How Manual Therapy Can Accelerate Healing from Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow can be frustratingly persistent. Whether it’s making your workday harder or keeping you off the court, the dull ache and weakness in your outer elbow can disrupt your routine. At Peak Physiotherapy Clinic in Galway, we specialise in targeted treatment techniques—including manual therapy—to help speed up healing and restore normal function.

In this post, we explain how manual therapy works, why it's effective, and how it fits into a comprehensive recovery plan for tennis elbow.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is caused by tiny tears in the tendons that attach to the outer part of your elbow—usually from repetitive wrist and arm movements. Common in athletes, tradespeople, office workers, and DIYers, symptoms include:

• Pain on the outside of the elbow

• Weak grip strength

• Pain during lifting or gripping

• Tenderness when pressing on the outer elbow

Without treatment, symptoms can linger for months. That’s where manual therapy comes in.

What Is Manual Therapy?

Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment approach used by physiotherapists to mobilise joints, release tight soft tissues, and improve blood flow. It includes a range of specialised techniques such as:

• Soft tissue mobilisation

• Trigger point therapy

• Joint mobilisation/manipulation

• Myofascial release

These techniques can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and restore mobility in affected areas.

Benefits of Manual Therapy for Tennis Elbow

Here’s how manual therapy helps you recover faster:

✅ 1. Improves Circulation and Healing

Gentle, targeted manipulation stimulates blood flow to the affected tendon, bringing oxygen and nutrients to promote healing.

✅ 2. Releases Muscle Tension

Manual therapy helps relax tight forearm muscles, which often contribute to the strain on the elbow. Reduced tension = less pressure on the tendons.

✅ 3. Breaks Up Scar Tissue

Chronic tennis elbow can lead to adhesions or scar tissue in the tendon. Manual therapy techniques help break these down and restore healthy tissue mobility.

✅ 4. Restores Normal Joint Mechanics

Sometimes elbow pain is linked to restricted movement in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder. Manual therapy improves joint alignment and overall movement patterns.

✅ 5. Reduces Pain Without Medication

Many patients report immediate pain relief after treatment—without needing anti-inflammatories or injections.

Manual Therapy at Peak Physiotherapy Clinic

At our Galway-based clinic, manual therapy is tailored to your specific condition and comfort level. We combine it with:

• Exercise rehabilitation

• Dry needling or shockwave therapy (if needed)

• Education on activity modification and ergonomics

Together, this multifaceted approach ensures faster, long-lasting recovery.

Is Manual Therapy Right for You?

Manual therapy is safe and effective for most people with tennis elbow—especially those dealing with chronic or stubborn symptoms. During your assessment at Peak Physiotherapy, we’ll determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your pain, lifestyle, and goals.

Take the Next Step Toward Recovery

Don’t let tennis elbow hold you back. With the right combination of manual therapy and targeted exercises, healing is not just possible—it’s achievable.

Book your appointment at Peak Physiotherapy Clinic Galway today and take the first step toward pain-free movement.