If you’re experiencing nagging pain on the outside of your elbow, or what I would describe as more of a sharp or burning sensation when I had this injury years ago, you may have tennis elbow. This condition affects not only racket sports athletes, but also office workers, musicians, and anyone who uses their arms repetitively (like us massage therapists!).
While rest and stretching are often recommended for recovery, massage therapy can be very effective in reducing pain and restoring function.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that occurs when the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the outer elbow become irritated and inflamed. This typically occurs as the result of micro tearing in the tendon fibers at or close to the point of attachment. Despite its name, I would estimate that maybe 10% of cases we see in our office actually come from playing tennis. More common causes include:
Repetitive computer use
Gardening, painting, or other work that involves rotation and contraction of the wrist and forearm muscles
Lifting heavy objects with bad form
Symptoms of tennis elbow include:
Sharp or burning pain on the outer elbow
Pain that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions (turning a doorknob, for ex.)
Reduced grip strength
Stiffness in the arm or wrist
Left untreated, tennis elbow can linger for months, interfering with work and daily activities.
How Massage Therapy Aids in Tennis Elbow Recovery
Increases circulation: Brings fresh blood and nutrients to speed tendon repair.
Breaks down adhesions: Helps reduce scar tissue and knots in the muscles/tendons that restrict movement.
Releases muscle tension: Loosens tight forearm muscles that pull on the tendon.
Reduces pain and stiffness: Pressure applied correctly can calm irritated nerves and promote relaxation.
Restores flexibility and mobility: Massage complements stretching and physical therapy to improve range of motion.
Massage Techniques We Use
When treating tennis elbow, massage therapists often combine several methods depending on the severity of the condition:
Deep Tissue Massage: Targets the deeper layers of muscle to release chronic tightness.
Cross-Fiber Friction: Small, precise movements across the tendon fibers to stimulate repair and break up adhesions.
Trigger Point Therapy: Relieves knots in the forearm and upper arm that contribute to pain.
Myofascial Release: Gently stretches connective tissue to ease restriction.
Passive Stretching: Helps elongate tight muscles without straining the tendon.
These techniques are most effective when applied consistently over multiple sessions. Depending on the severity, we may recommend a client come in as often as once per week until symptoms begin to subside. 30 minute sessions are suffusive just to treat the elbow and forearm, and 45-60 minute sessions recommended if other areas including the neck and shoulders are involved. Our therapists can determine if that’s the case in the first session.
What can I do at home?
To maximize the results of massage therapy, we usually recommend:
Rest and avoid aggravating movements until pain subsides.
Apply ice for 10–15 minutes after activity to reduce inflammation.
Stretch and strengthen forearm muscles daily.
Check ergonomics at your workstation, sports, or whatever activity may be causing the issue
Use a brace or support strap if recommended by your doctor.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
Recovery varies depending on severity and how long the condition has persisted. With regular massage therapy, combined with stretching and lifestyle adjustments, many people notice improvement within a few weeks to a few months. Consistency is key!
If you have any questions about tennis elbow and how we can help, please contact us at: info@bewellboston.com.