Content Reviewed By: Dr. Steve Knighton, B.Sc., D.C. on November 1, 2026
Chiropractic License Number: 5580
Tennis Elbow Treatment Oakville
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. It develops when repetitive gripping or wrist extension causes microscopic damage to the forearm extensor tendons, leading to pain, weakness, and difficulty lifting or gripping objects.
Call 905-827-4197 or text 289-228-8858 to book your elbow assessment.
You’ve Been Diagnosed with Lateral Epicondylitis or Tennis Elbow, But Haven’t Picked Up a Racket in Years? Dr. Steve Knighton and his chiropractic and physiotherapy team have been helping people with elbow pain for almost 2 decades.
Don’t worry, you’re not alone! In fact, 90% of our Tennis Elbow patients have never even swung a racket. Despite the name, Tennis Elbow can be caused by everyday activities, like texting, working on computers, lifting heavy bags, or even gardening. At our Oakville chiropractic clinic, we’re seeing an increasing number of patients suffering from Tennis Elbow every year.
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury affecting the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow.
If you’re dealing with pain in your elbow, don’t wait – call us today! Our expert chiropractors are here to help you get back to doing the things you love, pain-free.
What Is Tennis Elbow – Video
Treatment for Tennis Elbow Oakville
Interferential Current Therapy For Tennis Elbow
Interferential Current Therapy (IFC) is an electrical stimulation treatment commonly used to reduce pain and improve circulation in injured muscles and tendons.
Dr. Steve usually starts tennis elbow treatment with suction IFC and moist heat. The suction cups deliver gentle electrical stimulation around the sore spot on the outside of your elbow to help ease the pain. The heat increases blood flow to the area and helps loosen up your forearm before shockwave.
Shockwave Therapy for Tennis Elbow
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that has become increasingly popular for managing chronic tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis. The condition typically develops when repetitive strain creates microscopic damage within the extensor tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. Shockwave therapy works by delivering controlled acoustic pressure waves into the injured tissue. These mechanical pulses are believed to stimulate circulation, promote tissue regeneration, and help break the cycle of chronic tendon irritation.
Research in sports medicine and orthopedic journals has shown that extracorporeal shockwave therapy can improve pain and functional outcomes in patients with chronic tennis elbow that has not responded to rest or conservative care. Several clinical trials have reported improvements in grip strength, pain levels, and daily function following a series of shockwave treatments targeting the affected tendon.
At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, shockwave therapy is often used as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for patients experiencing tennis elbow symptoms. Individuals from Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga frequently seek care when elbow pain begins to interfere with work tasks, sports, or gripping activities. A proper clinical assessment helps determine whether shockwave therapy may be appropriate for managing lateral elbow tendon irritation.
Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy & Tennis Elbow
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Therapy (IASTT) is commonly used by our chiropractic and physiotherapy team to treat tennis elbow and other soft tissue injuries affecting the forearm. This technique uses specialized stainless steel instruments to gently apply pressure along the injured tendon and surrounding muscles. The controlled mechanical stimulation helps detect and treat areas of soft tissue restriction, scar tissue, and adhesions that can develop with chronic tendon irritation.
In cases of lateral epicondylitis, IASTT targets the forearm extensor muscles and tendon attachments near the outside of the elbow. Research in sports medicine and rehabilitation has shown that instrument-assisted soft tissue techniques may help improve blood flow, stimulate tissue remodeling, and restore normal movement within injured tendons. By improving tissue mobility and reducing tension in the forearm muscles, this therapy can help decrease pain and support the healing process.
Patients experiencing tennis elbow symptoms in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga often benefit from this approach as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
Acupuncture Treatment For Tennis Elbow
Acupuncture is one of the best ways to treat tennis elbow and lateral epicondylitis. In most cases, Dr. Jenn only needs to use 3-4 needles to make a positive impact on the pain associated with this condition. Acupuncture involves the insertion of very thin needles through the skin to impact the muscles and nerves in the area. The insertion of these needles helps increase blood flow to the area and helps clean up the chemical environment around nerves that can cause irritation and pain.
