Are you scared of lateral epicondylitis (aka tennis elbow)?? Here are some tips that may help reduce the risk of developing lateral epicondylitis based on your profession!

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All professions have different injuries associated with them, but some professions such as those who work in construction, hospitality or admin may have a higher risk of developing lateral epicondylitis. 

Playing certain sports such as squash or tennis can also be connected to the development of lateral epicondylitis. 

These professions and hobbies usually involve repetitive motions with the arm and the wrist due to the tasks required.

Lateral epicondylitis is degeneration and irritation or inflammation of the tendons of your arm where they attach to the bony point on the outside of your elbow. It is commonly known as ‘Tennis Elbow’ but it can occur in a range of professions that involve repetitive motions.

Here are some tips that may help reduce the risk of injury in these professions. 

Desk workers

  • Learn to share the load between your wrist, elbow and shoulder when completing desk work. For example swap between creating mouse movement from your wrist to using the whole arm to move the mouse.

  • Avoid over reaching for items such as your mouse or keyboard. Keep them nice and close and to the centre of your work space as much as possible

  • Ensure your keyboard is as flat as possible to avoid having your wrist bent up

  • Try to change the jobs you are completing regularly

For Construction and hospitality workers

  • Use tools with a bigger grip and padding and hold the tools with a looser grip

  • Keep your work tasks close to you and avoid overreaching 

  • Change the tasks you are completing regularly 

  • If using machines or tools that vibrate such as a jack hammer, use for short periods and hold with a loose grip

  • If you are required to complete a continuous task, make sure you have breaks

For tennis players

  • Add a shock absorber to the racquet

  • Add an extra layer of grip tape to have a bigger grip

  • Ensure your racket isn’t too heavy

  • Ensure you warm up before beginning to play 

  • Visit a tennis coaching professional to get some advice on technique to reduce the risk of injury

  • Use 2 hands when hitting a backhand

  • Complete forearm stretch and exercises off the court 


Lateral epicondylitis can have a big impact on your sports, work activities or daily tasks, so it is important that if you think you have lateral epicondylitis you get some advice from a trusted health professional. 


Is your profession not mentioned here? Want some tips for your profession? Get in contact with us on 0416 161 411 or via our social media or website. 

Want to know more about lateral epicondylitis? Click here.. https://www.osteo4families.com.au/osteopathy-blog-admin/2019/8/17/tennis-elbow-pain-is-also-known-as-lateral-epicondylitis-got-a-pain-in-the-elbow-what-is-lateral-epicondylitis-and-what-can-you-do-about-it


Carly BroadbentGeneral Osteo