Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) Physical Therapy in Ahwatukee & Phoenix, AZ
Expert One-on-One Physical Therapy to Relieve Elbow Pain and Restore Function
Pain on the outside of your elbow can make lifting, gripping, typing, exercising, or playing sports difficult. Whether your symptoms developed from tennis, pickleball, golf, weightlifting, manual labor, or repetitive work, Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance can help you recover.
Every visit is completed one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, ensuring your rehabilitation program is personalized to your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle.
Ready to get started? Schedule your evaluation today.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, is an overuse injury involving the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow. Repetitive gripping, lifting, and wrist movements can overload these tendons, leading to pain and reduced function.
Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players. It commonly affects people who play racquet sports, lift weights, perform repetitive manual labor, use computers for long periods, or regularly grip tools.
Common Symptoms
You may have tennis elbow if you experience:
✔ Pain on the outside of the elbow
✔ Pain when gripping or shaking hands
✔ Weakness with lifting or carrying objects
✔ Pain when opening jars or turning doorknobs
✔ Reduced grip strength
✔ Pain with tennis, pickleball, golf, or weightlifting
✔ Aching that extends into the forearm
✔ Increased pain after repetitive work or activity
Common Causes
Tennis elbow may develop from:
Repetitive gripping or lifting
Racquet sports such as tennis or pickleball
Golf
Weight training
Construction or manual labor
Frequent computer or mouse use
Sudden increases in activity
Weakness of the forearm, shoulder, or upper back muscles
Our comprehensive evaluation identifies the factors contributing to your elbow pain so treatment addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
At Movewell, your rehabilitation program is tailored specifically to your condition and goals. Treatment may include:
Hands-on Manual Therapy to improve mobility and reduce pain in the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and upper back.
Progressive Tendon Strengthening to rebuild the tendon's ability to tolerate gripping, lifting, and repetitive activity.
Grip & Forearm Strengthening to restore strength and endurance for work, sports, and daily activities.
Shoulder & Scapular Strengthening to improve upper extremity mechanics and reduce stress on the elbow.
Activity & Technique Modification to identify movement patterns contributing to your symptoms.
Return-to-Sport or Work Progression to safely prepare you for lifting, racquet sports, golf, manual labor, or other demanding activities.
Our goal is not just to relieve pain but to restore the strength and tendon capacity needed for long-term recovery.
Why Choose Movewell?
At Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance, you'll receive:
100% one-on-one treatment with a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Expert orthopedic and sports rehabilitation
Evidence-based tendon rehabilitation
Hands-on manual therapy
Personalized strengthening programs
Clear education throughout your recovery
A fun, welcoming environment focused on helping you move your best
Our mission is simple:
Help you move well, reduce pain, and return to the activities you love.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does tennis elbow only affect tennis players?
No. Tennis elbow commonly affects anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, typing, or manual work. It is also common among golfers, pickleball players, weightlifters, mechanics, construction workers, and office employees.
Should I completely rest my elbow?
Not usually. While temporarily reducing aggravating activities can help calm symptoms, complete rest often delays recovery. A progressive strengthening program is typically the most effective long-term treatment.
Do I need an MRI?
Most cases of tennis elbow can be diagnosed through a physical examination. Imaging is usually only recommended if symptoms are severe, persistent, or another condition is suspected.
Can I continue exercising?
In many cases, yes. We can modify your workouts to reduce stress on the tendon while helping you continue making progress toward your fitness goals.
Ready to Get Back to Pain-Free Gripping and Lifting?
Whether you're struggling with elbow pain at work, in the gym, or on the court, Movewell Physical Therapy & Performance is here to help you recover.
Our personalized, one-on-one approach focuses on reducing pain, restoring tendon strength, and helping you safely return to work, sports, and the activities you enjoy.