Acupuncture at our Oakville clinic is not painful. In cases of acute pain, inserting the needles may feel achy, but once they have been fully inserted they should not cause any additional pain. In addition to traditional acupuncture, electrical stimulation can be applied to make the treatment even more effective. Acupuncture treatments last 12-15 minutes and can be included as part of a regular chiropractic visits.
Read More About Acupuncture For Tennis Elbow Here
Soft Tissue Release & Trigger Point Therapy
Tennis elbow often develops when the muscles on the back of the forearm become tight, overworked, and irritated from repetitive gripping or lifting activities. These muscles attach near the outside of the elbow and can develop painful trigger points and soft tissue restrictions that contribute to ongoing tendon irritation. At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre in Oakville, our chiropractors commonly use Active Release Therapy (ART) and trigger point treatment to address these soft tissue problems.
Active Release Therapy is a hands-on technique that involves applying precise tension to the affected muscle or tendon while the patient moves the arm through specific motions. This process helps break down adhesions, reduce muscle tightness, and restore normal tissue movement. Trigger point therapy focuses on releasing painful knots within the forearm muscles that can refer pain toward the elbow and weaken grip strength. By improving soft tissue mobility and reducing muscle tension, these treatments help support tendon healing and reduce stress on the lateral elbow.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
• weightlifting
• repetitive computer mouse use
• construction or manual labour
• racquet sports
• gripping tools
• repetitive lifting
Our Oakville physiotherapy treatments combine hands-on care and progressive strengthening to help reduce tennis elbow pain and restore arm function.
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is most commonly caused by repetitive strain to the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow. The condition typically develops when the forearm muscles that extend the wrist and fingers are repeatedly overworked. Over time, these repetitive movements create small microscopic tears in the tendon, particularly in the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon near the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. As the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, patients often begin to experience pain on the outer part of the elbow, weakness with gripping, and discomfort when lifting objects or twisting the forearm.
Although the condition is commonly associated with racquet sports, many cases of tennis elbow occur in people who perform repetitive gripping or wrist movements during everyday activities. Manual labour, computer work, weight training, home improvement tasks, and repetitive lifting can all contribute to tendon overload around the elbow. Research published in sports medicine and orthopedic journals has shown that repetitive mechanical stress and tendon degeneration are key factors in the development of lateral epicondylitis.
Patients experiencing tennis elbow symptoms in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga often seek treatment when pain begins to interfere with work, exercise, or daily activities. A proper clinical assessment helps determine the underlying cause and the most appropriate treatment approach.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Symptoms commonly include:
• pain on the outside of the elbow
• weak grip strength
• pain when lifting or twisting
• pain spreading into the forearm
These are the classic symptoms of lateral epicondylitis.
Tennis elbow may stay localized around the outer elbow or radiate down the forearm and hand. In advanced cases, it can spread above the elbow into the upper arm. The pain is often dull and throbbing at rest but sharp with movement.
Everyday activities like desk work, lifting kids, or twisting a jar can aggravate symptoms. Pain is often worse in the morning, as certain sleeping positions may hinder healing, making movement difficult upon waking.
Since we rely on our hands for most tasks, tennis elbow can be a real burden. Activities like using a mouse, lifting, turning a doorknob, or even shaking hands can be painful. Any task requiring grip or finger dexterity may worsen symptoms.
If your tennis elbow symptoms are related to a workplace injury, learn how to start a WSIB claim and access approved treatment in Oakville.
How we diagnose tennis elbow in Oakville
Diagnosing tennis elbow begins with a detailed clinical examination of the elbow, forearm, and surrounding structures. At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, we evaluate the location of pain along the lateral epicondyle, assess grip strength, and perform specific orthopedic tests that stress the wrist extensor tendons, with tenderness just anterior to the lateral epicondyle
One of the most common findings is pain reproduced with resisted wrist extension or gripping movements. We also examine the shoulder, neck, and upper limb to rule out nerve irritation or referred pain that can mimic elbow conditions. In some cases, other elbow conditions such as golfer’s elbow, bursitis, or tendon injuries must also be considered.
