Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore: A Complete Guide for Patients
An injury that causes pain and swelling on the outside of the elbow is known as lateral epicondylitis, also commonly referred to as tennis elbow. The term implies that it solely affects tennis players, but that’s not the case. Individuals across various professions commonly seek Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore. This painful overuse injury can happen to a lot of people in Singapore, especially those who do jobs that require them to move their hands or wrists over and over again, like office workers, cooks, or people who do manual labor.
Fortunately, various treatments for tennis elbow are available in Singapore, including non-invasive options, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical options. It’s essential to be aware of the multiple therapies available, their comparative benefits, and which one is most suitable for you to improve and maintain your health, whether you have a new condition or one that has been ongoing for some time.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Medical professionals diagnose tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, as a result of microtears in the tendon that connects the wrist muscles to the outside of the elbow, caused by repetitive stress. Contrary to its name, it affects non-athletes as well, especially those engaged in repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting activities, such as typing, cooking, painting, or gardening.
Pain that aches or burns on the outside of the arm, tenderness, and a weaker grip are all signs. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore is available for those experiencing these symptoms and seeking relief. Most of the time, symptoms improve within a year, but some cases persist for up to two years left untreated.
Latest Treatments Available in Singapore
Medical centers in Singapore offer a range of treatments for tennis elbow that have been proven effective.
Conservative and Self‑Care Options
Many people recover with basic at-home care such as rest, activity modification, application of ice, and medication use, particularly those of NSAIDs such as ibuprofen. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore often includes these conservative approaches as first-line options. Bracing with a counterforce strap can help reduce strain on the affected tendon. Once acute symptoms improve, heat therapy can also help improve blood flow and promote healing.
Physiotherapy and Exercise Programmes
Structured physiotherapy remains one of the most effective and widely recommended treatment approaches. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore often begins with physiotherapy to reduce pain, restore function, and prevent recurrence.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises (especially eccentric loading)
- Manual therapy techniques
- Modalities like ultrasound, laser, cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, and kinesio taping
Studies have shown that consistent exercise programmes can double the speed of recovery compared to rest alone.
Injections: Steroids and PRP
- Steroid injections offer rapid pain relief but may carry a higher risk of recurrence and tendon weakening, especially with repeated use.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, a newer alternative, utilizes components of the patient’s blood to stimulate the healing process. Though promising, clinical results remain mixed and inconclusive.
Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive technique now commonly offered in physiotherapy and sports medicine clinics in Singapore. It promotes healing by delivering acoustic energy waves to the damaged tendon tissue, stimulating regeneration and reducing pain, especially in cases that don’t respond to conventional physiotherapy.
Ultrasonic Tenotomy (TENEX / Percutaneous Tenotomy)
This minimally invasive day procedure uses ultrasound guidance to target and remove degenerated tendon tissue through a fine needle. First introduced in Singapore around 2012, ultrasonic tenotomy provides less risk and a quicker recovery compared to open surgery. It is beneficial for chronic cases that haven’t responded to physiotherapy or injections.
Surgery: Arthroscopic or Open
If non-invasive treatments for six to twelve months don’t help ease the symptoms, surgery may be considered as a last resort.
- Tendon release
- Removal of degenerated tissue
- Performed via arthroscopic, percutaneous, or open surgical techniques
It can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months for someone to get better, depending on how much care they get and how well they stick to their post-op rehab plan.
