.
Looking for remedial massage for tennis elbow in Liverpool?
Explore the My Massage Therapist services page to learn more about the available treatment options and find an appointment that suits your needs.