A thorough assessment helps confirm lateral epicondylitis and guides the most appropriate treatment approach.
Patients experiencing tennis elbow symptoms in Oakville, Burlington, Milton, and Mississauga often seek assessment when elbow pain begins to interfere with gripping, lifting, work tasks, or sports activities.
Best Treatment For Tennis Elbow Oakville
It’s not surprising that our clinic’s chiropractic team treat a lot of cases of tennis elbow considering how much time people spend on their computers these days. There are a number of different treatment modalities that can be used to treat tennis elbow at our Oakville Clinic.
What Our Patients Are saying
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I’ve been going to Steve and his team for chiropractic care for several years, and they have helped me tremendously. Despite living in downtown Toronto, I make the trip out to Oakville because the quality of care is truly worth it. Steve takes a holistic approach, looking at the... read more
Aman Bahl
November 7, 2024Dr. Steve was amazing! He listened to my issues & addressed them according. He was friendly and empathetic.
Sabrina Hasan
August 7, 2024Great experience with carpal tunnel treatment with Dr. Steve! I was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel 4 years ago by my neurologist, and recommended to wear wrist splints nightly. As the pain worsened I was given the options for steroid injections or surgery on my wrists. Opting out of both,... read more
Gursharn Bering
March 21, 2026 -
Steve and his team are absolutely amazing. Very efficient. Absolutely knowledgeable and corrected my issue Very quickly. Steve and team are so friendly and such positive high energy in the office. Love seeing everyone 💕
Linda Paul
December 7, 2024Great clinic. Pain free after few visits.
Mario M
February 6, 2025Starting seeing Dr Knighton for my frozen shoulder. Using Shockwave therapy along with cupping I am now able to reach over my head and I am pain free for the first time in 3 years. Thank you Dr Steve and all your great staff. I highly recommend!
Susan N (Momsy)
August 7, 2024 -
I’m so glad to have found this gem of a clinic! I first contacted the clinic regarding a locked jaw and severe pain. Audrey answered all of my questions with patience and empathy, and truly understood the urgency of my situation. She was able to schedule me for a treatment... read more
S.M.
June 2, 2026Amazing people and treatment here! My back was killing me and within 3 weeks they got me fixed to 100%!
Blaze Slavkovski
July 7, 2024This is the second time I go to this clinic with two different painful afflictions and both times they have been able to give me back my wellbeing. Thank you Dr. Steve and staff.
Laura
May 27, 2026
Exercises for Tennis Elbow
Eccentric strengthening exercises for the wrist extensor muscles are widely recommended in sports medicine rehabilitation for lateral epicondylitis.
Targeted rehabilitation exercises play an important role in the recovery of tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis. The condition often develops when the wrist extensor tendons become overloaded and irritated from repetitive gripping, lifting, or twisting motions. Strengthening and stretching exercises help restore tendon capacity, improve forearm muscle balance, and reduce strain on the lateral elbow during daily activities.
Research published in journals has shown that progressive loading exercises, particularly eccentric strengthening of the wrist extensor muscles, can significantly improve pain and functional outcomes in patients with tennis elbow. These exercises help stimulate tendon remodeling and improve the tendon’s ability to tolerate stress over time.
Common rehabilitation exercises include eccentric wrist extensions, forearm stretching, and grip strengthening exercises designed to gradually restore strength and endurance in the forearm muscles. When performed consistently and progressed appropriately, these exercises can help reduce pain, improve grip strength, and support long-term recovery.
At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, patients in Oakville often receive individualized exercise programs designed to safely strengthen the forearm and support healing of the affected tendon.
DOWNLOAD TENNIS ELBOW STRETCHES
Our chiropractors have put together a simple plan of stretches and exercises to help speed up the recovery process. These exercises can be completed on a daily basis, and will target the affected muscles. Building up strength in the wrist extensors is a critical part of recovery, both to reduce pain and prevent the condition from returning.
Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are both common causes of elbow pain, but they affect different tendons and areas of the joint. Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis, causes pain on the outside of the elbow where the forearm extensor tendons attach.
