Tennis Elbow: private treatment in Sutton Coldfield
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is one of the most common arm injuries we see at The Vesey. Whether you play tennis or not, persistent outer-elbow pain is something that responds very well to targeted treatment — and you don't need a GP referral to be seen.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow — medically known as lateral epicondylitis — is a condition where the tendons that join the forearm muscles on the outside of the elbow become overloaded, usually through repetitive movements. Despite the name, only around 5% of cases are caused by tennis. It's far more common in painters, gardeners, cooks, musicians, and desk workers.
The main symptom is pain and tenderness on the outer side of the elbow, often radiating down the forearm. It's typically made worse by gripping, twisting (opening a jar, turning a key) or lifting. It can become debilitating if left untreated, and NHS waiting lists for physiotherapy in the West Midlands can run to 6–12 months.
Symptoms of tennis elbow
- Pain and burning on the outer part of the elbow
- Weak grip strength — particularly when gripping or twisting
- Pain that worsens with repetitive wrist and arm movements
- Tenderness when pressing on the outer elbow (lateral epicondyle)
- Pain that spreads into the forearm and sometimes the wrist
- Stiffness in the morning that eases during the day
How we treat tennis elbow at The Vesey
Treatment depends on how severe and how long-standing the problem is. At The Vesey we offer the full pathway — from initial physio to injection to orthopaedic assessment — all under one roof in Sutton Coldfield.
1. Physiotherapy (first-line treatment)
For most cases, physiotherapy is the most effective long-term treatment. Our physiotherapists design a structured programme of eccentric strengthening exercises, soft tissue techniques and load management advice. Typically 4–6 sessions over 6–8 weeks, with significant improvement seen in the majority of patients.
Cost: From £90 per session. No referral needed. Same-week appointments available.
2. Corticosteroid Injection
A corticosteroid injection into the lateral epicondyle can provide rapid and significant pain relief — often within 2–4 weeks. It is most effective for moderate-to-severe cases where physio alone hasn't resolved the pain within 6 weeks, or where the pain is affecting daily life significantly. The injection takes only a few minutes and is performed at the same appointment as the consultation.
Note: injections are typically most effective when combined with a physio programme — the injection reduces the pain, and physio addresses the underlying tendon pathology.
Cost: From £300. No referral needed.
3. Orthopaedic Consultation
For persistent cases that haven't responded to physio and injection (typically after 6–12 months of treatment), an orthopaedic surgeon can review for surgical options. This is rarely needed — the vast majority of tennis elbow resolves without surgery — but it's available if required.
Cost: From £260. No referral needed.
How long will it take to get better?
With targeted treatment, most patients see significant improvement within 6–8 weeks. Without treatment, tennis elbow typically persists for 6–24 months. The key is accurate diagnosis early — to distinguish true lateral epicondylitis from radial tunnel syndrome or posterior interosseous nerve compression, which are treated differently.
Can I keep playing tennis while being treated?
In most cases, modified activity is better than complete rest. Your physiotherapist will advise on load management — reducing volume and intensity while your tendon recovers, and gradually reintroducing tennis as symptoms resolve. A technique review and equipment check (grip size, racquet weight) is often useful too.