Tennis Elbow Treatment in Dubai
From structured physiotherapy and ultrasound guided PRP injection to arthroscopic release, Dr. Usama Hassan Saleh provides a complete treatment pathway for lateral epicondylitis at Medcare MOSH, Sheikh Zayed Road.
Specialist Elbow Tendon Care, From Diagnosis to Recovery
Dr. Usama Hassan Saleh is a fellowship trained orthopedic, trauma, and sports injury surgeon with advanced experience in elbow tendon conditions, PRP therapy, and arthroscopic elbow procedures.
Dr. Usama Hassan Saleh, MD, PhD, MRCS UK. Egyptian Board Certified, Arab Board Certified. Fellowship in Orthopedic Surgery, University of Toronto, Canada.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow is degeneration and micro tearing of the extensor carpi radialis brevis tendon where it attaches to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outer elbow.
The injury begins at the ECRB tendon attachment.
Repeated wrist extension and forearm rotation create micro tears that accumulate faster than the tendon can repair.
Repetitive Forearm Loading
Most patients are not tennis players.
Less than 5% of cases occur in tennis players. The condition commonly affects adults aged 30 to 60 in manual trades, office work, cooking, racket sports, and repetitive gripping activities.
Symptoms of Tennis Elbow
Symptoms usually develop gradually and are felt on the outer side of the elbow and along the forearm.
Outer Elbow Pain
Pain often begins directly over the outer elbow before travelling along the upper forearm.
Outer Elbow Pain
A dull ache or burning sensation over the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow, usually worsening with activity.
Forearm Pain on Gripping
Pain radiating down the forearm when gripping objects, shaking hands, or turning a door handle.
Weak Grip Strength
Difficulty holding cups, tools, or a racket, with weakness worsening through the day or during repetitive use.
Pain on Wrist Extension
Pain triggered by extending the wrist against resistance, a hallmark sign used during clinical diagnosis.
Morning Stiffness
Stiffness and aching on waking that eases with gentle movement but often returns once repetitive activity resumes.
Causes and Risk Factors
Tennis elbow usually develops when repetitive wrist and forearm loading exceeds the tendon's ability to recover.
Common Causes
- Repetitive wrist extension under loadCommon in plumbing, carpentry, painting, and other manual trades.
- Racket sports with poor backhand techniqueThe leading sports related trigger, particularly in recreational players.
- Keyboard and mouse overuseSustained forearm extension is increasingly common in Dubai's professional population.
- Prolonged grippingRepeated use of tools, scissors, or cooking equipment without adequate rest.
- Sudden increase in activity loadReturning to sport too quickly or dramatically increasing training volume.
Risk Factors
How Tennis Elbow Is Diagnosed
Dr. Usama diagnoses tennis elbow through a focused clinical examination, using imaging to confirm severity, identify partial tears, or rule out other elbow pathology.
Point tenderness, grip strength, and range of motion
Dr. Usama palpates the lateral epicondyle to locate the exact pain point, then assesses grip strength and elbow movement to establish the functional impact.
Resisted wrist extension
The patient resists wrist extension while the forearm is pronated. Reproduction of pain at the lateral epicondyle supports the diagnosis in most cases.
Passive stretch of the wrist extensors
The examiner stretches the wrist extensor tendon group. Reproduction of pain at the lateral epicondyle is considered a positive finding.
Tendon thickening, structural change, and partial tears
Diagnostic ultrasound is the preferred first line imaging tool. It can confirm tendon thickening, hypoechoic change, and partial tears, and is available at Medcare MOSH Dubai.
Alternative or associated elbow pathology
MRI is reserved for diagnostic uncertainty, persistent symptoms, or when radial tunnel syndrome, loose bodies, or articular pathology must be excluded.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Many cases improve with early activity modification. Persistent weakness, night pain, neurological symptoms, or severe restriction require specialist assessment.
Book an Appointment If
- Pain persists beyond 6 weeks despite rest and over the counter anti inflammatory medication.
