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How to Treat Tennis Elbow Naturally with Ayurveda and Exercise
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Published on 07/03/25
(Updated on 07/25/25)
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How to Treat Tennis Elbow Naturally with Ayurveda and Exercise

Written by
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
Government Ayurvedic College, Nagpur University (2011)
I am Dr Anurag Sharma, done with BAMS and also PGDHCM from IMS BHU, which honestly shaped a lot of how I approach things now in clinic. Working as a physician and also as an anorectal surgeon, I’ve got around 2 to 3 years of solid experience—tho like, every day still teaches me something new. I mainly focus on anorectal care (like piles, fissure, fistula stuff), plus I work with chronic pain cases too. Pain management is something I feel really invested in—seeing someone walk in barely managing and then leave with actual relief, that hits different. I’m not really the fancy talk type, but I try to keep my patients super informed, not just hand out meds n move on. Each case needs a bit of thinking—some need Ksharasutra or minor para surgical stuff, while others are just lifestyle tweaks and herbal meds. I like mixing the Ayurved principles with modern insights when I can, coz both sides got value really. It’s like—knowing when to go gentle and when to be precise. Right now I’m working hard on getting even better with surgical skills, but also want to help people get to me before surgery's the only option. Had few complicated cases where patience n consistency paid off—no shortcuts but yeah, worth it. The whole point for me is to actually listen first, like proper listen. People talk about symptoms but also say what they feel—and that helps in understanding more than any lab report sometimes. I just want to stay grounded in my work, and keep growing while doing what I can to make someone's pain bit less every day.
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Tennis elbow is one of those nagging, frustrating conditions that creeps in slowly and overstays its welcome. Whether you're an athlete, a desk worker, or just someone who lifted one-too-many grocery bags the wrong way, the pain can get real — fast. If you’re tired of pills, braces, or doctor visits that go nowhere, you might be wondering how to treat tennis elbow naturally.

Good news: it is possible to manage, and in many cases, reverse this condition without resorting to invasive treatments. From tennis elbow Ayurvedic treatment approaches to tennis elbow exercises and yoga for tennis elbow, this guide explores safe, practical ways to deal with pain and regain mobility — right from your home.

Whether you’re looking for tennis elbow home remedies, wondering “is tennis elbow curable?”, or simply searching for tennis elbow treatment at home that actually works — you’re in the right place.

Let’s dive in.

Is Tennis Elbow Curable with Natural Treatment?

Yes — but with a caveat.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis (that’s a mouthful), happens when the tendons in your elbow get overloaded — usually by repetitive motion. And no, you don’t have to play tennis to get it. Typing, gardening, even painting a wall can trigger it.

The good news? Treatment of tennis elbow doesn't always require surgery or steroids. Many people see significant improvement — some even full recovery — through natural methods like rest, tennis elbow exercises, stretching, and herbal remedies.

That said, patience is key. This isn't a “cure it in 2 days” kinda deal. Natural healing takes time, and consistency is the name of the game. If you're willing to commit, though, the results can be long-lasting and (bonus!) side-effect free.

Tennis Elbow Ayurvedic Treatment and Home Remedies

Ayurveda views tennis elbow as a disorder related to Vata dosha — associated with dryness, pain, and tension. So, the goal is to calm that down with warmth, oil, and rest.

Here are some time-tested Ayurvedic and home remedies for tennis elbow:

  • Massage with Mahanarayan oil or Dhanwantharam oil: These herbal oils have anti-inflammatory properties and can help soothe pain and stiffness.

  • Castor oil packs: Warmed castor oil applied to the elbow for 20-30 mins daily helps improve circulation and reduce swelling.

  • Ashwagandha or Shallaki supplements: Known for their anti-inflammatory effects, these can be taken (after consulting your doc) to support healing from the inside.

  • Turmeric milk: Grandma was right! Turmeric’s curcumin compound is a natural anti-inflammatory powerhouse.

Don’t forget good ol’ rest. Sounds simple, but it's often overlooked. Give your elbow a break — literally — from the motions that caused the issue in the first place. That means skipping the gym, taking frequent breaks from typing, and using ergonomic tools at work.

