Tennis elbow isn’t just for tennis players. In fact, most people who suffer from this condition—clinically known as lateral epicondylitis—don’t even play the sport. It’s a repetitive strain injury caused by overuse of the forearm muscles, particularly where the tendons attach to the outer elbow. Pain, stiffness, and weakness often follow, making daily tasks like lifting a kettle, typing, or gripping a dumbbell difficult.
Massage therapy plays a crucial role in helping relieve symptoms and accelerate the healing process.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
The root cause is repetitive loading of the wrist extensor muscles—especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis. This constant strain leads to micro-tears in the tendon, inflammation, and collagen breakdown. Over time, pain radiates from the lateral (outer) part of the elbow down the forearm. Gym-goers, manual workers, mechanics, hairdressers, and office professionals in Slough frequently develop symptoms from keyboard use, lifting weights, or gripping tools.
How Massage Therapy Helps
Massage doesn’t just reduce pain. It targets the underlying muscular and fascial restrictions that contribute to the condition. Tom’s clinical massage approach focuses on:
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Breaking down adhesions and scar tissue in the tendon and surrounding muscle fibres
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Improving blood flow and oxygen delivery to promote cellular repair
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Decompressing irritated nerves and reducing radiating pain
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Lengthening tight forearm muscles to restore range of motion
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Releasing trigger points in the extensor group, upper arm, and shoulder that may be aggravating the elbow
Many clients report a significant reduction in pain and improved function within a few sessions, especially when massage is combined with corrective exercises and ergonomic advice.
Techniques Used at Muscle Therapy By Tom
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Deep Tissue Massage to target deeper muscular layers and break up chronic tightness
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Cross-Fibre Friction Therapy over the tendon origin to encourage healthy collagen alignment
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Myofascial Release to free restricted soft tissue and fascia around the elbow and forearm
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Trigger Point Therapy for referred pain patterns radiating into the wrist or shoulder
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Active Release techniques to engage the muscle during treatment and enhance neuromuscular reset
These treatments are customised for each client inside The Gym Group Slough, based on severity, duration of symptoms, and activity levels.
Why Rest Alone Isn’t Enough
Many people are told to “just rest” a tennis elbow injury. But in many cases, rest alone doesn’t address the underlying muscle dysfunction or tendon degradation. Without soft tissue intervention, the tendon continues to degenerate, flexibility reduces, and pain persists for months—sometimes years. Massage actively accelerates tissue repair and restores function more efficiently.
Is Massage Safe During the Painful Phase?
Yes—but it must be performed carefully. At Muscle Therapy By Tom, treatment is adapted depending on whether the condition is in the inflammatory phase, degenerative phase, or healing phase. During flare-ups, gentler techniques are used to reduce swelling and increase circulation. As pain subsides, deeper techniques are introduced to restore full strength and mobility.
Who Benefits the Most?
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Weightlifters and gym members struggling with grip pain
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Office workers with tight wrists and poor ergonomic setups
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Manual labourers using repetitive tools
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Tennis, squash, and racket sports players
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Anyone with chronic elbow stiffness or weakness in grip
Located inside The Gym Group Slough, Muscle Therapy By Tom has helped hundreds of clients reduce elbow pain, improve grip strength, and get back to training, working, and lifting—without steroid injections or invasive treatment.
Tennis elbow doesn’t have to linger. With precise, targeted massage therapy, recovery can be quicker, less painful, and more complete.
📍 Book a tailored treatment session today at
👉 www.muscletherapybytom.co.uk