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Mojo Chat is the virtual physical therapy platform brought to you by Mojo Health
Tennis Elbow is not just for tennis players anymore! Now pickleball and padel players are getting more than their fair share of this piercing pain in the elbow. Millions of people around the world agree there is something primal and addictive about hitting a ball with a stick, and this activity is at the heart of the pain experienced by so many racket sports fans. Mojo Chat to the rescue!
Tennis elbow, known medically as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. Despite the name, it does not only affect tennis players. Anyone who performs repetitive wrist extension or gripping activities can develop this condition. This includes pickleball and padel players, office workers, painters, plumbers, weightlifters, and musicians.
What Exactly Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm extensor muscles to the lateral epicondyle (the bony bump on the outside of the elbow) become irritated or inflamed due to overuse. These muscles are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers, stabilizing the grip, and powering backhand strokes—motions frequently repeated in sports and daily tasks.
How does Tennis Elbow Even Happen?
Tennis elbow is typically caused by repetitive stress placed on the wrist extensors. Common triggers include:
What puts you at risk of Tennis Elbow?
How do the symptoms of Tennis Elbow develop over time?
Tennis elbow symptoms usually develop gradually but can also appear suddenly after intense activity. It usually starts with pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow. If we ignore the pain and continue doing the offending activity without rest or treatment, next we start to see stiffness and reduced flexibility of the elbow. If the pain did not convince us to take it seriously, hopefully this stage will!
But if we continue ignoring the pain and stiffness (which many of us do because we simply adore hitting that perfect backhand or finishing that project!), next we will encounter weakened grip strength, pain that radiates down the forearm, and finally that stabbing and burning pain that simply cannot be ignored because it is downright debilitating. Symptoms can range from mild soreness to irritating pain that limits everyday activities like shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or holding a coffee cup. If you find yourself progressing along this path, or maybe even at the conclusion of it, read on!
Tennis elbow is a manageable and often preventable condition. With proper rest, rehabilitation, and attention to technique, most people recover fully and return to their normal activities. Early recognition and treatment play a major role in speeding up healing.
Quick Relief for Tennis Elbow Is Within Reach
You can use Mojo Chat today to get a fast and accurate assessment of your lateral elbow pain. Our licensed Physical Therapists will determine whether your discomfort is simply Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) or if it involves other underlying issues. The good news is that either way, our self-treatment plans can provide quick relief. By following the recommended exercises and instructions, you can restore elbow strength and mobility, reduce pain, and get back to your usual activities without lingering discomfort.
You’re in Good Hands
At Mojo Health, we have seen how much Tennis elbow can impact your daily life, and we’re here to help you recover quickly and confidently. With our online physical therapy platform, Mojo Chat, you can start recovery from home anytime—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mojo Chat begins with simple questions about your elbow, forearm, grip strength, and daily activities—the same questions our physical therapists ask during an in-person visit. Then, you can record a short video to demonstrate exactly where your elbow hurts, describe how the pain started, and share any questions or concerns you have.
Our licensed Physical Therapists review everything and provide a clear diagnosis, along with a tailored 14-day treatment plan you can start right away. Mojo Chat guides you step-by-step every day, lets you ask questions of your therapist by text or video, and adjusts your plan as your elbow heals. Our therapists and care team track your progress to make sure you’re improving exactly as expected. And here’s the best part… 86% of users who follow the full 14-day treatment plan report significant to full recovery. For those who need extra support, Mojo Chat seamlessly connects them to top in-person physical therapy clinics nearby.
Don’t Put Up with Tennis Elbow
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