Tennis elbow is a common overuse problem that affects thousands of Australians each year. Fortunately, massage for tennis elbow has emerged as a supportive and non-invasive approach that may help ease discomfort, improve mobility, and enhance recovery over time.
This guide explores the value of massage for tennis elbow, particularly deep tissue and sports massage, and how combining the right therapy with tailored exercises may support your journey to relief.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, occurs when the extensor tendons, which help move your wrist and fingers, become irritated. This irritation typically happens when these tendons attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump outside your elbow.
Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow may develop gradually, with symptoms that range from mild discomfort to more persistent tension. You might notice:
A dull ache or burning sensation on the outside of your elbow
Reduced grip strength
A sense of stiffness or tightness around the elbow joint
Discomfort or sharp pain during gripping activities
Sensations that radiate down the forearm, sometimes into the wrist
Symptoms may worsen with specific movements such as lifting, shaking hands, typing or turning a doorknob.
Who Is At Risk?
Tennis elbow is not exclusive to athletes who play tennis. It’s a common condition among people who perform repetitive tasks using the forearm muscles, especially in roles or hobbies involving frequent hand, wrist, and elbow use.
You may be at higher risk if you’re regularly involved in:
Trades and construction work (e.g., carpenters, electricians, plumbers)
Office or computer-based work involving prolonged typing or mouse use
Gardening and landscaping
Art or craftwork, including painting or sculpting
Playing musical instruments, especially stringed or keyboard-based ones
Racquet sports, such as tennis, squash, or badminton
Whether you’re lifting tools, working at a desk, or holding a paintbrush for prolonged periods, the constant activation of your forearm muscles can play a large role in developing this condition.
The Role Of Massage For Tennis Elbow
Massage therapy is a non-invasive option that may offer temporary relief and promote healing.
While it doesn’t guarantee immediate resolution, when performed correctly and consistently, it may support recovery by improving blood flow, softening scar tissue, and reducing tension in the forearm muscles.
How Massage Helps
Massage can offer a range of potential benefits for those experiencing tennis elbow pain when performed with care and precision.
Deep tissue massage focuses on reaching the deeper layers of muscle and fascia.
This method uses slow, deliberate strokes and sustained pressure to help release chronic tension, especially in the forearm muscles and areas affected by repetitive strain.
When applied consistently and thoughtfully, deep tissue and sports massage may support overall comfort, mobility, and recovery as part of a personalised care plan.
Why Consider Deep Tissue And Sports Massage?
If you’re exploring massage for tennis elbow, both deep tissue and sports massage offer targeted, therapeutic approaches that may help address the deeper causes of muscular tension and overuse.
Here’s why these techniques may be valuable additions to your care plan:
Target the root of muscular tension, not just surface-level symptoms
Help relieve chronic muscular stress by working through deeper layers of tightness and tension
Support the reduction of inflammation in tissues surrounding the lateral epicondyle
Break down adhesions and scar tissue, which may improve tissue mobility and comfort
Assist in realigning the extensor tendons, particularly when overuse has altered muscle patterns
Encourage better muscle balance across the forearm and upper limb, reducing pressure on the lateral elbow over time
Promote circulation and recovery, particularly after gripping activities or repetitive arm movements
To be most effective, deep tissue and sports massage for tennis elbow focus on the regions where tension and imbalance build from repetitive use, gripping activities, or compensatory movement patterns.
Key areas often include:
Forearm extensor muscles, which play a direct role in wrist and finger movement and are commonly involved in tennis elbow pain
The junctions where the forearm muscles join near the lateral epicondyle, a frequent origin of tension, discomfort, and soft tissue stress
Shoulder and neck muscles, particularly if the body has developed compensatory strategies to avoid pain or stiffness in the elbow
Wrist and hand regions, especially in cases involving posture-related strain or prolonged use of the hand in gripping or twisting activities
By addressing these interconnected areas, both deep tissue and sports massage aim to support the entire arm’s function.
What To Expect During A Massage Session
If it’s your first time receiving massage therapy for tennis elbow, knowing what to expect can help you feel more comfortable and confident throughout the process.