- Grip strength is reduced enough to affect opening jars, carrying bags, or holding tools.
- Pain wakes you at night, which may indicate a structural tear.
- Numbness or tingling travels from the elbow into the hand.
- Pain began suddenly after a specific incident rather than gradually.
- There is swelling, bruising, or visible deformity around the elbow.
Do Not Wait If
- You cannot flex or extend the elbow more than 30 degrees.
- Pain is severe, constant, and not relieved by any position.
- You have received repeated cortisone injections with no lasting improvement.
Tennis Elbow Treatment Options in Dubai
Dr. Usama starts with the least invasive option appropriate for the stage and severity of the tendon problem, then progresses only when recovery milestones are not achieved.
Conservative Management
The initial phase reduces repetitive tendon overload while restoring strength through a structured rehabilitation plan.
Activity Modification
Identify and remove the repetitive movement driving tendon overload.
Counterforce Brace
Worn below the elbow to reduce stress on the ECRB tendon attachment.
Eccentric Physiotherapy
Progressive tendon loading designed to stimulate repair and rebuild tolerance.
Flare Control
Ice and NSAIDs may be used for acute symptoms, not as a long-term solution.
Ergonomic Review
Workstation, equipment, gripping technique, and manual tasks are reviewed for desk workers and tradespeople.
Injection Therapy
Injection treatment is selected according to symptom duration, ultrasound findings, tendon condition, and the patient’s recovery goals.
Ultrasound-Guided PRP
Uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to support genuine tendon repair.
Corticosteroid Injection
Can provide rapid short-term pain relief but does not repair the tendon and is used selectively.
Prolotherapy
Uses dextrose injection to stimulate a controlled healing response in selected cases.
Arthroscopic Release
Arthroscopic lateral epicondyle release removes degenerative tendon tissue at the ECRB origin through keyhole technique. Most patients go home the same day, with full recovery taking approximately 4 to 6 months alongside physiotherapy.
How treatment may progress
Timing varies according to tendon severity, symptom duration, functional requirements, and response to each stage.
Rest, Brace and NSAIDs
No procedural risk and widely accessible.
Physiotherapy and Eccentric Loading
Addresses the root cause through tendon loading.
Ultrasound-Guided PRP
Supports genuine tissue repair and longer-term outcomes.
Corticosteroid Injection
Rapid short-term pain relief.
Arthroscopic Lateral Release
More than 90% success when correctly indicated.
Tennis Elbow Exercises
Begin only after acute pain has settled. These exercises should complement a professional physiotherapy assessment and should not be pushed through sharp or worsening pain.
Eccentric Wrist Extension
Use the other hand to lift the wrist, then lower slowly with the affected forearm over 3 to 5 seconds.
Wrist Extensor Stretch
Extend the arm with the palm down and gently bend the wrist until a stretch is felt along the forearm.
Towel Twist
Hold a rolled towel with both hands and twist in opposite directions as if wringing out water.
Pronation and Supination
Hold a light hammer at the handle end and rotate slowly from palm up to palm down.
Grip Strengthening
Squeeze a soft rehabilitation ball for 5 seconds and release for 5 seconds once wrist extension pain has reduced.
Complications if Tennis Elbow Is Left Untreated
When the activity driving overload is not corrected, the tendon may progress from a manageable early problem to long standing degeneration and functional weakness.
Chronic Tendinopathy
The tendon shifts from an early reactive state to structural degeneration, making conservative treatment slower and less predictable.
Partial or Full Tendon Rupture
Repeated micro tears, especially after multiple cortisone injections, can weaken the tendon enough to require surgical repair.
Compensatory Injury
Working through pain may create secondary strain in the wrist, shoulder, or neck as movement patterns change.
Permanent Grip Weakness
Prolonged tendon damage or nerve irritation may leave chronic grip weakness even after pain improves.
Nerve Entrapment
Radial tunnel syndrome can develop alongside tennis elbow and requires a separate clinical assessment.
