How to prevent and treat tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is not isolated to those spending hours working on their serve or hitting forehands. Industrial employees and other professionals face many of the same injury risks as competitive athletes on the court. In the moment, employees may not think about the motion of twisting a screwdriver or the strain on their back from painting walls and ceilings. However, over time, these repetitive motions, especially when done improperly, can cause pain and injury. The same can happen to employees sitting at a computer, typing and using a mouse without an added cushion and proper support. Little actions and movements can add up over time.

What is tennis elbow, and why is it relevant in the workplace?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis (LE), involves inflammation and tearing of the elbow tendons. This form of tendonitis is typically caused by overuse or repetitive wrist motion. The tendons help to bend the wrist away from the palm. Tennis elbow can cause trouble with wrist rotation, and employees with the condition may notice trouble gripping objects such as coffee cups or doorknobs¹.

Even though LE is commonly known as “tennis elbow” and the pain occurs in the elbow, it does not always mean the elbow is where the issue lies. Since the body is all connected, the repeated pull of the muscles in the forearm from wrist motions puts tension and added stress on the tendon in the elbow, causing pain. In some severe cases, the pain may extend past the elbow, radiating to the wrist². When the forearm muscles are weakened, they cannot properly support the repetition.

Those with this type of tendonitis may experience pain or tenderness on the outer portion of their elbow.  Occupations that involve frequent repetitive use of the upper extremity, either for resistive or even fine manipulation work, can be a potential risk for this condition. Some examples are plumbing, painting, and carpentering, but it can also affect butchers, musicians, and anyone who uses computers extensively throughout the day¹.

When this condition remains untreated, it may lead to further dysfunction and become harder to treat. Tennis elbow and other work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the highest-reported causes of lost or limited work time. They can also be substantially reduced when you apply ergonomic principles and provide proper tools³. Such musculoskeletal disorders primarily arise from poor ergonomics, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). In multiple studies conducted over the last 15 years, MSDs have affected between 30-35.4 percent of full-time workers⁴. According to the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries, work-related epicondylitis, specifically lateral epicondylitis, affects 1-1.5 percent of the general population⁵.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Evaluation of tennis elbow by a clinician typically entails thorough medical history, occupational history, physical examination, and potential imaging, such as X-ray. Studies have shown tennis elbow can be optimally treated by reducing strenuous repetitive activity/rest, supportive treatment such as a brace and anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy (the last often being the mainstay treatment). RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) is most often a recommended treatment before physical therapy starts. When dealing with inflammation, the first step is to stop, rest, and bring down swelling. If the pain persists, a clinician may consider a more in-depth approach. Other common treatments include⁶:

• Pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil®, Motrin®) and naproxen (Aleve®) can help reduce pain and inflammation, whereas acetaminophen (Tylenol®) is strictly for pain relief.
• A forearm strap or brace will help alleviate pressure on the tendon and help with support during activity.
• A physical therapist (PT) can offer exercises designed to strengthen the muscles in the forearm and offer stretching and warm-up routines to perform before work.
• Sometimes, a steroid injection into the tendon sheath is offered in acute tendonitis if it fails to improve with conservative measures. This helps reduce inflammation and facilitate rehabilitation. Botox injections or dextrose prolotherapy are more effective treatments for chronic tennis elbow.
• Dry needling, needle fenestration, or TENEX procedure involves using needles to probe the damaged tendon. This promotes the start of a new healing process in the tendon. The TENEX procedure differs because the damaged tissue is liquified and removed to allow for more mobility.
• Extracorporeal shockwave therapy sends shockwaves to the injured tissue to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and encourage tissue regeneration.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, a concentration of platelets from the patient’s own blood, can help reduce pain and inspire tendon healing. This is the most natural injection treatment since it does not involve a chemical injection and offers long-term pain relief.
• Surgery may be required as a last resort in rare cases, if the tendon structure has been compromised, and once conservative measures have been exhausted. Small incisions are made to move damaged tissue, followed by PT to regain functionality. Stretching and exercise will still be a vital portion of the recovery process.