One note of caution: if the pain is sharp, radiating, or worsening — don’t wait. Natural treatments work best in early-to-mid stages. Chronic or severe cases may still need medical intervention. Still, even in those scenarios, Ayurveda and home treatments for tennis elbow can be great for support and recovery.

tennis elbow exercises

Best Tennis Elbow Exercises and Stretches

One of the most effective ways to manage and eventually heal tennis elbow is through movement — the right kind of movement, that is. While rest is vital in the early days, too much rest can actually slow your recovery. That’s where tennis elbow exercises come in.

When done consistently (and gently), these exercises for tennis elbow can help strengthen the forearm muscles, improve flexibility, and prevent future flare-ups. Let’s take a look at what you should be doing—and what to steer clear of.

Gentle Exercises for Recovery

Start slow. Seriously, don’t go all Rocky Balboa on your elbow. Start with these simple tennis elbow exercise routines 2–3 times a day:

  • Wrist Extension Stretch: Extend your arm straight in front of you, palm facing down. With the other hand, gently pull the fingers back toward you until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 15–30 seconds.

  • Wrist Flexor Stretch: Same as above, but this time your palm faces upward. Pull fingers gently downward to stretch the underside of your forearm.

  • Fist Clench: Use a soft towel or small ball. Place it in your palm and gently squeeze for a few seconds, then release. Repeat 10–15 times to build grip strength.

  • Eccentric Wrist Extension: With a light dumbbell (1–2 lbs is enough), place your arm on a table with your wrist hanging over the edge, palm down. Use the other hand to help raise the dumbbell, then slowly lower it back down with your injured arm only. That slow lowering is where the magic happens.

These tennis elbow exercises promote circulation, reduce stiffness, and slowly build back the muscle endurance you need.

Tennis Elbow Exercises to Avoid

Not all movement is good movement when you're injured. Some tennis elbow exercises to avoid include:

  • Heavy weightlifting (especially curls and pull-ups)

  • Typing or texting for long periods without breaks

  • Any repetitive motion that caused your injury in the first place

  • Push-ups and planks (at least until the pain has significantly reduced)

A common mistake? Pushing through the pain thinking it’ll “toughen up.” Spoiler alert: it won’t. It’ll just make things worse. Be kind to your body — it’s already working hard to heal.

Yoga for Tennis Elbow Relief and Mobility

Believe it or not, yoga for tennis elbow can be a game-changer. Not only does it improve flexibility and posture, but certain poses help reduce inflammation and release tension in your forearms and shoulders — which are often tight from overuse.

Try these poses (gently!):

  • Gomukhasana (Cow Face Pose): Great for stretching shoulders and triceps.

  • Eagle Arms: Helps open up the upper back and improve blood flow.

  • Child’s Pose with Arm Stretch: Keeps the elbow supported while providing a gentle stretch through the arms.

Avoid weight-bearing poses like Downward Dog or Chaturanga until you’re pain-free. You might be tempted, but trust us — it’s not worth the setback.

Even 10–15 minutes of yoga a day can speed up your recovery while improving overall joint health.

tennis elbow home remedies

Tennis Elbow Treatment at Home: Heat, Rest, and Oils

So you’ve got your tennis elbow exercises and maybe even tried a bit of yoga for tennis elbow — but what about those quiet moments at home when the ache just won’t go away?

The good news is, you can absolutely build an effective tennis elbow treatment at home routine. You don’t need fancy gadgets or expensive therapies — just consistency, a few smart tools, and a little bit of patience (OK, sometimes a lot of patience).

Here’s how to build your home healing toolkit:

  • Warm compress therapy: Use a warm (not hot) heating pad or warm towel wrapped around the elbow for 10–15 minutes. This increases blood flow and can ease stiff tendons. Do this before exercise or stretches to loosen things up.

  • Essential oils & Ayurvedic oils: Oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, or Ayurvedic ones like Mahanarayan oil (mentioned earlier) can be massaged into the area to relieve inflammation. Pro tip: mix with a carrier oil like sesame or coconut to avoid skin irritation.

  • Bracing & support: An elbow strap or brace can help offload tension from the injured tendon. But don’t rely on it forever — think of it as a training wheel, not a long-term fix.