It is commonly triggered by repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist extension activities. Golfer’s elbow, known as medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow that control wrist flexion and gripping motions.
While both conditions involve tendon irritation from overuse, the location of pain and the muscles involved are different, which is why a proper diagnosis is important for effective treatment.
If the pain you’re experiencing is not located on the outside of your elbow, but rather on the inside, it’s likely that you have Golfer’s Elbow.
Book Tennis Elbow Treatment in Oakville
Does the outside of your elbow hurt when you pour a coffee, pick up a dumbbell or grip a tool at work? Come see Dr. Steve and the team at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre. We’ll check your elbow and grip, figure out what’s irritating it and show you what to change at work, in the gym or on the court.
We offer chiropractic and physiotherapy in private treatment rooms at 1131 Nottinghill Gate in Oakville. Direct billing is available for eligible plans. Ask us about a same-day opening or a Saturday chiropractic appointment between 7:00 and 11:30 a.m.
If your elbow pain started after a car accident (MVA) or a workplace injury (WSIB), let us know when you book so we can help with the paperwork.
Call 905-827-4197 or text 289-228-8858 to book your elbow assessment.
Bracing and Icing for Tennis Elbow
Ice is a crucial part of rehabilitating lateral epicondylitis. This condition involves inflammation of the common extensor tendon of the elbow, and ice helps reduce this inflammation by constricting blood vessels and promoting the removal of excess fluid. Apply ice to the area of your elbow or forearm, focusing on the thumb side. Use the 20-20-20 rule: 20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, 20 minutes on. Repeat this cycle 1-3 times a day. Always wrap the ice in a thin towel to protect your skin from frostbite.
Our team recommends that all patients with tennis elbow invest in both a Tennis Elbow Brace and a Wrist Guard. Wear the Tennis Elbow Brace during any arm or hand activities throughout the day, including during your work shift if you have a desk job. Be sure to remove the brace at night.
For optimal recovery, wear the Wrist Guard while you sleep. This brace helps prevent wrist flexion during sleep, allowing the irritated tendons to heal without further strain. It does not need to be worn during the day.
FAQs About Tennis Elbow Treatment in Oakville
Where can I get tennis elbow treatment in Oakville?
Our chiropractors and physiotherapist treat tennis elbow at Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, 1131 Nottinghill Gate in Glen Abbey. We offer private treatment rooms and Saturday morning chiropractic appointments from 7:00 to 11:30 a.m. To ask about a same-day opening, request an appointment, call 905-827-4197 or text 289-228-8858.
Should I book physiotherapy or chiropractic care for tennis elbow?
You can book either for your first assessment. If you want help getting back to lifting, work or racquet sports, Vinaya can assess your grip and build a physiotherapy program around that goal. Doctor Steve and Dr. Jenn also assess the elbow, wrist and forearm and can combine hands-on treatment with exercises. You don’t need to decide about shockwave or acupuncture before you come in. We’ll explain whether either makes sense once we’ve examined your elbow.
Why does the outside of my elbow hurt when I grip or lift something?
When you grip a handle, your forearm muscles work to hold your wrist steady. Those muscles attach near the bony bump on the outside of your elbow. When that area is sore, pouring from a full coffee pot or lifting a frying pan can hurt even though you can bend and straighten your elbow comfortably. That pattern is common with tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis.
What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, and can I have both?
Tennis elbow usually hurts on the outside of the elbow. Golfer’s elbow usually hurts on the inside, near the bony bump closest to your ribs. You can have both at the same time. If both sides hurt, we test which wrist and gripping movements reproduce each pain before deciding how to treat it.
Do I need an X-ray or ultrasound to diagnose tennis elbow?
Usually, we can assess tennis elbow without a scan. We ask how the pain started, feel along the outside of the elbow, and test your grip and your ability to lift your wrist against resistance. If the pain started with a fall, you’ve lost movement, or the elbow isn’t improving as expected, we’ll discuss whether you need imaging or a medical assessment and arrange a referral when appropriate.