Preventing Injury from Tennis Elbow in the Workplace

Consultations with certified athletic trainers and physical therapists can help keep employees in tiptop shape. Education on proper warm-up and stretching exercises is crucial to injury prevention. Concentra can help educate employees with an athletic trainer-designed program to prepare their bodies for a workday. Learning proper technique and form specific to the job at hand will ensure employees stave off injury and pain⁸.

1. Strengthening exercises can help keep employees’ arms flexible and strong. Improvement in muscle strength and tendon quality increases an employee’s ability to do their job duties and, in turn, reduces the risk of tennis elbow.
2. Stretches prime the muscle fibers prior to exercise, thereby preventing injuries, compared to fibers that are not stretched before a workout/activity. Expanding range of motion can improve an employee’s form and technique in the workplace, leading to lower chances of injury on the job⁹.
3. Avoiding overuse may be difficult in certain areas of work, but awareness of proper and improper technique and form can help tremendously. Concentra can provide employers with support from a certified athletic trainer and/or physical therapist. Together, they can educate employees on the proper form and movements to develop healthy work habits and lessen the chance of injury.
4. Application of ergonomics in the work environment enables safety and efficiency as it provides individuals with the knowledge and tools to perform tasks appropriately. Using the right tools and methods is an easy way to provide your employees with ergonomic options at work.  Concentra can arrange for the right professionals to develop a plan for your company. They can also improve productivity at work and boost employee morale while lowering the number of work injuries and employee absences⁸.

How Concentra Can Help

Concentra clinicians are well-versed with the ins and outs of musculoskeletal disorders and lateral epicondylitis and can provide help through our numerous services, including:

Workplace Injury Care

Concentra offers workplace injury management services to help you catch those injuries before they happen. Partnering with Concentra provides preventative education for common work-related injuries and treatment to those dealing with pain from lateral epicondylitis. Helping employees recover comfortably and quickly with minimal interruption to your business operations is our top priority. Concentra’s injury care experts are here to advise and assist employers in developing a workplace injury plan. Our therapists work in-house, allowing them to work closely and collaborate with your employee’s treating physician. This ensures a seamless recovery plan, including Concentra’s function-based alternative to the pain scale. This is a proven method, resulting in significantly fewer visits before return to work than the national average¹⁰.

Concentra Telemed

Concentra Telemed® gives your employees access to care anytime without needing to go to a physician’s office. Telemedicine offers solutions to treat employees with minor work-related injuries, such as lateral epicondylitis, minimizing lost duty time. Using a laptop or mobile smart device, employees can connect with a Concentra clinician who will evaluate their injury and offer insight into further treatment options. Avoiding unnecessary trips to our medical centers saves time, reduces costs, and increases overall productivity, while employees can still get the care they need. 
Learn more about Concentra’s occupational health services and how Concentra can help your business. Contact a Concentra representative or visit your local Concentra medical center and get started today.

Resources

1. “Symptoms of Tennis Elbow,” Mayo Clinic, April 29, 2025
2. “Lateral Epicondylitis Descriptions,” Johns Hopkins Medicine, n.d.
3. “Ergonomics Statistics,” OSHA, n.d.
4. “MSDs Statistics,” US Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 1, 2020
5. “Work-Related Epicondylitis,” by the 2023 Industrial Insurance Chiropractic Advisory Committee, Washington State Department of Labor & Industries, October 2023
6. “Diagnosis and Treatment for Tennis Elbow,” Mayo Clinic, n.d.
7. “Concentra Injury Prevention and Wellness,” Concentra, n.d.
8. “Tennis Elbow: Strengthening and Stretching Exercises,” National Library of Medicine, July 15, 2022
9. “Concentra’s Function-Based Alternative to the Pain Scale,” Concentra, n.d.