Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful tendon problem on the outer elbow, usually caused by overuse rather than tennis. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme and hands-on treatment, easing pain and restoring grip strength.

Understanding Your Condition
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a tendon problem where the forearm muscles attach to the outer elbow. Despite the name, most people who get it don't play tennis — it's caused by repetitive gripping, lifting or wrist use, and it can be surprisingly stubborn.
The good news is that tennis elbow responds well to a structured, progressive tendon-loading programme. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we calm the irritation, rebuild the tendon's capacity with the right exercises, and address the activities causing it — so your elbow settles and stops coming back.

What You Feel
- Pain on the outer bony point of the elbow
- Discomfort gripping, lifting or carrying objects
- Pain when shaking hands or turning a door handle
- Weakness in your grip or when lifting with the arm
- Tenderness when pressing the outer elbow
- Pain that worsens with repetitive wrist use
- Aching spreading down the forearm
- Symptoms that build gradually rather than suddenly
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping, lifting or carrying at work
- Sudden increase in racket sport, climbing or gym training
- Poor technique in racket sports or lifting
- Prolonged computer and mouse use with poor wrist position
- DIY, gardening or decorating with intensive hand use
- Weakness in the forearm and wrist extensor muscles
- Age-related tendon changes reducing resilience
- Inadequate recovery between repetitive activities
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Tennis elbow affects a huge range of people — tradespeople, office workers, gardeners, racket-sport players, climbers, and anyone whose work or hobbies involve repetitive gripping or wrist movement. We help with both recent onset and stubborn, long-standing cases that haven't settled.
If gripping, lifting or twisting your wrist hurts your outer elbow, you likely have tennis elbow. It often lingers for months without the right treatment — we'll assess it and build a loading programme to get it properly resolved.
Struggling with Tennis Elbow?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment confirms tennis elbow and grades how tendinous it has become. We test the specific tendon with pressure and resisted movements, assess your grip strength and wrist mobility, and review the activities that aggravate it to understand the cause.
Tendon problems need a specific loading approach, and the right level depends on how irritable your tendon is. We'll design a programme matched to your tendon's tolerance and explain exactly how to progress it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm tennis elbow and grade the tendon problem
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain, including massage and mobilisation
- A progressive tendon-loading programme to rebuild the tendon
- Advice on modifying aggravating grip and wrist activities
- Technique correction for sport, work or computer use
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases where appropriate
Expected Recovery
Tennis elbow typically improves over 6–12 weeks with a consistent, progressive loading programme. Acute cases settle faster, while stubborn, long-standing tendinopathy takes longer and may benefit from shockwave therapy.
The key is consistent, correctly-progressed loading — tendons strengthen slowly but reliably with the right programme. We guide your progress carefully and adjust the load as your tendon adapts, so you keep improving without setbacks.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Tennis Elbow Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Tendon-Loading Experts
Tennis elbow needs a specific, progressive loading programme — not rest or generic exercises. We build this around your tendon's tolerance for proper, lasting recovery.
Shockwave for Stubborn Cases
For long-standing tennis elbow that hasn't responded to loading, we offer shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in chronic tendons — often avoiding injections or surgery.
We Address the Cause
We look at the work, sport or computer habits driving your elbow pain and correct technique, so it doesn't keep returning once settled.
Hands-On Plus Loading
Manual therapy to ease your pain combined with a structured strengthening programme — the combination that produces lasting results.
Honest Timelines
Tendons take time. We give realistic expectations and a clear plan, so you understand normal progress and aren't discouraged by slow healing.
Flexible Booking
Early morning, evening and Saturday appointments in Marple, with online booking 24/7 to fit around your work and life.
Related Conditions We Treat

Golfers Elbow
Golfers elbow is a tendon problem on the inner elbow causing pain with gripping, bending the wrist or throwing. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme and hands-on treatment, easing pain and restoring strength at our Marple clinic.
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Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a painful tendon condition caused by overuse, affecting tendons throughout the body. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
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Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) causes pain from repeated movements, often in the arm, wrist or elbow. We ease the pain and correct the ergonomics and habits causing it at our Marple clinic.
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Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain affects reaching, lifting, sleeping and sport. We assess the exact cause — from tendon problems to stiffness — and rebuild comfortable, confident movement with hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
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Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that is particularly effective for stubborn tendon problems, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, and other chronic soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to conventional treatment.
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Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.


