Treating Tennis Elbow Naturally: 5 Tips

Today we recommend various simple home remedies that can relieve pain. In milder cases, these natural therapies may be sufficient. Still, get a medical check-up and advice. 

Many tennis players suffer from this injury during their career, which is why it is colloquially referred to as a  tennis elbow. In technical terms, this painful overloading of the tendons is known as epicondylitis.

The overload causes pressure pain on the outer elbow, and the joint can then no longer be fully extended. Recurring movements are responsible for this. Often the work on the computer is responsible for this. Musicians (for example violinists) and athletes (tennis players, rowers …) also often suffer from it.

Depending on the intensity of the pain and the extent of the overload, different treatment methods can help: Resting, cold compresses, special bandages or medication and physiotherapy are used very often. Surgery is also required in some cases. 

Home remedies for tennis elbow

Today we recommend several simple home remedies that can relieve pain. In milder cases, these natural therapies may be sufficient. Still, get a medical check-up and advice.

1. Ginger wrap

Ginger has many properties that naturopathy makes use of. It has a strong anti-inflammatory effect and can therefore also help with a tennis elbow. 

ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of grated ginger
• Cotton bandage
• 200 ml of hot water

application

• Grate the ginger and place it in the cloth, which you then soak in hot water for a few minutes.
• Then you let this compress cool down and let it work on the painful area for 15 minutes.
• Repeat this treatment until you get relief.

2. Hydrotherapy

Alternating hot and cold water can reduce swelling, increase blood flow, and relieve pain.

ingredients

• Container with warm water
• Container with cold water

application

• Soak the painful area alternately in warm and cold water for about a minute at a time.
• Do this treatment for about half an hour.

3. Turmeric

Turmeric contains the active ingredient curcumin, which has a strong anti-inflammatory effect. You can use it to relieve pain and promote healing. 

ingredients

• 1 tablespoon turmeric powder
• 250 ml milk
• 0.5 tablespoons of honey

application

• Mix all ingredients and heat gently.
• Drink this home remedy every morning and evening for at least a week.

4. St. John’s wort

St. John’s wort is often recommended for depression. But it also has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. You can use it to make an envelope or take the herb as a tea or in tablet form.

ingredients

• 2 tablespoons of St. John’s wort
• 250 ml of water
• honey or stevia as desired

application

• Brew the herb with warm water and let it steep for a moment.
• Then pour through a sieve to remove the solids.
• Sweeten as desired. Drink two cups of it every day.

5. Garlic wrap

Garlic improves blood circulation and is anti-inflammatory. The sulfur compounds it contains also help with tennis elbow. Even if the smell is unpleasant, the white tuber has many advantages.

ingredients

• 5 cloves of garlic
• towels

application

• Peel and squeeze the garlic cloves.
• Apply the resulting paste to the painful areas and wrap the arm with a towel.
• Let it work for 20 minutes.

In addition, you should keep your arm still and avoid sudden movements. If you cannot relieve your pain with these home remedies, seek treatment from a specialist!