Conditions we diagnose and treat

Tennis Elbow Treatment in London

Available at LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London, Harrow (HA2 7SJ).

Tennis elbow, also called lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy, causes pain on the outside of the elbow.

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GMC / FRCR Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist

It happens when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow are overloaded, usually by repeated gripping, lifting or wrist movements. Despite the name, most people who get it do not play tennis. At LSRI, Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, confirms the diagnosis with ultrasound and offers ultrasound-guided treatment when it is needed.

Why choose LSRI

Consultant-led care from Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist with more than 20 years’ experience.
Diagnosis and ultrasound-guided treatment from the same specialist.
Two clinics: LSRI Harley Street (W1G 9QJ) and LSRI Northwest London in Harrow (HA2 7SJ).
No GP referral needed, and all major insurers accepted.
After Dr Sankaye has reported your scan, you can have a free 5-minute video consultation to go through the results.

Last medically reviewed by Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, on 2 October 2026.

Symptoms of tennis elbow

Pain and tenderness on the bony point on the outside of the elbow
Pain when gripping, lifting a kettle, shaking hands or turning a door handle
Pain that may spread down the forearm
A weaker grip

How we diagnose tennis elbow

Tennis elbow is usually diagnosed from your symptoms and examination. Ultrasound shows the tendon in detail: whether it is thickened, whether there are small tears, and whether there are new blood vessels, which are a sign of an active tendinopathy. It also helps rule out other causes of elbow pain. MRI may be used if symptoms are severe or not settling.

What to expect at your appointment

Dr Sankaye reviews your symptoms and examines your elbow.
The tendon is scanned with ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis and see how severe it is.
You discuss the options and the evidence for each.
If you go ahead, the injection is guided by ultrasound to the damaged part of the tendon.
You receive aftercare advice and guidance on returning to activity.

Treatment options

Most cases improve over time with rest from aggravating activities, a structured strengthening programme and, for some people, a forearm brace. When pain persists, options at LSRI include:

PRP (platelet-rich plasma): uses a concentrate from your own blood and is often considered for longer-standing tennis elbow. Improvement is gradual, over weeks to months.
Steroid injection: can ease pain in the short term, but studies show pain is more likely to return in the longer term, so it is used selectively.
Ultrasound-guided needling: may be combined with an injection to encourage the tendon to heal. See our tendon injections page.

Whatever treatment you choose, a strengthening programme, ideally with a physiotherapist, is key to long-term recovery.

Questions about tennis elbow

How long does tennis elbow last?

It often lasts several months and can go on for a year or more. Most people recover in time, and treatment aims to speed this up.

PRP or steroid: which is better?

Steroid tends to help faster but for a shorter time. PRP works more slowly and may give longer-lasting benefit for some people. Dr Sankaye will talk through which suits your scan findings and goals.

What about golfer's elbow?

Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is diagnosed and treated in a similar way.

Can I keep working?

Usually, yes, though you may need to change how you grip or lift for a while.

Our clinics

Two clinics, one team

Dr Prashant Sankaye, Consultant MSK Radiologist, sees patients at Harley Street in central London and at our Northwest London clinic in Harrow. Call one number to book at either clinic.