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Can Massage Therapy Help with My Tennis Elbow?


October 15th, 2024

How Massage Therapy Can Help Treat a Tennis Elbow Injury 

Just like other muscular conditions, tennis elbow can bring great discomfort and pain. Since treatment typically involves rest and medicines, people often look for alternatives that can contribute to a faster recovery and more efficient pain relief. This is where massage therapy comes in handy. In this blog, we are going to explore details about tennis elbow, including causes and symptoms, and discuss how massage therapy can be useful when treating the condition.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Also known as lateral epicondylitis, tennis elbow is a condition typically caused by the overuse of the muscles and tendons in the elbow. With repetitive motion, the tendons responsible for bending your wrist backwards can get injured, which can cause pain and discomfort while doing certain activities. It generally affects adults between the ages of 30 and 60, but younger people may also suffer from the condition.

What Causes Tennis Elbow?

In most cases, tennis elbow is caused by the strain and repetitive use of the muscles in the elbow and forearm, which may get swollen and injured after being subject to excessive stress. Contrary to what the name suggests, the condition is not exclusively caused by the practice of tennis. Activities such as painting, using plumbing tools, driving screws, and even using the computer can also lead to tennis elbow. 

What Are the Most Common Symptoms?

The most typical symptoms include the swelling of the forearm muscles and a very distinct pain that goes from the outside elbow to the wrist. Apart from causing discomfort, tennis elbow injury is also known for weakening grip and posing difficulties with activities that rely on the use of the wrist and forearm muscles, such as shaking hands, or turning a doorknob.

How Can Massage Therapy Be Useful When Treating Tennis Elbow?

Though certain medications can help you relieve the symptoms of tennis elbow, there are alternative treatments that can reduce discomfort and even improve the healing process. For instance, massage therapy can greatly contribute to blood circulation. This helps the muscles receive fresh blood and oxygen, which results in a more efficient recovery. Additionally, massage can also reduce pain and discomfort as it breaks down tension in the tendons and the muscles in the forearm.

Apart from alleviating the symptoms of tennis elbow, massage can also contribute to the mobility and functionality of the forearm, elbow, and wrist. This is because stretching techniques are also used to promote relaxation and reduce inflammation, allowing daily activities to be done more easily and comfortably. For these reasons, massage therapy can be a great alternative for treating tennis elbow injuries.

Efficient Massage Therapy in the Lower Mainland

If you are suffering from a tennis elbow injury and are looking for non-invasive treatments, Legacies Health Centre is here for you. Counting on an experienced team of professionals, we provide efficient massage therapy for tennis elbow in Burnaby, North Vancouver, Surrey Nordel and Surrey Southpoint. Our registered massage therapists will be happy to help you get back to your daily activities without pain or suffering. Contact us to book and appointment today!

Ryan Abreu | RMT


Ryan Abreu has been practicing as a Registered Massage Therapist since 2013. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario and completed his Massage Therapy program at Sutherland Chan School & Teaching Clinic in 2012. He practiced in Ontario for 2 years before moving his practice to B.C.

He has many years of sports therapy experience including treating the BC Lions Football team since 2017. He has also instructed the sports outreach program for WCCMT students at UBC and Douglas College.

Book online with Ryan Abreu in South Surrey!