A person on a tennis court holding a tennis racket, wearing tennis shorts, a black shirt, and sports shoes, with tennis balls on the court.

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is any pain that occurs on the lateral (outer) part of your forearm. Although common among tennis players, this can happen to many people who have jobs involving a lot of repetitive movement. Examples can be plumbers, painters, carpenters or butchers.

Woman playing tennis on an outdoor court, preparing to hit a tennis ball with her racket.

What causes tennis elbow?

There are many causes of tennis elbow, but most of them involve stressing the forearm muscles on the lateral side. Some activities include: 

  • Playing racket sports (backhand swings) 

  • Painting

  • Using tools (woodwork, plumbing etc.) 

  • Cutting meat or vegetables

  • Using your computer mouse or keyboard


It can also occur due to a pinched nerve in your neck that supplies your forearm muscles. Therefore, it is very important to get it thoroughly assessed.

A male tennis player is standing on a blue tennis court with dark blue sections, holding a tennis racket, and preparing to hit a shot, with no one else visible in the image.

What are the symptoms of tennis elbow?

The most common signs/symptoms of tennis elbow include: 

  • Pain on the lateral (outside) part of your forearm 

  • Pain or weakness while gripping or twisting (holding a coffee mug, turning a door handle) 

  • Weakened grip or pain progressing into the hand. 

  • Swelling on the lateral part of your forearm

Person playing tennis on outdoor court, holding tennis racket, wearing orange shirt with graphic and light gray shorts, with trees and parked cars in background.

How can I relieve my tennis elbow?

The duration of pain can vary from person to person.  We will try our best to speed up your recovery process and get you back to doing the activities you love.  At the Active Relief Centre, we place an emphasis on assessment and finding out why you are experiencing tennis elbow. This allows us to be more specific with your treatment and provide you with rehabilitation exercises specific to your body. Contact one of our clinics today and make us a part of your road to recovery.