What is a Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the tendons outside the elbow. Despite its name, this condition is not limited to tennis players—it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles for gripping, lifting, or twisting motions.

The injury results from tiny tears in the extensor tendons at their attachment to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (the bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow). These tears can cause inflammation, degeneration, and pain, potentially becoming chronic if not addressed.

These tiny tears are not classified as tears or even tears but as aggravation, represented by the—itis suffix on the epicondylitis.

Many causes have increased training intensity too quickly or jarred the wrist in a single motion, causing stress to the elbow. Typically, this builds slowly, and the sufferer can't remember a single event.

This stress to the lateral epicondyle (knuckles of the elbow) is easy to do in ball and racket sports and may be seen in squash and badminton, although it could also happen in paddle tennis. The smaller rackets make it less likely. Indeed, we also see it in gymnasts and manual workers.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
• Weak grip strength, particularly when shaking hands or holding objects
• Discomfort when lifting, twisting, or gripping
• Increased pain when using tools, typing, or playing sports
• Stiffness and soreness in the morning or after prolonged activity

Tennis elbow can become a long-term issue if not properly managed, as traditional rest and anti-inflammatories often fail to resolve the underlying degeneration in the tendon.

Effective Treatment with Focused Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)

At London Shock Wave & Sports Injury Clinic, we use Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)—a non-invasive, evidence-backed treatment designed to stimulate healing in chronic tendon injuries like tennis elbow.

Why Focused Shockwave Therapy Works Best for Tennis Elbow

While radial shockwave therapy is commonly used, focused shockwave therapy has shown superior results for treating tennis elbow due to its ability to:

✅ Target Deep-Seated Tendon Degeneration – Focused shockwaves penetrate deeper and specifically reach the affected extensor tendon attachment at the lateral epicondyle, where microscopic tears and chronic inflammation are present.

✅ Enhance Tissue Regeneration – Unlike general therapies that only provide temporary relief, focused ESWT stimulates cellular repair by triggering an increased blood supply and collagen production in the degenerated tendon.

✅ Reduce Pain Through Neuromodulation – Focused shockwaves desensitize nerve endings in the pain region, leading to long-term pain relief, even in chronic cases that have persisted for months or years.

✅ Accelerate Recovery Without Injections or Surgery – Unlike corticosteroid injections, which can weaken the tendon over time, focused shockwave therapy strengthens the tendon matrix, allowing for proper healing while reducing the risk of recurrence.

✅ Higher Success Rate Than Radial Shockwave – Clinical studies have demonstrated that focused shockwaves deliver more precise energy to the injured tissue, making them more effective in stubborn, treatment-resistant tennis elbow cases.

Why Choose London Shock Wave & Sports Injury Clinic?

• We use medical-grade Focused Shockwave Therapy designed for deep tendon injuries
• Our specialists have extensive experience treating chronic and stubborn cases
• No need for injections or surgery—we focus on natural tendon repair
• Comprehensive rehabilitation plans to prevent recurrence

💪 Get back to pain-free movement and strengthen your grip with our advanced treatment solutions!

📞 Call us today on [your phone number] to book your consultation.

Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back—let’s start your recovery today!

Radial Shockwave Therapy – A Cost-Effective Alternative

For patients looking for a more affordable solution, we also provide Radial Shockwave Therapy, a widely used and effective treatment for mild to moderate cases of tennis elbow.

How Radial Shockwave Therapy Works

🔹 Uses lower-energy pulses that spread across a more expansive treatment area.
🔹 Increases blood flow to promote healing and pain relief.
🔹 Breaks down scar tissue to improve tendon flexibility.

💡 Best for: Early-stage or less severe cases of tennis elbow, as well as those seeking a budget-friendly option.

🔍 Key Difference: Radial shockwaves are less concentrated than focused shockwaves, making them better suited for superficial tissue injuries rather than deep-seated tendon degeneration. There is also a comfort element, meaning that clients often receive less therapy than if using focused shock wave therapy. By far, clients prefer Focused Shock Wave Therapy for tennis elbow pain.

Key Differences

📌 Tennis Elbow – Pain occurs outside the elbow, affecting grip and lifting motions.
📌 Golfer’s Elbow – Pain is felt inside the elbow, aggravated by wrist flexion and gripping activities.

Both conditions respond well to shockwave therapy, but treatment is tailored based on the specific tendon involvement.