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Conditions
TennisElbow(LateralEpicondylitis)
Pain on the outside of the elbow caused by overuse of forearm muscles and tendons. Despite the name, most cases are not caused by tennis - repetitive work tasks are the most common cause.
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Symptoms
CommonsymptomsofTennisElbow(LateralEpicondylitis)
An AHPRA-registered doctor assesses these symptoms online - no in-person visit required.
Pain on the outer side of the elbow
Pain that worsens with gripping, twisting, or lifting
Weak grip strength
Pain that radiates down the forearm
Tenderness to touch on the outer elbow
Stiffness in the morning
Our Scope
Howwecanhelp
InstantMed handles many common conditions entirely online. Here's what fits our service.
What we can help with
- Medical certificates for tennis elbow
- Management advice (exercise, bracing, pain relief)
- Discussion of treatment options
- Referral for physiotherapy or specialist
What needs in-person care
- Physical examination of the elbow
- Corticosteroid injections (need in-person)
- Surgical assessment
- WorkCover assessments
Depending on your situation, an AHPRA-registered doctor may be able to issue a medical certificate or arrange a repeat prescription after reviewing your request online.
Clinical Guidance
Whentoseeadoctor
These indicators suggest you should seek professional medical advice promptly.
Signs you need a doctor
- 1Pain lasting more than 2 weeks despite rest
- 2Pain affecting your ability to work
- 3Weakness making it hard to grip objects
- 4Night pain disrupting sleep
- 5You need a medical certificate or workplace modification
Seek emergency care if
- Sudden severe pain with visible deformity (possible fracture)
- Complete inability to move the arm
- Swelling, redness, and fever around the elbow (possible infection)
Call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department
Clinical Insight
Adoctor'sperspectiveonTennisElbow(LateralEpicondylitis)
InstantMed Clinical Team
AHPRA-registered medical team · Reviewed 2026-03
Tennis elbow is a tendinopathy - not an inflammation (despite the '-itis' suffix). This distinction matters because anti-inflammatory treatments like cortisone injections, while providing short-term relief, are now known to worsen long-term outcomes. The current best evidence supports progressive tendon-loading exercises as the primary treatment. The condition is caused by repetitive microtrauma to the common extensor tendon at the lateral epicondyle - from typing, mouse use, tool handling, painting, or any repetitive gripping activity. Via telehealth, I can assess the symptom pattern, recommend evidence-based management, provide a medical certificate for work modification, and refer to physiotherapy for a structured exercise program. Most patients recover fully without any procedures.
Treatment
TreatingTennisElbow(LateralEpicondylitis)
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a tendinopathy, not an inflammatory condition, and management has shifted away from anti-inflammatories toward progressive tendon-loading exercise. The eTG and current Cochrane evidence support eccentric exercise programs as the primary treatment. Short-course analgesics manage pain during the rehabilitation period. Cortisone injections are no longer recommended as first-line due to evidence of worse long-term outcomes compared to physiotherapy.
Paracetamol
Panadol, Panamax
Class:Analgesic
Typical dose:500-1000mg every 4-6 hours as needed; maximum 4g per 24 hours
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- Preferred analgesic for tendinopathy -- does not interfere with tendon healing unlike NSAIDs
- Use for pain control while engaging in therapeutic exercise
- Safe for most adults without contraindications
Diclofenac diethylamine (topical)
Voltaren Emulgel
Class:Topical NSAID
Typical dose:Apply 2-4g to the lateral elbow 3-4 times daily for up to 4 weeks
PBS:Available OTC (S3, pharmacist supply) without prescription
- Topical route minimises systemic NSAID exposure and is well tolerated
- Cochrane evidence supports short-term pain relief for lateral elbow tendinopathy
- Preferred over oral NSAIDs for this condition given the localised nature and tendinopathy mechanism
Ibuprofen (oral, short-course)
Nurofen, Advil
Class:NSAID
Typical dose:200-400mg every 6-8 hours with food; limit to 5-7 days
PBS:Available OTC without prescription
- Second-line for acute pain flares when paracetamol and topical agents are insufficient
- Some evidence that prolonged oral NSAIDs may impair tendon remodelling -- limit to short courses
- Avoid in peptic ulcer disease, renal impairment, and cardiovascular disease
Source: Therapeutic Guidelines -- Musculoskeletal and Oral, 2023; Cochrane Review: Exercise therapy for lateral elbow pain (2022). This information is educational only and does not replace clinical assessment.
Specialist referral: Refer to a physiotherapist for a structured eccentric exercise programme as first-line management. Refer to a sports medicine physician or orthopaedic surgeon if symptoms persist beyond 12 months despite supervised physiotherapy, if there is significant grip weakness, or if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection or surgical debridement is being considered.
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) in Australia
Tennis elbow affects 1-3% of the adult population, most commonly between ages 35-54
Despite the name, fewer than 5% of cases are related to tennis - workplace repetitive tasks are the primary cause
It is one of the most common reasons for occupational health referrals in office and manual workers
Cortisone injections are declining in use as evidence shows they worsen long-term outcomes compared to exercise alone
Recovery
Whattoexpect
Typical recovery timeline and return-to-work guidance for most patients.
Typical recovery
6-12 months for full resolution with conservative management. Most people notice improvement within 6-8 weeks of starting a progressive exercise program. About 80-90% of cases resolve without surgery.
Return to work
Office work: usually possible with ergonomic modifications (mouse position, keyboard height). Manual work: may need modified duties for 4-8 weeks. Complete rest is NOT recommended - graduated load management is better.
When to reassess
See a doctor if pain is worsening despite 4-6 weeks of self-management, if you develop weakness or locking in the elbow, or if night pain is significant. Persistent cases beyond 12 months may warrant specialist referral.
Self-Care
ManagingTennisElbow(LateralEpicondylitis)athome
Evidence-based tips to support your recovery alongside medical treatment.
Do eccentric exercises: slowly lower a light weight with your wrist extended over the edge of a table. 3 sets of 15, twice daily
Use a counterforce brace during aggravating activities - position it 2-3cm below the elbow crease
Modify your workstation: ensure your mouse is at elbow height, and consider an ergonomic mouse
Ice the outer elbow for 15 minutes after aggravating activities - this helps with pain but won't speed healing
Avoid complete rest - tendons heal through progressive loading, not immobilisation
Paracetamol is preferred over ibuprofen - anti-inflammatories may interfere with tendon healing in tendinopathy
FAQ
CommonquestionsaboutTennisElbow(LateralEpicondylitis)
Answers to the most common questions from patients.
Yes. Tennis elbow can significantly affect manual work, typing, and any task requiring gripping. A certificate is appropriate, and we can recommend workplace modifications for a graduated return.
Most cases resolve within 6-12 months with conservative management. The key is load management - not complete rest, but avoiding aggravating activities while maintaining gentle movement.
A counterforce brace (worn just below the elbow) can reduce pain during activities by changing the force distribution. It helps with symptom management but doesn't speed healing on its own.
Evidence now shows that cortisone injections provide short-term relief (weeks) but are associated with worse long-term outcomes compared to physiotherapy and exercise. They are no longer recommended as first-line treatment.
Ready to get help with Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)?
Australian-registered doctors review your request when available.
Full refund if the doctor declines.