Tennis Elbow:

How Active Release Technique (ART) Can Get You Back on Court (or Back to Life)

Whether you're serving aces on the court or just lifting groceries at home, sharp pain on the outside of your elbow can quickly become a frustrating barrier to doing what you love. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is one of the most common overuse injuries—and not just for tennis players.


Luckily, one of the most effective ways to treat it doesn’t involve surgery, injections, or months of rest. It’s called Active Release Technique (ART)—and it’s helping people return to pain-free movement faster than ever.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the extensor tendons that attach to the lateral (outside) part of the elbow become irritated due to repetitive wrist or forearm motion.


You don’t need to play tennis to get it. It’s also common in:

  • Weightlifters
  • Desk workers
  • Plumbers and carpenters
  • Musicians
  • Anyone who frequently uses gripping, lifting, or repetitive wrist extension

Symptoms include:

  • Pain or burning on the outer elbow
  • Weak grip strength
  • Discomfort with lifting, shaking hands, or even turning a doorknob
  • Symptoms that worsen with activity, especially wrist extension

Why Active Release Technique Is a Game Changer

Traditional treatments like rest, ice, braces, and anti-inflammatories can provide temporary relief, but they don’t solve the underlying issue: restricted, overused soft tissue that’s full of micro-tears and scar tissue.


That’s where Active Release Technique (ART) shines.

What Is Active Release Technique (ART)?

ART is a highly specific, hands-on therapy that targets tight muscles, tendons, fascia, and nerves. A certified practitioner uses their hands to apply pressure to problem areas while guiding you through specific movements.


For tennis elbow, ART focuses on:

  • Forearm extensor muscles (especially the extensor carpi radialis brevis)
  • Radial nerve mobility
  • Connective tissue adhesions
  • Shoulder, wrist, and neck mobility (to address upstream/downstream issues)

How ART Helps with Tennis Elbow

1. Breaks Down Scar Tissue & Adhesions

When a muscle or tendon is overused, the body lays down scar tissue as part of the healing process. Over time, these adhesions:

  • Reduce mobility
  • Alter biomechanics
  • Trap nerves
  • Cause pain and inflammation


ART breaks down these adhesions manually, restoring normal tissue texture and movement.

2. Reduces Pain at the Source

By treating the dysfunctional soft tissues (instead of just the symptoms), ART helps reduce inflammation and mechanical stress at the elbow joint. Many people feel noticeable pain relief even after the first session.

3. Restores Strength and Grip

When pain limits your movement, your strength suffers too. By improving tissue quality and eliminating nerve entrapment, ART helps you rebuild grip strength and forearm power—critical not just for athletes, but for everyday life.

4. Improves Mechanics for Long-Term Relief

Tennis elbow often stems from poor mechanics—either in the elbow or in related areas like the shoulder, wrist, or even neck. ART allows practitioners to assess and treat those contributing factors, helping you move better and stay pain-free long term.

5. Speeds Up Recovery and Return to Play

Unlike rest or immobilization, ART is an active, movement-based treatment. That means faster recovery and a smoother return to sports, training, or work—without months of downtime or recurring flare-ups.

Not Just for Injuries—ART Enhances Performance Too

Even if you’re not currently in pain, ART can help:

  • Improve range of motion
  • Enhance muscle function
  • Optimize nerve and blood flow
  • Prevent future injuries


It’s a favorite among elite athletes for recovery, performance, and injury prevention.

Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Live With Elbow Pain

Tennis elbow can be stubborn, but it’s highly treatable when approached the right way. Active Release Technique goes beyond quick fixes and targets the root cause of the problem—helping you get out of pain and back to doing what you love.