A Conservative First Elbow Treatment Philosophy
Dr. Usama combines fellowship trained orthopedic judgment, ultrasound guided biological treatment, and access to arthroscopic surgery when conservative care has been fully explored.
Fellowship Trained Orthopedic Expertise
Advanced training to distinguish tendinopathy from partial tears, nerve involvement, or joint pathology.
Surgery Only as a Last Resort
More than 90% of tennis elbow patients improve without surgery through structured conservative and injection management.
Ultrasound Guided PRP
PRP is delivered under real time ultrasound guidance for precise placement within the diseased tendon zone.
Full Spectrum Treatment
One team manages physiotherapy, brace fitting, PRP, and arthroscopic lateral release when required.
Insurance Coordination
Medcare MOSH supports pre authorization coordination across major UAE insurers before treatment begins.
23 Years in Dubai and the UAE
High volume experience across tennis elbow, golfer's elbow, stiffness, and nerve entrapment.
Tennis Elbow Treatment Near You
Dubai's tennis and padel courts, CrossFit communities, manual occupations, and desk based professions make lateral epicondylitis a common presentation at Medcare MOSH.
Areas We Serve
Whether you play tennis in Dubai, train in Business Bay, or work long hours at a keyboard in DIFC, repetitive forearm loading can create the same tendon problem.
Real Patients, Real Recovery: ACL & Meniscus Success Stories
Discover firsthand accounts of recovery, joint stability, and return to competitive sports in Dubai.
"I ruptured my ACL playing football in Dubai. Dr. Usama performed ACL reconstruction and designed my rehabilitation. I was back playing competitive football at 10 months."
"I had a complex meniscal tear with a bucket-handle component locking my knee. Dr. Usama performed same-day arthroscopic repair, prioritising preserving tissue. Back running at 5 months."
"Combined ACL and medial meniscal tear from a skiing accident. Dr. Usama addressed both in the same operation, explained every step clearly. Back skiing at 12 months."
"As a padel player, knee stability is everything. Dr. Usama diagnosed my partial ACL tear and managed it conservatively with PRP and targeted physio. My knee feels incredibly stable now."
"Dr. Usama is the most transparent surgeon in Dubai. He reviewed my knee MRI, explained the lateral meniscus split, and performed a perfect arthroscopic repair. Highly recommended."
"Severe joint line pain for months was misdiagnosed as a sprain elsewhere. Dr. Usama immediately identified the posterior horn meniscus tear. Partial meniscectomy solved it. Pain-free in 6 weeks."
"Highly professional team at Medcare MOSH. Dr. Usama repaired my torn ACL using a patellar tendon graft. The early stability is amazing, and my recovery is ahead of schedule."
"I had chronic knee giving-way episodes due to an old untreated ACL injury. Dr. Usama reconstructed the ligament and saved my cartilage from further tearing. Absolute expert."
"I ruptured my ACL playing football in Dubai. Dr. Usama performed ACL reconstruction and designed my rehabilitation. I was back playing competitive football at 10 months."
"I had a complex meniscal tear with a bucket-handle component locking my knee. Dr. Usama performed same-day arthroscopic repair, prioritising preserving tissue. Back running at 5 months."
"Combined ACL and medial meniscal tear from a skiing accident. Dr. Usama addressed both in the same operation, explained every step clearly. Back skiing at 12 months."
"As a padel player, knee stability is everything. Dr. Usama diagnosed my partial ACL tear and managed it conservatively with PRP and targeted physio. My knee feels incredibly stable now."
"Dr. Usama is the most transparent surgeon in Dubai. He reviewed my knee MRI, explained the lateral meniscus split, and performed a perfect arthroscopic repair. Highly recommended."
"Severe joint line pain for months was misdiagnosed as a sprain elsewhere. Dr. Usama immediately identified the posterior horn meniscus tear. Partial meniscectomy solved it. Pain-free in 6 weeks."
