How long should I advise a patient to rest and modify activities to effectively manage their tennis elbow symptoms?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

For effective management of tennis elbow symptoms, you should advise a patient to rest the affected arm and avoid or reduce aggravating sport or manual work activities for 6 weeks . During this period, they should maintain activity where possible .

Specifically, patients should avoid tasks that involve high force, hand-gripping or pinching, or the use of high-amplitude vibrating handheld tools .

If there is no response to this initial treatment after 6 weeks, the patient should be reassessed, and referral to physiotherapy should be considered .

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