Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow

22 Sept

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is caused by small tears and degeneration in the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. While it often affects athletes, it’s just as common in office workers, tradespeople, and anyone who performs repetitive wrist or forearm movements.

Typical Symptoms Include:

Pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow
Discomfort when gripping, lifting, or shaking hands
Weakness in grip strength
Stiffness or aching after activity

Why Does Tennis Elbow Happen?

Overuse and repetitive strain are the main triggers. Contributing factors include:

Poor ergonomics at work (e.g., typing or mouse use)
Repetitive wrist movements (sports, DIY, or manual labour)
Weak forearm or shoulder muscles causing strain on the tendons

How Shockwave Therapy Can Help

How Shockwave Therapy Works
Shockwave Therapy delivers controlled sound waves into the affected tendon and surrounding tissues. These waves create microtrauma at a cellular level, which stimulates the body’s natural healing response. The treatment improves blood supply, triggers the release of growth factors, and accelerates tissue regeneration. By targeting the exact area of tendon damage, Shockwave Therapy promotes repair where the body has previously struggled to heal on its own.

Key Benefits of Shockwave Therapy:

Interrupts chronic pain signals – The acoustic pulses desensitise local nerve endings, breaking the cycle of pain and allowing normal movement to return.
Stimulates collagen production – Collagen is the main building block of tendons. Shockwave Therapy activates cells (fibroblasts) responsible for producing new, healthy collagen, strengthening and repairing injured tissue.
Enhances blood circulation – Increased blood flow brings oxygen and essential nutrients to the injured site, speeding up the healing process and reducing inflammation.
Breaks down calcifications and scar tissue – In cases where hardened deposits or adhesions limit movement, Shockwave Therapy helps to disperse these, restoring tendon flexibility.
Long-term recovery without injections or surgery – By addressing the root cause of tendon dysfunction rather than masking pain, Shockwave Therapy provides lasting improvements with minimal risk or downtime.