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Tennis Elbow Treatment in Marple and Stockport

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.

Tennis Elbow
HCPC Registered
CSP Chartered
45+ Years Combined Experience
Evidence-Based
Fast Appointments
Insurance Accepted
Introduction

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.

Tennis Elbow physiotherapy treatment

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
Is This Right for You?

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
Your Timeline

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.

Before You Book

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.

Meet Your Physiotherapist

Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood, Head Physio & Clinic Owner at Complete Recovery Physiotherapy

Rob Wood

Head Physio & Clinic Owner

Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.

HCPC RegisteredCSP Chartered45+ Years Combined Experience
Read Rob's full profile

Tennis Elbow Frequently Asked Questions

Why Choose Us

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.

Don'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.

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