Online physiotherapy for tennis elbow
If your elbow pain fits tennis elbow, a video appointment lets your physiotherapist watch how you grip, lift and move your wrist, try a guided self-check, and set up forearm exercises to do at home. It is not the right route after an arm injury with numbness, tingling or a changed shape (A&E or 999), or if pain comes with a high temperature (111).
If you’re in the Glasgow area, you can book a home visit instead of a video call.
How online physiotherapy works for tennis elbow
In our assessments, tennis elbow means pain on the outer side of the elbow that shows up when you grip, lift or twist. On video we ask what sets it off, such as typing, carrying shopping or using tools, and we watch you do a few of those movements in your own space, so we see the real triggers rather than a clinic version of them.
We use one guided self-check, the resisted wrist extension test, if it is safe for you to try. You do it yourself on camera while we watch. It cannot confirm a diagnosis, and our self-check page says only a hands-on assessment can tell you for sure.
The NHS says tennis elbow often settles with rest, though it can sometimes last more than a year. It says physiotherapy may help if symptoms have not improved after 6 weeks of home treatment, and that treatment may include stretching and strengthening for the wrist and forearm. Our plans are built around that kind of exercise, shown on camera and adjusted as your elbow responds.
We cannot touch the elbow by video, and we cannot scan it. If what you describe does not fit tennis elbow, or you have any of the warning signs below, we will say so and help you decide where to go next.
What the video assessment checks
- Where the pain sits, and whether it stays at the outer elbow or spreads down the forearm.
- Which tasks set it off, such as gripping, lifting with the palm down, typing, using a mouse or carrying bags.
- How far you can bend, straighten and rotate the elbow and wrist on both sides, and whether the sore side moves normally.
- The resisted wrist extension test, done as a guided self-check on camera if it is safe, to see whether loading the wrist tendons brings on the pain.
- How your work, sport or hobbies load the forearm, and how much rest the elbow has had.
- The red flag questions listed below, including any recent injury, tingling or numbness, which we ask at the start of every appointment.
What treatment usually involves
A first plan for tennis elbow usually combines advice on adjusting the tasks that flare it up, gentle stretches for the wrist and forearm, and strengthening that you build up gradually as the elbow copes. We show each exercise on camera and change the load at follow-ups depending on what your elbow does afterwards.
It depends on your condition; your physiotherapist will give you an estimate after your assessment. The first is a 60-minute video assessment at £40, and follow-ups are 30 minutes at £30. Given that the NHS says tennis elbow can sometimes last over a year, we review the plan with you rather than booking a block up front.
We will talk about grip, tool and keyboard set-up, how to share load between both arms, and how to return to sport or heavier work in steps. Nothing in the plan depends on us touching your arm.
Our tennis elbow exercise library shows the kind of exercises you may be given. For what a video appointment can and cannot cover, see our guide to what online physiotherapy cannot do.
How long recovery usually takes
According to the NHS, tennis elbow often settles with rest but can sometimes last more than a year, and physiotherapy may help if symptoms have not improved after 6 weeks of home treatment. It also says to see a GP if you still have elbow pain after at least 2 weeks of resting the elbow and trying self-care. NICE Clinical Knowledge Summaries, written for GPs, say tennis elbow usually gets better on its own, in about 80 to 90 percent of people within 12 to 24 months, and suggest a physiotherapy referral if symptoms persist. We review progress at each follow-up and suggest a GP review if you are not improving.
When you need to be seen in person instead
A video appointment is not the right route for the situations below, and a home visit is not a substitute for urgent care.
- Go to A&E or call 999 if, after an arm injury, your arm or wrist is numb, tingling or has pins and needles. Do not drive yourself to A&E; ask someone to take you or call 999.
- Go to A&E or call 999 if, after an arm injury, your arm or wrist has changed shape or is at an odd angle, a bone is sticking out, or you have a bad cut bleeding heavily. Do not drive yourself to A&E; ask someone to take you or call 999.
- Get help from NHS 111 if, after an injury, the arm is very painful, you cannot use it because of the pain, or the pain is getting worse.
- Get help from NHS 111 if your elbow pain comes with a high temperature or other signs of infection.
- If numbness or weakness comes on suddenly, especially with a drooping face or trouble speaking, call 999.
- If you have numbness or tingling in your fingers or hand that came on gradually, get medical advice from your GP. If it started after an injury, go to A&E instead.
- See a GP if you still have elbow pain after resting it and trying self-care for at least 2 weeks.
Exercises and self-checks
Common questions
Can tennis elbow be treated online?
In our plans, treatment is mainly advice plus stretching and strengthening exercises you do yourself, which the NHS lists among treatments for tennis elbow. A video appointment lets us watch your grip and movement and guide you. We cannot examine the elbow by hand, and we will tell you if you need to be seen in person.
How long does tennis elbow last?
The NHS says it often settles with rest but can sometimes last more than a year. We cannot give you an exact timeline, so we review how it is going at each appointment and suggest a GP review if you are not improving.
When should I start physiotherapy for tennis elbow?
The NHS says physiotherapy may help if your symptoms have not improved after 6 weeks of home treatment, and to see a GP if you still have pain after at least 2 weeks of self-care. You can book with us before then if you would like help with exercises, but check with your GP if you are unsure.
What if I hurt my arm and it is swollen or looks different?
Do not book a video appointment first. After an arm injury, the NHS says to go to A&E or call 999 if the arm or wrist is numb, tingling or has pins and needles, or has changed shape or is at an odd angle. Do not drive yourself to A&E; ask someone to take you or call 999. Get help from NHS 111 if the arm is very painful or you cannot use it.
Further reading
This information is general and not a substitute for an assessment. Don't start a new exercise programme without advice from a physiotherapist or doctor who knows your condition. If an exercise causes pain that doesn't settle, stop and seek advice.
Sources
Book an online assessment
A 60-minute video assessment with an HCPC-registered physiotherapist is £40.
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