Here’s what happens:
A thorough discussion of symptoms
Identification of tight or overworked muscles
Use of various massage techniques
Potential discomfort during deeper work, but usually manageable
Post-treatment advice and home care tips
Treating Tennis Elbow With Movement And Massage
Tennis Elbow massage is most effective when combined with the right exercises. These help strengthen and stretch the affected muscles and tendons.
Benefits Of Massage And Exercise Combined
Integrating massage and targeted movement offers a more comprehensive approach than either technique alone.
Here’s how this combination can support your progress:
Encourages better posture and movement
Supports long-term results
Builds resilience in the extensor tendons
Aims to prevent future episodes of elbow pain
Your massage therapist might provide the best tennis elbow exercises for your case and then the best advice on how to rest.
Why Rest And Recovery Matter
Rest plays a crucial role in the recovery journey from tennis elbow, but it’s important to understand that rest doesn’t mean complete inactivity.
In fact, active rest is the most effective approach, a mindful approach that allows the body to heal without becoming stiff or deconditioned.
Supporting your recovery with the right balance of rest and gentle movement helps reduce further strain on the extensor tendons while maintaining healthy circulation and joint function.
What Rest Should Include
To give your body the best chance to heal, it’s important to embrace a holistic recovery routine. Here are a few elements to include:
Quality Sleep: Essential for tissue repair and overall well-being
Nutritional Support: A balanced diet rich in anti-inflammatory nutrients can support the healing process
Gentle Movement: Light activity to maintain mobility without putting extra pressure on the lateral elbow
Avoiding Aggravating Gripping Activities: Reducing or modifying tasks that strain the forearm muscles to give the tissues time to recover
By prioritising recovery and respecting your body’s signals, you’ll be laying the foundation for a smoother, more sustainable return to normal activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I get a massage for my tennis elbow?
It depends on your symptoms’ severity, activity level, and goals. Many people benefit from weekly sessions initially, then reduce frequency as improvement occurs.
Can tennis elbow worsen with massage?
Tennis elbow may worsen if the massage is performed incorrectly or aggressively. Always work with a qualified massage therapist who understands the condition and adjusts pressure accordingly.
How do sports and deep tissue massage differ from trigger point therapy?
While all three techniques aim to relieve muscular tension, sports and deep tissue massage focus more broadly on improving mobility, reducing inflammation, and addressing muscle imbalances across larger areas.
In contrast, trigger point therapy targets specific, sensitive points in the muscle. It’s more focused but often used as a component within broader massage techniques like deep tissue or sports massage.
Is massage safe after cortisone injections?
Massage can generally resume after a short recovery period. Your health provider can offer guidance based on your specific situation.
Understanding your condition, using the right exercises, and applying appropriate techniques give your body the best opportunity to move with ease again.
If you’re ready to explore the benefits of massage therapy in Sydney, speaking with a qualified massage therapist could be your next step. Contact us at Wayne Massage:
With the right combination of therapy, movement, and advice, you can manage tennis elbow with more confidence, awareness, and control.
Your elbow may not heal overnight, but each session, stretch, and mindful moment brings you closer to lasting improvement.
Sources
Chorney, S. (2021, April 2). The Benefits of Deep Tissue Massage and Why It’s Not for Everyone. Business Insider. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.businessinsider.com/guides/health/treatments/deep-tissue-massage
Freutel, N. (2025, February 13). 5 Exercises for Tennis Elbow Rehab. Healthline. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/tennis-elbow-rehab
Healthdirect Australia. (2024, February). Tennis Elbow. Healthdirect. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/tennis-elbow
Stuart, A. (2023, August 2). Massage Therapy Styles and Health Benefits. WebMD. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.webmd.com/balance/massage-therapy-styles-and-health-benefits
Toshniwal Paharia, P. (2022, September 7). What Causes Tennis Elbow? News Medical. Retrieved May 16, 2025, from https://www.news-medical.net/health/What-Causes-Tennis-Elbow.aspx
