Tennis Elbow

Written by: Nurudeen Tijani

Updated: March 22, 2024

The article below answers common questions about tennis elbow and weight lifting. However if you want an immediate solution, you can get instant access to TitaniumPhysique. Our program will guide you to a pain-free lifting experience. Ready to get started?

An illustration of tennis elbow (outer elbow pain) and forearm extensor muscles
YouTube video

Tennis Elbow and Weight Lifting (FAQ)


1.  Why does the outside part of my elbow hurt from lifting, and how do I fix it?

Pain in the outer elbow while lifting weights can have several causes. These include restricted triceps and forearm muscles, inadequate warm-up of these muscle groups before exercise, excessive resistance, incorrect form or lifting technique, and sudden increases in training volume. All these factors, alone or in combination, can lead to pain in the outside part of your elbow. However, the primary cause is restricted (shortened, tight, and tense) triceps and forearm muscles.

To fix and prevent this condition, prioritize proper form, gradually increase weights, allow adequate rest periods, and, most importantly, maintain pliable triceps and forearm muscles through self-myofascial release (SMR) exercises. These exercises can help relieve muscle restrictions and minimize the risk of injury, overuse, and inflammation.

2.  What is tennis elbow, and what causes it?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a type of elbow tendonitis where pain occurs outside the elbow. It can develop gradually over time (chronic) or occur suddenly (acute) while lifting weights.

What causes it?

Short answer: The tendon on the outer part of the elbow (extensor tendon) becomes overstressed and inflamed. This inflammation causes pain (sharp or dull) on the outer part of the elbow.

Long answer: The triceps and forearm muscles can become restricted when you lift weights over an extended period. This restriction occurs as the muscles shorten, tighten, and tense up due to muscular contraction, overuse, and a lack of myofascial release. These tight muscles can then overstretch, strain, and inflame the extensor tendon and the surrounding tissues around the elbow. As a result, you may experience pain on the outside part of the elbow during exercises such as bench presses, push-ups, pull-ups, overhead presses, and tricep pushdowns.

Important: Apart from musculoskeletal injuries (muscle and tendon-related pain), other medical conditions and risk factors can contribute to outer elbow pain during weight training. These include nerve entrapment and compression, bone fractures and dislocations, and arthritis, which causes joint inflammation, pain, and stiffness. If your condition is medically related, it's essential to consult your healthcare provider to ensure no structural issues with your elbow.

An illustration of the forearm extensor muscles and tendon

An illustration of the forearm extensor (ERCB) muscles and tendon. Image source: Google Images

3.  Can you get tennis elbow from lifting weights?

Yes, you can develop tennis elbow from weight lifting. However, it's essential to understand that weight training is not the underlying cause of this condition. Instead, lifting can trigger acute tennis elbow or worsen chronic pain. The root causes of tennis elbow from lifting include chronic inflammation, magnesium deficiency, and muscle restriction.

For a comprehensive article on the root causes of elbow pain, which covers different types of elbow tendonitis (including golfer's elbow and triceps tendonitis), elbow bursitis, chronic versus acute pain, and the fastest way to fix these conditions, check out this guide on elbow problems.

4.  Can the bench press cause tennis elbow?

The bench press does not cause tennis elbow when performed correctly. However, it can trigger or worsen the condition. "Push" exercises such as bench presses engage the triceps and forearm muscles, which can become tight and shortened over time, reducing flexibility. This tightness and lack of elasticity can overload the muscles and place excessive tension on the tendons during bench presses. When the forearm and triceps muscles are overloaded, it can stress and inflame the elbow/triceps tendons, leading to acute elbow pain (sharp pain) or exacerbating chronic elbow pain (dull pain).

YouTube video

Nurudeen performs a barbell bench press during a chest workout at the gym (2021). Click to watch the video above. The bench press is highly effective for building upper body strength and targeting the chest muscles. It primarily engages the pectoral, shoulder, and triceps muscles. It's important to note that "push" exercises like the bench press can trigger or worsen conditions such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, and triceps tendonitis.

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5.  Why do I suddenly feel pain on the outside of my elbow without apparent cause?