What does tennis elbow rehab involve in physiotherapy?
We start with a task you want to get back to, such as carrying a toolbox or hitting a backhand. Our Oakville physiotherapist, Vinaya Chitgopkar, checks your grip and forearm strength, then shows you an exercise you can manage comfortably. As your strength improves, she helps you increase the weight or the time you spend on that task. How your elbow feels the next morning helps guide the next step.
What can a chiropractor do for tennis elbow?
Doctor Steve and Dr. Jenn examine your elbow, wrist and forearm and check what happens when you grip. At our Oakville chiropractic clinic, your visit can include hands-on treatment to the forearm, advice on changing a painful lift, and an exercise to practice at home. If picking up your work bag is what hurts, we use that same movement to check whether treatment is helping.
What are the best exercises for tennis elbow?
One exercise we often start with is a wrist-extension hold. Rest your forearm palm-down on a table and gently press the back of your hand up against your other hand, keeping the wrist still. As that gets easier, you can progress to slowly lowering your wrist against light resistance. That lowering movement is called an eccentric exercise. You’ll find it on page two of our tennis elbow exercise PDF.
Does shockwave therapy help tennis elbow?
We sometimes use radial shockwave therapy when pain on the outside of the elbow persists despite changes to activity and exercises. Depending on the assessment, we can use it alongside suction IFC during the same visit. Research results for tennis elbow are mixed, so we track what matters to you. If gripping tools or lifting groceries isn’t getting easier, we reassess the plan. There’s no separate shockwave fee when it’s included in a regular chiropractic or physiotherapy visit.
Can acupuncture help with tennis elbow pain?
Some people get short-term pain relief from acupuncture. Dr. Jenn Garven offers acupuncture for tennis elbow in Oakville and can use it alongside your strengthening exercises. Because Dr. Jenn is a chiropractor, her visits are billed under chiropractic benefits. Direct billing depends on your plan.
Where should I wear a tennis elbow strap?
Place the strap around the fleshy part of your upper forearm, about two finger-widths below the elbow crease, with the pad over the muscles on the outside. Try it during a task that usually hurts, such as lifting a mug. The strap should feel snug and comfortable. Loosen or remove it if your hand tingles or feels numb.
What’s the best treatment for tennis elbow that keeps coming back?
If your elbow settles over the weekend but flares as soon as you pick up your tools, we start by finding out which task brings the pain back and how long you can do it comfortably. That gives us a starting point for adjusting your workday and building the forearm strength you need for a full shift. If the same task keeps hurting despite those changes, we recheck the diagnosis and adjust your treatment.
How much does tennis elbow treatment cost in Oakville, and do you direct bill?
At Nottinghill Family Wellness Centre, an initial chiropractic or physiotherapy assessment is $130. Follow-up visits are $75 for chiropractic and $80 for physiotherapy. Suction IFC and shockwave are included when they’re part of your treatment. We offer direct insurance billing when your plan allows it. If you’re unsure which benefit applies, our front desk can explain how your appointment will be billed before you book.
When is elbow pain a red flag?
Most cases of tennis elbow improve with conservative care, but certain symptoms should be evaluated promptly. Sudden severe pain after a fall or injury, visible deformity of the elbow, significant swelling, redness, warmth, fever, or loss of movement may indicate a fracture, joint injury, or infection and require urgent medical assessment. Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arm or hand may also suggest nerve involvement and should be examined by a healthcare professional.
For many people with early tennis elbow symptoms, simple self-care strategies can help reduce irritation of the tendon. Temporarily reducing repetitive gripping or lifting activities, pacing tasks, and allowing the tendon time to recover are important first steps.
Short periods of icing after aggravating activities and the temporary use of a forearm brace may help reduce discomfort. Gradually reintroducing strengthening exercises and improving forearm and shoulder mechanics can support tendon recovery over time.
While many patients improve with conservative treatment, recovery timelines can vary depending on tendon irritation and activity levels.
Content Reviewed By: Dr. Steve Knighton, B.Sc., D.C. on November 1, 2026
Chiropractic License Number: 5580