Comparing Tennis Elbow Treatments in Singapore
Rest + Ice + NSAIDs
- Speed of Relief: Slow
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Moderate
- Risks: Minimal – mostly stomach irritation from prolonged NSAID use
- Ideal For: Mild to moderate cases, especially in the early phase
Bracing + Heat Therapy
- Speed of Relief: Moderate
- Long-Term Effectiveness: High
- Risks: Very low
- Ideal For: People with repetitive or physically demanding activities
Physiotherapy
- Speed of Relief: Moderate to fast
- Long-Term Effectiveness: High
- Risks: Minimal
- Ideal For: Most patients — highly recommended as a first-line treatment
Shockwave Therapy
- Speed of Relief: Moderate
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Moderate to high
- Risks: May cause temporary discomfort during sessions
- Ideal For: Patients who didn’t improve with physiotherapy
Steroid Injections
- Speed of Relief: Fast
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Short
- Risks: Risk of tendon weakening and symptom recurrence with repeated use
- Ideal For: Providing brief relief amid severe flare-ups
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections
- Speed of Relief: Moderate
- Long-Term Effectiveness: Still uncertain
- Risks: Symptoms of injection site pain
- Ideal For: Long-term conditions that don’t respond well to standard treatments
Ultrasonic Tenotomy (TENEX)
- Speed of Relief: Fast
- Long-Term Effectiveness: High
- Risks: Small chance of localized infection
- Ideal For: Chronic, treatment-resistant cases
Surgery
- Speed of Relief: Fast (after recovery period)
- Long-Term Effectiveness: High
- Risks: Higher – includes scar tissue formation and nerve injury
Ideal For: Long-standing, refractory cases unresponsive to other methods
Tip: Most people start with less invasive treatments, such as rest and exercise. Surgery and other invasive treatments are generally only thought about after symptoms have been going on for 6 to 12 months.
Factors That Affect Treatment Costs in Singapore
1. Type of Treatment
- Physiotherapy: Prices vary depending on the clinic and the number of visits.
- Shockwave Therapy: Higher per-session cost
- Injections (Steroid/PRP): Additional fees for imaging, materials
- Tenotomy or Surgery: Most expensive due to hospital, anesthesia, and aftercare
2. Type of Facility
- Public hospitals: Lower cost, subsidies available
- Private clinics: Faster access, higher fees
3. Medisave and Insurance
- Some procedures, like surgery, may be Medisave-claimable or partially covered by insurance.
- Both the other provider and classification play a role in determining coverage.
4. Imaging and Diagnostics
- Ultrasound/MRI is recommended.
- These tests increase the total cost.
✅ What to Do and What to Avoid
DO
- Get a correct diagnosis
- Commit to your rehabilitation plan
- Use braces properly
- Ask about procedures, risks, and outcomes
- Check insurance/Medisave coverage
DON’T
- Ignore persistent pain
- Postpone physiotherapy
- Overusing elbows in repetitive tasks
- Treat with injections only
- Self-medicate without proper advice
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to recover from tennis elbow?
If they get the proper care and treatment, people usually start to feel better within six to twelve weeks. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore is designed to support recovery within this timeframe through tailored approaches. A duration of at least six months may be needed for chronic diseases.
Is it possible for tennis elbow to resurface?
Yes, especially if the root cause (repetitive motion or weakness) isn’t corrected.
Is surgery necessary for all cases?
No. Surgery is a last resort after 6–12 months of failed conservative treatment.
Can I exercise or do activities while recovering?
Depends on the severity. Most can modify their activity and still participate with precautions. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore often includes tailored advice on activity modification to support recovery while maintaining daily function.
Does conservative (non-surgical) treatment work?
Yes, surgical intervention is unnecessary in more than 80% of cases.
Final Thoughts
For tennis elbow, it is possible to treat and even cure if you get the proper evaluation and care. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore offers various options suited to different severity levels and patient needs. Singaporeans have a wide range of choices, from basic services like home care and therapy to the most advanced treatments.
Treatments vary for each person, as they depend on their individual health, lifestyle, and recovery goals. To receive the best treatment, it is recommended that you consult a trained medical professional.
With the right strategy, most people recover well and prevent relapse. Tennis Elbow Treatment in Singapore emphasizes long-term management plans to support full recovery and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Artisan Sports and Orthopaedic Clinic – Dr Puah Ken Lee
290 Orchard Road,
Paragon Medical Centre #07-12
Singapore 238859
https://www.artisanorthopaedics.sg/
Phone: (65) 8909 8877