The muscle conditions that lead to outer elbow pain develop gradually and cumulatively over time. The triceps and forearm muscles can become restricted through repetitive use, causing them to shorten and lose elasticity. This process of muscle restriction can take months or even years to develop.

When these muscles have become restricted for months, gripping objects tightly, engaging in workouts, and lifting weights can suddenly trigger elbow pain without apparent cause. Unfortunately, most individuals are often unaware of the restricted state of their forearm or triceps muscles until they experience this sudden onset of elbow pain during these activities.

6.  What are the signs and symptoms of tennis elbow from weight training?

Here are 11 signs and symptoms of tennis elbow from weight training:

  1. A burning sensation or pain on the outer part of the elbow after lifting (e.g., overhead press, push-ups, bench press).
  2. Tenderness, swelling, and soreness in the elbow after lifting.
  3. Sharp, shooting, sudden, severe, or dull pain on the outside part of the elbow while lifting.
  4. Pain and difficulty bending and straightening the arm after working out.
  5. Weak grip strength when lifting dumbbells or barbells.
  6. Pain or discomfort when gripping objects, such as weights or exercise equipment.
  7. Difficulty performing activities that require wrist extension, such as opening jars or turning doorknobs.
  8. Pain that radiates from the outer elbow down the forearm.
  9. Increased pain when applying pressure to the affected area.
  10. Stiffness and limited range of motion in the elbow joint.
  11. Pain that worsens with repetitive movements or gripping activities.
YouTube video

Nurudeen performs push-ups during a workout session at the gym (2021). Click to watch the video above. Push-ups are a versatile and practical exercise for building upper body strength. They primarily engage the pectoral, shoulder, and triceps muscles. Push-ups can trigger or exacerbate tennis elbow and triceps tendonitis (posterior elbow pain).

7.  Is tennis elbow typical among athletes involved in weight training?

Yes, tennis elbow is common among athletes who lift weights. According to the National Health Service, tennis elbow is the most prevalent cause of persistent elbow pain, accounting for two-thirds of cases.

Various exercises commonly performed by athletes and weight lifters, including bench press, shoulder press, push-up, pull-up, tricep pushdown, tricep dips, machine chest press, wide-grip lat pulldown, and barbell upright row, can contribute to the development of tennis elbow. In addition, improper technique during movements like reverse curls can strain the tendon, increasing the risk of tennis elbow.

8.  Can I continue lifting with a tennis elbow?

It depends on the severity of the pain. If the pain is mild, you can use conventional pain relief medicine or remedies such as sports or kinesiology tape, elbow sleeves, braces, or straps to reduce discomfort during exercise. However, suppose the pain is chronic or severe or causes sharp or shooting sensations during physical activity. In that case, fix the underlying cause of the injury before resuming weight lifting or intense training.

Nurudeen performing wide grip pull-ups in gym (2022)

Nurudeen performs wide-grip pull-ups during a back workout at the gym (2022). Wide-grip pull-ups are a variation of the pull-up exercise that primarily targets the upper lats muscle while also engaging the deltoids, biceps, and triceps. Wide-grip pull-ups can overload the forearm extensor muscles and trigger or worsen tennis elbow and triceps tendonitis (pain at the back of the elbow).

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9.  Will tennis elbow go away by itself?

Tennis elbow can go away unaided with rest. However, it's essential to understand that the underlying factors contributing to this condition, such as restricted and tense forearm muscles, do not resolve unassisted. In fact, for many athletes and weight lifters, it often worsens over time.

Here's why: the root causes of tennis elbow from weight training include chronic inflammation, magnesium deficiency, and muscle restriction.

Firstly, once a muscle becomes restricted and dysfunctional, it tends to remain in that state or worsen unless specifically addressed.

Secondly, muscle dysfunction is often associated with magnesium deficiency. "The Magnesium Miracle," a scientific reference on the health effects of magnesium, highlights that around 40% of magnesium in the body is in the muscles. A significant portion of the population is magnesium deficient. Heavy exercise, physical activity, and various factors like caffeine, stimulants, diuretics, stress, and dehydration can deplete magnesium levels in athletes. These factors are one reason why restricted muscles persist and worsen.