"Highly professional team at Medcare MOSH. Dr. Usama repaired my torn ACL using a patellar tendon graft. The early stability is amazing, and my recovery is ahead of schedule."
"I had chronic knee giving-way episodes due to an old untreated ACL injury. Dr. Usama reconstructed the ligament and saved my cartilage from further tearing. Absolute expert."
"My teenage son suffered an ACL avulsion fracture. Dr. Usama explained everything to us clearly and performed a highly successful arthroscopic fixation. His recovery has been fantastic."
"I had a degenerative meniscus tear at age 48. Dr. Usama guided me through a structured 6-week non-surgical pre-hab program instead of rushing into surgery. The results are flawless."
"After a bad tackle in rugby, my knee swelled rapidly with extreme pain. Dr. Usama's urgent assessment and subsequent multi-ligament surgery saved my seasonal training program. Infinite thanks."
"Dr. Usama prioritised repairing my lateral meniscus instead of a quick meniscectomy. Preserving the cartilage protects my knee from future arthritis. A truly ethical and master surgeon."
"The same-day arthroscopic surgery at Medcare MOSH was exceptionally smooth. Dr. Usama and the femoral nerve block made post-op pain management incredibly easy. Outstanding care."
"I flew from Oman specifically to see Dr. Usama for a re-ruptured ACL. His anatomic tunnel reconstruction technique fixed my chronic buckling joint. The best knee specialist near me."
"I had severe knee locking from a complex bucket-handle meniscus tear. Dr. Usama adjusted his schedule for an urgent arthroscopic reduction. He completely saved my joint functionality."
"Six weeks of pre-hab recommended by Dr. Usama made a world of difference. I entered ACL surgery strong and my quad strength post-reconstruction returned faster than expected."
"My teenage son suffered an ACL avulsion fracture. Dr. Usama explained everything to us clearly and performed a highly successful arthroscopic fixation. His recovery has been fantastic."
"I had a degenerative meniscus tear at age 48. Dr. Usama guided me through a structured 6-week non-surgical pre-hab program instead of rushing into surgery. The results are flawless."
"After a bad tackle in rugby, my knee swelled rapidly with extreme pain. Dr. Usama's urgent assessment and subsequent multi-ligament surgery saved my seasonal training program. Infinite thanks."
"Dr. Usama prioritised repairing my lateral meniscus instead of a quick meniscectomy. Preserving the cartilage protects my knee from future arthritis. A truly ethical and master surgeon."
"The same-day arthroscopic surgery at Medcare MOSH was exceptionally smooth. Dr. Usama and the femoral nerve block made post-op pain management incredibly easy. Outstanding care."
"I flew from Oman specifically to see Dr. Usama for a re-ruptured ACL. His anatomic tunnel reconstruction technique fixed my chronic buckling joint. The best knee specialist near me."
"I had severe knee locking from a complex bucket-handle meniscus tear. Dr. Usama adjusted his schedule for an urgent arthroscopic reduction. He completely saved my joint functionality."
"Six weeks of pre-hab recommended by Dr. Usama made a world of difference. I entered ACL surgery strong and my quad strength post-reconstruction returned faster than expected."
Frequently asked questions
Need something cleared up? Here are our most frequently asked questions.
Related Conditions and Treatments
Explore related elbow, shoulder, and rehabilitation services provided within Dr. Usama’s specialist upper-limb and sports orthopaedic practice in Dubai.
Shoulder Treatment Hub
Hub for all shoulder and elbow conditions and procedures.
Explore the treatment hub
Runners Kenn Shin Splints
Medial epicondylitis is the inner-elbow counterpart to tennis elbow.
Joint Stabilization
Arthroscopic lateral release for tennis elbow that has failed conservative treatment.
Shoulder Arthroscopy
Sibling procedure page for arthroscopic shoulder surgery.
Labral Tear
Physiotherapy for tennis elbow and other sports-related tendon injuries.
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