Tennis Elbow Massage

A Tennis Elbow Massage addresses lateral epicondylitis—an overuse injury involving the extensor tendons at the outer elbow. The massage focuses on relieving pain, breaking down adhesions, and improving flexibility in the affected forearm and elbow muscles.​

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness over the lateral epicondyle (outer elbow)

• Pain radiating down the forearm, sometimes to the wrist or hand

• Weak grip strength and difficulty with lifting, twisting, or repetitive wrist extension

• Stiffness and possible swelling at the outside elbow

• Discomfort is often aggravated by repetitive movements or gripping.​

Contraindications

• Avoid deep massage over the tendon during acute inflammation or immediately after injury

• Contraindicated if there is swelling, open wounds, infection, or nerve involvement near the elbow

• Refrain from friction massage if the client is on anti-inflammatories or the area is acutely painful​

• Seek medical clearance if symptoms persist, worsen, or if neurological signs are present.​

Assessment

• Take history regarding onset, duration, activities, and symptom severity

• Palpate the lateral epicondyle and forearm extensors for tenderness, swelling, and trigger points

• Assess wrist, finger, and elbow range of motion, strength, and quality of movement

• Perform provocative tests, e.g., Cozen’s test, Mill’s test for tennis elbow, and evaluate functional movement patterns.​

Treatment

• Begin with light effleurage to relax the forearm and prepare tissues

• Cross-fiber friction massage at affected tendons (as tolerated) to help break adhesions and stimulate healing—avoid directly on the bone​

• Deep tissue and trigger point release in the forearm extensors is effective in chronic phases, progressing in intensity based on pain level

• Myofascial release to address connective tissue tightness, using hands or tools such as a massage gun, ball, or manual techniques​

• Ice massage to the lateral elbow for 5–10 minutes may follow the session, especially if inflammation remains.​

Self Care

• Rest and limit aggravating/repetitive movements during healing

• Self-massage using fingers, a massage ball, or percussive device along the forearm extensors and common tendon origin​

• Stretching and strengthening exercises for wrist extensors/flexors, progressing slowly as pain improves

• Use of ice and heat as needed for pain and swelling modulation​

• Ergonomic adjustments in tools, workstations, or sports equipment as appropriate

• Communicate with healthcare providers if recovery stalls or symptoms worsen