Thirdlychronically restricted muscles eventually become dysfunctional and stop working correctly. This condition leads to repeated injury and stress on the extensor elbow tendon, resulting in chronic tendonitis (i.e., chronic tennis elbow). When the injury occurs, the extensor elbow tendon experiences micro-tear damage, known as tendonitis. As training continues, the tendon condition deteriorates and degenerates, known as tendinosis. The National Health Service reports that tennis elbow is the most common cause of persistent elbow pain, accounting for two-thirds of cases.

Therefore, it is crucial for athletes recovering from tennis elbow to replenish magnesium actively and maintain pliable triceps and forearm muscles through self-myofascial release (SMR) exercises. While resting the elbow (taking a break from physical training) may temporarily relieve symptoms, it will not address the underlying cause of the pain.

nurudeen tijani of TitaniumPhysique performing cable tricep pushdown at gym (2023)

Nurudeen performs tricep pushdown during a workout session at the gym (2023). The tricep pushdown is a common exercise that targets the triceps muscles, effectively strengthening and toning the back of the arms. While it benefits triceps development, similar to other "push" exercises, it can trigger or worsen tennis elbow and tricep tendonitis.

10.  How long does it take for tennis elbow to heal? (sharp, severe, shooting, burning, or dull pain)

By combining post-workout treatments such as RICE therapy (to relieve burning pain), magnesium supplementation (to reduce inflammation), and self-myofascial release (to alleviate sharp, shooting, and dull aches), it is possible to treat and heal tennis elbow within 7-10 days. It will involve performing self-myofascial release (SMR) on the triceps and forearm muscles at least 2-3 times daily.

While resting the elbow (taking a break from physical training) may provide temporary relief, it will not address the underlying cause of the pain - restricted triceps and forearm muscles that place excessive strain on the elbow tendons.

11.  Which exercises should I avoid if I have a tennis elbow?

Avoid "pressing" or "push" exercises that place excessive strain on the forearm extensor muscles and exercises that require an overhand bar grip. Here's a list of 10 exercises to avoid if you have tennis elbow, along with alternative exercises you can perform (see #12 below):

10 Exercises to Avoid

  1. Bench Press
  2. Shoulder and Overhead Press
  3. Push-Ups
  4. Pull-Ups
  5. Tricep Dips
  6. Tricep Pressdown
  7. Reverse and Hammer Curls
  8. Heavy Upright Rows
  9. Lat Pulldowns (overhand grip)
  10. Overhead Tricep Extensions
YouTube video

Check out this 2023 video of Nurudeen performing the wide-grip cable lat pulldown (with palms facing in) during a back workout at the gym. The wide-grip cable lat pulldown is a targeted exercise focusing on the latissimus dorsi muscles, also known as the lats. These muscles are essential for developing a wide and powerful back. Wide-grip lat pulldown, specifically with an overhand grip, can strain the forearm extensor muscles excessively and trigger or worsen tennis elbow.

12.  What upper body exercises can I perform with a tennis elbow?

If you're weight training while still recovering from tennis elbow, there are a few essential things to remember.

  1. Replace "push" and "press" workouts with "pull" and "fly" exercises.
  2. Opt for resistance band or cable machine variations of exercises instead of using barbells, dumbbells, and stationary machines.
  3. Consider performing partial reps, where you don't fully contract or extend the arm during the exercise. This modification can help reduce tension in the forearm and alleviate pain in the elbow.
  4. Use less resistance and focus on performing more repetitions.

Here's a list of 26 upper body exercises you can try if you have tennis elbow. These exercises put less strain on the forearm extensors while effectively engaging the upper body muscles.

Back Exercises:

  • Lat Pulldown (using Resistance Band)
  • Wide-Grip Lat Pulldown (with Palms Facing In)
  • Rows (using Resistance Band)
  • Machine Assisted Pull-Up (using Hammer Grip)
  • Full Cobra (Supermans)
  • Back Hyperextensions
  • Machine-Assisted Dead Hang Stretch
  • Back Fly (using Resistance Band)
  • Dumbbell Reverse Fly

Shoulder and Arm Exercises:

