Tens for Tennis Elbow - Top Pain Relief Treatments

By Tens Machines UK Content Team  .  Last Updated Wednesday, 25th September 2024

What is Tennis Elbow?


Clinically known as Epicondylitis, however, Tennis Elbow is a condition that causes quite a bit of pain around the outside of the elbow. This can often occur when the elbow has been overused or a repeated action of the muscle near the elbow joint takes place.

You may notice pain that could possibly travel down the forearm when undertaking specific actions, such as:

  • Gripping small objects, such as a pencil or pen
  • Bending your arm or lifting
  • Moving your arm in a specific way, for example turning a door handle or opening a jar – this could in fact twist your forearm that could aggravate your Tennis Elbow.


What can cause Tennis Elbow?


Tennis Elbow is usually caused by the overuse of specific muscles attached to your elbow, these muscles are usually used to straighten your wrist. If the muscles become somewhat strained, inflammation and tiny tears usually develop near the outside of your elbow.

The name Tennis Elbow is usually caused by playing tennis, however it is certainly not the only way – Tennis Elbow can occur by any repeated activity that puts stress on the elbow joint.

Many of those affected usually choose a Tens Machine for Tennis elbow to reduce inflammation and pain. Other pain that is quite similar to Tennis Elbow is golfer’s elbow, however this usually occurs on the inner side of the elbow.


How often do I use a Tens Machine for Tennis Elbow?        


There is no allotted time for how long you should use the Tens Machine for your Tennis Elbow. The machines are fantastic as you can use it for as long as you want with no side effects.

Tens can certainly help you relieve your Tennis Elbow or even your Golfer’s elbow pain. The electrodes that come with the Tens device transmit electronic pulses to the nerves, this prevents the nerve from transmitting pain signals to the brain, which in return helps reduce your pain and also the brain releases endorphins that doubles up on the pain relief.


Where do I place my pads for Tennis Elbow?


There are several places that you can position your electrodes before you turn on your Tens Machine and begin healing of your tendon. Electrodes once applied deliver a low voltage intermittent stimulation – this helps block the pain signals which results in endorphins being released to help ease your pain.

Some of these places include (when using two electrodes):

  • One tens electrode positioned on your bicep and another on the end of your forearm (closer to your elbow)
  • Another positioning of your electrodes could be one electrode placed on the side of your joint (between your elbow bicep and forearm) and another placed just at the end of your forearm (close to your elbow joint rather than your hand).


Other Tennis Elbow treatment?

Tennis elbow symptoms of course can bet better without treatment, however there are many different treatments available to speed up the recovery process, but also improve your symptoms.

Tens Machines for Tennis Elbow is just one of many treatments available, however you should immediately begin resting your arm and stop any activity that could be causing further discomfort.

Medication can be one of many ways that can help reduce pain in your elbow, such as:

  • Paracetamol
  • Ibuprofen
  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs

However, again many people choose to use non-invasive methods such as Tens Machines or perhaps cold compression (bags of frozen peas), but the latter being a short-term option.

Some worser cases of Tennis Elbow can possibly result in surgery to remove the damaged parts of the tendon.

Tennis Elbow can in fact last between 6 months to over a year, however, some customers have been known to recover fully within a year.