What causes tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repeated gripping or loading of the forearm muscles — common in racquet sports, gym training and manual work. It’s typically related to tendon overload rather than inflammation alone.

How long does elbow tendinopathy take to improve?

Tendon pain often improves gradually with structured loading. Recovery timelines vary depending on how long symptoms have been present and how consistently rehabilitation is followed. The goal is progressive improvement rather than quick fixes.

Should I stop lifting with elbow pain?

Not always. In many cases, complete rest isn’t necessary — but load may need to be modified temporarily. A structured program allows you to continue training safely while rebuilding tendon capacity.

Is dry needling helpful for elbow pain?

Dry needling can help reduce muscle tension and pain in some cases, but it works best alongside progressive strength training. It’s rarely the whole solution on its own.

Most elbow tendon conditions can be diagnosed clinically. Imaging is usually only required if symptoms aren’t improving or there’s suspicion of something more complex.

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Elbow Pain

Elbow pain often starts gradually, a niggle during the gym, a flare-up after tennis, or soreness that builds with lifting or gripping.

It’s common in active people, but also in trades, desk workers and parents lifting kids. When it lingers, it can start limiting training, strength work and even simple day-to-day tasks.

At Valley Physio, we focus on identifying what’s driving the load through your elbow and building a structured plan to restore strength, reduce irritation and get you back to training with confidence.

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Signs you should get it checked

Pain when gripping, lifting or shaking hands

Pain on the outer (tennis) or inner (golfer's) elbow

You've trained through the same pain for more than two weeks

You've reduced weight or volume to manage symptoms

Pain is affecting work, sport or gym sessions

Elbow conditions we treat

Golfer's elbow (medial elbow tendinopathy)

Tendon overload injuries

Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy)

Elbow ligament sprains

Referred pain from the neck or shoulder

Work-related overuse injuries

Gym & lifting-related elbow pain

Post-fracture rehabilitation

How we help

Every plan is built around your diagnosis and goals, combining hands-on care with progressive, evidence-based rehab so you recover fully and stay that way.

Our programs are tailored to restore load tolerance so you can work, lift, and train without pain returning.

01

Manual therapy and soft tissue release

02

Isometric and eccentric loading exercises

03

Progressive strengthening for forearm, shoulder, and grip muscles

04

Ergonomic and activity modification strategies

05

Education on load management and activity modification

06

Return-to-work and sport programming

Back to lifting and training, flare-up free.

We don't just treat the sore area — we find the root cause. Our physiotherapists assess strength, grip control, shoulder stability, and movement patterns to guide treatment that builds resilience, not just relief.

We've helped athletes, tradespeople, and gym members across the Hunter overcome stubborn elbow pain and return to training with confidence. Our patients often find relief within the first few sessions as pain reduces and grip strength improves — and after several weeks of progressive loading, most can lift, carry, and train freely again without worrying about flare-ups or setbacks.

Accurate diagnosis to identify the specific tendon or contributing area

Manual therapy and dry needling for pain relief

Progressive strengthening for forearm, shoulder, and grip muscles

Ergonomic and activity modification strategies for work and sport

Return-to-work and sport programming when you're ready to push again

After several weeks of progressive loading, most can lift, carry, and train freely — without worrying about flare-ups or setbacks.