Dealing with Tennis Elbow? Here's What You Need to Know (Copy)

Written By METRO WELLNESS

What Is Tennis Elbow?

You don’t have to play tennis to get tennis elbow. Officially known as lateral epicondylitis, it’s a painful condition that happens when the tendons in your elbow are overworked—usually from repetitive motions of the wrist and arm.

Tennis elbow is common among:

  • Office workers who type and click all day

  • People who lift weights or do repetitive motions at the gym

  • Tradespeople (like painters, carpenters, or baristas)

  • Athletes who play racquet sports

  • Anyone who grips, lifts, or twists their wrist frequently

The pain usually shows up on the outside of your elbow and can spread to your forearm and wrist. Everyday tasks like pouring coffee, turning a doorknob, or picking up your phone can become frustratingly painful.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

The main culprit is overuse of the forearm muscles that extend your wrist and fingers. These muscles attach to a small bony bump on the outside of your elbow called the lateral epicondyle. Repeating the same movement over and over—like typing, lifting, or swinging—can cause tiny tears in the tendon, leading to pain and inflammation.

Common causes include:

  • Repetitive typing or mouse use

  • Heavy lifting with poor wrist alignment

  • Sports that involve gripping (tennis, pickleball, CrossFit)

  • Poor ergonomics at your workstation

  • Weak shoulder or wrist muscles, forcing your elbow to overcompensate

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

You might be dealing with tennis elbow if you notice:

  • A burning or aching pain on the outside of the elbow

  • Pain that gets worse with gripping or lifting

  • Weak grip strength

  • Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning

  • Discomfort when extending the wrist or fingers

How to Treat Tennis Elbow – The Science-Based Way

The good news? Tennis elbow usually responds well to conservative care—meaning surgery is rarely needed. At Metro Wellness, we offer a comprehensive, non-invasive approach that combines several effective therapies:

1. IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization)

This technique uses a smooth metal tool to gently scrape the skin over the injured tendon. It may sound intense, but it's highly effective. IASTM helps:

  • Break up scar tissue

  • Increase blood flow to the area

  • Stimulate tendon healing

  • Improve flexibility and function

Think of it like a deep tissue massage, but more precise and targeted.

2. Taping (Kinesiology Taping)

Kinesiology tape supports the muscles and tendons without limiting your range of motion. It helps by:

  • Reducing strain on the irritated tendon

  • Improving circulation and lymphatic drainage

  • Providing gentle feedback to help you move better

Our team knows exactly how to apply tape to reduce elbow stress while you go about your day.

3. Manual Therapy & Stretching

Our providers use hands-on techniques to mobilize the joint and reduce tension in the forearm, wrist, and shoulder. We also guide you through stretches to safely lengthen tight muscles that are contributing to the problem.

4. Corrective Exercises

Once pain is under control, we work on retraining the muscles with gentle strengthening. Targeting the wrist extensors, rotator cuff, and shoulder stabilizers prevents the problem from coming back.

5. Acupuncture (Optional)

Some patients respond well to acupuncture to help reduce inflammation, relax muscles, and ease pain. Our licensed acupuncturist Dr. Jessie Gao may recommend it as part of your healing plan.

How to Prevent Tennis Elbow from Coming Back

Once you’re pain-free, keeping tennis elbow away is all about fixing the habits that caused it in the first place. Here’s what you can do:

  • Take breaks during repetitive tasks like typing or lifting

  • Use ergonomic equipment (keyboards, mouse, tools)

  • Strengthen your forearm, shoulder, and core muscles

  • Stretch your forearms before and after activity

  • Avoid over-gripping or using poor form during workouts

  • Warm up properly before exercise or manual work

Our team at Metro Wellness NYC will teach you exactly what stretches and strengthening moves are right for you.

How Metro Wellness NYC Can Help

At Metro Wellness, we specialize in treating repetitive strain injuries like tennis elbow. Whether you're an athlete, desk worker, or someone who’s just tired of elbow pain disrupting daily life, we have you covered.

Our expert providers include:

  • Dr. Raela Wiley, DC, MS – Chiropractor with deep knowledge of biomechanics and tendon function

  • Dr. Leacee Caday-Go, DPT – Physical therapist with over a decade of experience treating repetitive use injuries

  • Dr. Jessie Gao, DACM – Acupuncturist with expertise in soft tissue release and inflammation management

Your care plan may include IASTM, kinesiology taping, manual therapy, exercise rehab, and acupuncture—all under one roof in Midtown Manhattan.

Don’t Let Elbow Pain Control Your Life

Tennis elbow can make even the simplest tasks feel like a challenge—but it doesn’t have to. With the right treatment and guidance, most people make a full recovery.

📍 Visit Metro Wellness Chiropractic Physical Therapy and acupuncture– Conveniently located in Midtown Manhattan near Rockefeller Center
📞 Call: 212-202-0065
📱 Text: 917-382-0980
📧 Email: info@metrowellnessnyc.com

Let’s help you get back to doing what you love—without the pain.

METRO WELLNESS
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