If you’ve been struggling with tennis elbow for several months despite rest, exercise, and hands-on treatment, you’re not alone. Persistent tennis elbow can be both frustrating and disruptive, often making everyday activities more difficult than they should be.
Shockwave therapy is an evidence-based treatment that helps to stimulate healing and provides relief when symptoms simply aren’t going away.
In this guide, we take a closer look at the role of shockwave therapy and when it may be an effective option for stubborn elbow pain. We’ll also share how we at BodyZest Banstead approach ongoing elbow pain to help reduce symptoms, support recovery, and get you back to pain-free movement.
Tennis Elbow That Won’t go Away?
Why Does Tennis Elbow Sometimes Last So Long?
Lateral epicondylitis (most known as tennis elbow) is one of the most common causes of persistent elbow pain. Despite its name, you don’t have to play tennis to develop it. Day to day activities such as, lifting, repetitive gripping, typing, gardening and manual work can all contribute to you developing tennis elbow.
While many cases improve within in a few months, some people experience symptoms that seems to linger endlessly. If you’ve tried resting the arm, taking painkillers, or avoiding aggravating activities without success, you may be wondering why the pain simply won’t go away.
The answer lies in understanding what’s happening inside the joint.
What’s Actually Causing the Pain?
Although tennis elbow was once thought to be purely inflammatory, research now shows that long lasting cases often linked to tendon degeneration rather than ongoing inflammation.
Repeated strain can create areas of damage within the tendon Over time, the body’s natural healing response may struggle to keep up, leaving the tissue wakened and sensitive.
Therefore, simply resting the arm doesn’t always solve the problem. While rest may reduce irritation temporarily, it may not encourage the tendon to remodel or fully recover.
Signs Your Tennis Elbow May be Persisting
You may have persistent tennis elbow pain if you experience:
- Pain on the outside of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping or lifting objects
- Weakness in the forearm or hand
- Symptoms lasting longer than three months
- Recurring flare-ups despite rest or previous treatment
If these symptoms are affecting your work, sport or everyday life, a more targeted approach may be beneficial.
Top 3 Useful Tips You Can Do at Home!
1. Modify Activities When Needed
Reduce or adapt activities that aggravate your symptoms. Your therapist can review your exercises with you and suggest ways to safely continue them at home while protecting your elbow.
2️. Keep Up with Gentle Stretching
Try gentle stretches for your forearm muscles by extending your arm and using your other hand to slowly bend your wrist up and down. Regular stretching can help maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
3️. Stay Active and Avoid Complete Rest
While it is important not to overdo things, prolonged rest can sometimes slow recovery. Gradually and comfortably increasing activity is often more beneficial than complete inactivity.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
There has been an increase in popular use for treating stubborn tendon conditions, including things like:
- Tennis/Golfer’s elbow
- Plantar fasciitis
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Shoulder tendon pain
Unlike injections or surgery, shockwave therapy does NOT involve needles or long recovery periods.
How Can Shockwave Therapy Help Tennis Elbow?
- Stimulates Tissue Healing
Shockwave therapy created controlled mechanical stimulation within the affected area. This may encourage increased blood flow and promote tendon repair and remodelling
- Helps Reduce Pain
Many Patients experience gradual improvements in pain levels as the tendon becomes healthier and less sensitive
- Supports Long Term Health
Shockwave therapy is often combined with rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, this is due to the overall aim being to encourage tissue healing rather than simply masking symptoms
Why Exercises Alone Sometimes Aren’t Enough
Strengthening exercises are a cornerstone of tennis elbow rehabilitation, but some chronic cases can be slow to respond.
When symptoms have persisted for several months, the tendon may need additional stimulation to kickstart recovery. This is where shockwave therapy may complement a personalised rehabilitation programme.
Here at BodyZest, treatment is tailored to the individual rather than relying on a one size fits all approach.
How BodyZest Approaches Tennis Elbow
At BodyZest, we understand that persistent pain can be frustrating and impact your quality of life.
Our multidisciplinary team takes time to understand:
- How your symptoms started
- Activates that aggravate your pain
- Your work, hobbies, and lifestyle
- Previous treatments you’ve tried
- Your goals for recovery
Treatment may include:
Comprehensive Assessment
Identifying whether the pain is truly tennis elbow or another condition affecting the elbow, neck, or shoulders
Shockwave Therapy
Used where clinically appropriate to support tendon healing.
Personalised Rehabilitation
Targeted exercises designed to improve strength, flexibility, and load tolerances
Advice and Activity Modification
Helping you stay active while avoiding unnecessary aggravation.
This combination aims to address both the symptoms and the underlying factors contributing to the problem.
FAQ: The Uses of Shockwave For my Elbow Pain
Is Shockwave Therapy Painful?
Most people describe the treatment as a mild tooth ache rather than painful. The intensity can be adjusted according to your tolerance
How Many Sessions Are Usually Needed?
The number of sessions needed will vary depending on each individual and the severity of their symptoms. However, at BodyZest, we recommend a minimum of six sessions to give your body the best chance of responding positively to shockwave therapy.
Is Shockwave Therapy Safe?
Shockwave Therapy is generally considered safe when delivered by a trained healthcare professional. Your suitability will be assessed during your visit to us.
Can I Continue Exercising?
In many cases, yes. Appropriate movement and strengthening exercises are often an important part of your recovery. Our clinicians here at BodyZest can advise you on which activities are suitable
When should I Seek Professional Advice?
If your elbow pain has lasted more than a few months, keeps returning or affecting your daily activities, it may be worth seeking an assessment to understand the underlying cause.
Don’t Let Persistent Elbow Pain Hold You Back
Living with ongoing tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when previous treatments haven’t provided lasting relief.
Shockwave therapy may offer another option for people with stubborn symptoms, particularly when combined with expert assessment and a tailored rehabilitation programme.
At BodyZest, we’re committed to helping patients understand their condition and supporting them with evidence-based treatment approaches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with persistent tennis elbow, our team is happy to answer your questions and discuss whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for you. Get in touch to book an assessment or speak with one of our clinicians.
If you’re ready to move forward, we’re here to support you.
Contact Body Zest today to arrange your Free Discovery Visit
We’ll work with you to help improve comfort, support better sleep, and take back control of your symptoms.