  • Machine Deltoid Raise
  • Cable Upright Row
  • Dumbbell Shrugs (lower weight, higher reps)
  • Lateral Raises (with a Resistance Band)
  • Front Raises (with a Resistance Band)
  • Close Grip Dumbbell Press
  • Machine Tricep Extension
  • Machine-Assisted Tricep Dips
  • Cable Kneeling Tricep Extension
  • Bicep Curl

Chest Exercises:

  • Cable Chest Fly
  • Cable Chest Crossover
  • Chest Fly (using Resistance Band)
  • Wall Push-Up or Kneeling Push-Ups (with Wide-Arm)
  • Dumbbell Pullover (with Straight Arm)
  • Machine Inner Chest Press (with Palms Facing In)
  • Machine Fly (using Pec Deck Machine)
nurudeen performing seated shoulder press with barbell at gym 2019

Nurudeen performs the seated barbell shoulder press during a shoulder workout at the gym (2019). The seated shoulder press is a variation of the shoulder press. It is known for its effectiveness in building upper body and shoulder strength. This exercise primarily targets the deltoids, upper pectoral, and triceps muscles. "Push" movements like the seated shoulder press can trigger or worsen tennis elbow, golfer's elbow (pain on the inside part of the elbow), and triceps tendonitis (pain at the back of the elbow).

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13.  What happens if tennis elbow is left untreated?

If left untreated, tennis elbow can progress and lead to degeneration of the elbow tendon. The extensor tendon in the elbow can deteriorate and weaken over time, increasing the risk of tendon tears or ruptures, known as elbow tendinosis. Additionally, untreated tennis elbow can contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions such as elbow arthritis.

Furthermore, when restricted muscles in the forearm are left untreated, they become dysfunctional and cause pain in the forearm and wrist. Therefore, seeking appropriate treatment or incorporating regular self-myofascial release (SMR) exercises is vital to prevent further complications and maintain optimal elbow and forearm function.

14.  Can tennis elbow cause permanent damage to the elbow?

Yes, tennis elbow can cause permanent damage to the elbow. This condition is known as elbow tendinosis. The degeneration of tendon collagen indicates tendinosis. Over time, tendinosis can lead to a loss of strength in the tendon and may result in tendon tears or ruptures. Therefore, addressing the condition's root cause is crucial to prevent the risk of permanent elbow issues.

15.  Can elbow compression sleeves alleviate elbow pain?

Yes, elbow compression sleeves, such as elbow wraps, straps, and support braces, can alleviate elbow discomfort during exercise. However, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of using elbow sleeves to manage tennis elbow.

Pros: Elbow compression sleeves provide compression, which improves blood flow, enhances joint position awareness (proprioception), and offers support to the muscles and tendons surrounding the elbow joint. The compression promotes better circulation, stabilizes the joint, reduces swelling, alleviates pain, and can help prevent further damage during intense workouts.

Cons: There are drawbacks to relying solely on elbow compression sleeves, especially for individuals with multiple chronic elbow injuries such as tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, triceps tendonitis, or elbow bursitis. Relying only on sleeves for pain relief can mask the underlying problem, allowing athletes to continue lifting without addressing the root cause of their pain. This masking will further perpetuate the injury and potentially lead to long-term degenerative conditions in the elbow.

Athletes need to seek treatments that address the underlying causes of their elbow condition rather than relying solely on compression sleeves. This approach ensures long-term joint health and helps prevent further injury.

Nurudeen bench pressing with elbow sleeves. Using elbow sleeve for elbow pain

Nurudeen benching with elbow sleeves during a chest and back workout at the gym (2016). Using elbow sleeves during bench press can help reduce and manage elbow pain.

16.  What options do I have to stop my elbows from hurting?

To stop your elbows from hurting, you have two options: utilizing short-term pain relief methods for temporary relief or addressing the underlying cause of the pain to avoid its recurrence.

Option #1: Short-term relief remedies. These include:

  • Using joint supplements and vitamins.
  • Taking anti-inflammatory painkillers (NSAIDs).
  • Undergoing physical therapy.
  • Incorporating stretching exercises.
  • Applying ice and resting the affected area.
  • Wearing elbow braces or straps.
  • Using kinesiology tape.
  • Applying topical anti-inflammatory solutions such as oils and creams.