  • Ergonomic changes: Tiny adjustments to your workstation can make a huge difference. Use a wrist rest, lower your keyboard, or try voice dictation tools to reduce typing.

And lastly: sleep. It might not sound sexy or like a "treatment of tennis elbow," but your body does its best repair work when you’re catching those Zs. If your sleep setup isn’t comfortable, your healing may be slowed without you even realizing it.

Conclusion

So, is tennis elbow curable? Yes — absolutely. But like many things in life, the solution isn’t one-size-fits-all. What works for one person may not work for another. Still, the combination of tennis elbow Ayurvedic treatment, smart tennis elbow home remedies, targeted exercises for tennis elbow, and even a little yoga can make a world of difference.

Whether you’re deep into recovery or just starting to notice symptoms, there’s hope. You can treat it naturally. You can feel better. And hey — maybe you’ll even come out stronger than before.

Take it slow. Listen to your body. Be consistent. And don’t forget to celebrate those small wins — fewer pain days, better range of motion, or just the fact that you made it through a whole workday without discomfort. That counts.

FAQs

What is the fastest way to cure tennis elbow?
There’s no “magic bullet,” but the fastest route to healing involves rest, ice or warm compresses, gentle tennis elbow exercises, and reducing the movements that caused it. Adding in Ayurvedic treatments and yoga can speed recovery by improving blood flow and reducing inflammation.

What to eat to cure tennis elbow?
Focus on anti-inflammatory foods: turmeric, leafy greens, berries, ginger, fatty fish (like salmon), nuts, and seeds. Stay hydrated and reduce processed sugar and fried foods — they worsen inflammation.

Does tennis elbow ever go away?
Yep. In most cases, with the right care, it goes away in a few weeks to a few months. Chronic cases might take longer, but natural remedies and therapies can significantly help manage — and even eliminate — symptoms.


If you found this guide helpful, share it with a friend or family member who's been dealing with nagging elbow pain. And don’t forget to bookmark this page — healing isn’t a one-day thing. Come back, re-read, and keep working through the steps.

Your elbow will thank you later 💪

 

This article is checked by the current qualified Dr Sujal Patil and can be considered a reliable source of information for users of the site.

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Questions from users
What are some specific tennis elbow exercises I can try at home to get started?
Wyatt
22 days ago
You can start with some simple exercises, like wrist curls and extensions. Just use a light dumbbell or even a can of soup! Also, try a gentle wrist turn — hold a light weight and rotate your wrist back and forth. Another one is squeezing a stress ball to strengthen those muscles. But, listen to your body—if it hurts too much, maybe ease off a bit. Consistency helps but go slow and steady! 😊
How can I incorporate yoga into my routine specifically for tennis elbow relief?
Ryan
17 days ago
For tennis elbow relief with yoga, you can focus on poses like down dog or cat-cow to gently strengthen muscles and stretch. Try wrist stretches in yoga, but be gentle, don't push too hard. Remember it takes time, keep practicing regularly, and listen to your body. If something feels off, pause, and maybe see a professional.
What specific yoga poses are recommended for relieving tennis elbow symptoms?
Logan
12 days ago
For tennis elbow, try yoga poses like Warrior II. It helps strengthen the muscles around the elbow and ease tension. Another one is the Eagle Arms pose – it's gentle on the elbow and can improve flexibility. Remember, just don't push it too hard, listen to your body. If it hurts, give it a break.
What should I do if the exercises make my tennis elbow pain worse instead of better?
Charlotte
7 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
5 days ago
If exercises make your tennis elbow pain worse, it's a sign to stop and reassess, not push through. Rest is crucial, and maybe focus on gentle activities like yoga, which can help without the intensity. Ayurvedically, soothing the vata dosha could help too—think warm compresses or herbal oils. If it continues, consulting a specialist is best!
What are some effective natural remedies for managing chronic tennis elbow pain?
Sebastian
2 days ago
Dr. Anirudh Deshmukh
15 hours ago
For chronic tennis elbow pain, warm compress therapy is great—use a heating pad or warm towel for 10-15 mins. But also try gentle stretching and Ayurvedic oils like Ashwagandha or Mahanarayan oil for massage. Keep an eye on aggravating activities to manage your body’s limits. Even natural can take time, so keep at it!
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