Tennis elbow treatment primarily involves resting the arm and avoiding activities that strain the elbow, alongside exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles of the forearm. Pain relief can be supported by non- steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and cold therapy with ice packs. Physical therapy, including massage and manual therapy, is common to improve symptoms and restore arm function. Other treatments include:
- Wearing a forearm brace or elbow strap to reduce strain.
- Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term pain relief, though they may slow long-term healing.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other injections have limited proven effectiveness.
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy and ultrasound therapy may help but require more evidence.
- Surgery is rarely needed and considered when symptoms persist beyond 6-12 months despite other treatments.
Home treatment often emphasizes stretching exercises where the wrist is flexed while the elbow is straight and massage of the painful area. Ice can help reduce pain during massage. Overall, tennis elbow often improves over time with conservative measures, typically within 6 months to 2 years. Strengthening exercises and controlled trauma to the tendon area can promote healing and prevent recurrence.