Option #2: Fix the root cause. To prevent tennis elbow from interfering with your workouts, fix the root causes. These include chronic inflammation, magnesium deficiency, and muscle restriction. The TitaniumPhysique Program can help you accomplish this.

YouTube video

Nurudeen performs tricep dips during a workout session at the gym (2020). Click to watch the video above. Tricep dips are a common exercise that targets the triceps muscle, effectively strengthening and toning the back of the arms. While tricep dip benefits triceps development, it can overload the forearm extensor muscles and tricep tendon. Like other "push" exercises, tricep dips can trigger or worsen tennis elbow and triceps tendonitis (posterior elbow pain).

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17.  How can I avoid and prevent tennis elbow?

Firstly, it's important to note that part of avoiding chronic elbow pain is preventing acute pain. Reduce the resistance if you experience pain on the outside of your elbow while lifting. If the pain persists, discontinue the exercise and focus on training another body part that doesn't involve your arm and elbow. Pushing through the pain will only exacerbate acute inflammation after your workout, worsen the pain symptoms, and prolong elbow recovery.

To avoid or prevent tennis elbow, follow these steps:

  1. Before exercising, stretch your forearms and triceps. Check out these forearm stretches at RedBoxFitness or the overhead triceps stretch.
  2. Warm up your elbow tendons with resistance band pull-apart or other suitable exercises.
  3. If you plan on lifting heavier than usual (e.g., power training), gradually increase the weight to avoid sudden strain on the forearm extensors and triceps muscle/tendon.
  4. Learn and consistently utilize proper form and technique. Check out the Exercise Database & Library from the American Council on Exercise for guidance.
  5. Be mindful of the number of sets you perform and gradually increase your training volume.
  6. Supplement with magnesium to counteract inflammation and decalcify the elbow tendons and joints. Magnesium also relaxes muscles to reduce pain.
  7. Incorporate self-myofascial release for elbow pain into your recovery routine. Perform SMR on the forearm extensors, forearm flexors, and triceps muscle/tendon at least twice a week to keep the forearms and triceps pliable and healthy.

Finally - remember that restricted muscles that cause tennis elbow can develop over many years. It is necessary to use the correct treatment techniques to get lasting results. If you want an easy-to-follow video guide, click the following link to access the TitaniumPhysique Program.

    References

    • Elbow pain
    https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/elbow-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050874

    • Muscle Stiffness
    https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/25147-muscle-stiffness

    • Tennis elbow
    https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/tennis-elbow/

    • Pain-relief medicines
    https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/pain-relief-medicines

    • The Magnesium Miracle (Second Edition)
    https://books.google.com/books/about/The_Magnesium_Miracle_Second_Edition.html?id=2lBcDAAAQBAJ&source=kp_book_description

    • Elbow sprain - aftercare
    https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/selfcare-instructions/elbow-sprain-aftercare#:~:text=Ice%20your%20elbow%20for%2015,ice%20can%20damage%20your%20skin

    • Arthritis of the Elbow
    https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/a/arthritis-of-the-elbow.html

    • Patient education: Elbow tendinopathy (tennis and golf elbow) (Beyond the Basics)
    https://www.uptodate.com/contents/elbow-tendinopathy-tennis-and-golf-elbow-beyond-the-basics

    • Elbow Compression Sleeve
    https://dunbarmedical.com/product-category/compression-wear/compression-sleeve/elbow-compression-sleeve/#:~:text=An%20elbow%20compression%20sleeve%20applies,like%20delayed%20onset%20muscle%20soreness

    • Exercise Database & Library | Featured Exercises from ACE
    https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/lifestyle/exercise-library/

    • Forearm Stretches
    https://www.redboxfitness.com/forearm-stretches/

    • Resistance Band Triceps Extension (Elbow Pain Tendon Rehab) - TitaniumPhysique
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hL0ld40tYgo&t=9s


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    Written by: Nurudeen Tijani

    Nurudeen (aka TJ) is passionate about helping people build the body they desire through weight training. He is a physique and fitness trainer, nutritionist, yoga instructor, vegan natural bodybuilder, National Physique Committee (NPC) competitor, and founder at TitaniumPhysique. Nurudeen is a member of the International Association Study of Pain (IASP) and the American Chronic Pain Association (ACPA).

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