Tennis elbow in Dubai and the UAE
Tennis elbow (lateral elbow tendinopathy) causes pain on the outside of the elbow when gripping, lifting or twisting. In the UAE, the rapid growth of padel has made tennis elbow treatment in Dubai a common search, alongside cases from tennis, gym training, desk work and manual jobs.
Padel rackets are solid and heavier than many tennis rackets, and new players often increase playing time quickly, use the wrist more than the body, and play late in the evening after long working days. All of these can overload the tendon.
Conventional options first
| Option | Notes |
|---|---|
| Load management | Reduce or modify play; do not stop all activity |
| Technique and equipment | Coaching, lighter racket, correct grip size |
| Physiotherapy | Progressive tendon-loading exercises — the core treatment |
| Brace or counterforce strap | May reduce pain during activity |
| Pain relief | Topical anti-inflammatory gel, as advised |
| Steroid injection | Short-term relief; may increase recurrence |
| Shockwave therapy | Widely offered in Dubai; evidence mixed |
| Surgery | Rarely needed |
The NHS tennis elbow page gives a clear overview.
Where PRP and regenerative care fit
For tennis elbow lasting more than 6–12 months despite good rehab, PRP is the most studied option. Some randomised trials suggest it gives better long-term relief than steroid injections, while placebo-controlled results are mixed. Cell-based regenerative treatment has been studied in small numbers only and is experimental.
Read our tennis elbow guide.
Who may be a candidate — and who should not
May suit: tendon changes on ultrasound or MRI, pain beyond 6 months, a full course of physiotherapy completed, willingness to follow a rehab program.
Not suitable: pain from nerve entrapment or the neck, elbow arthritis, active infection, platelet or bleeding disorders, active cancer, pregnancy, or a very recent steroid injection in the same spot.
Risks
Pain often increases for a few days after a tendon injection. Infection is rare. Results take weeks to months, and some people do not improve.
Returning to padel
Return is gradual: start with gentle rallies, short sessions and lighter rackets, increasing over weeks as symptoms allow. Your physiotherapist can guide this. Strengthening the shoulder and forearm, and improving technique, helps prevent recurrence.
Travel and entry
Direct flights from Dubai and Abu Dhabi take about 6 hours, and PRP needs little downtime, so treatment fits easily into a short trip. Use a wheeled bag and avoid carrying heavy luggage with the treated arm. Entry rules depend on your passport; check the Thai e-Visa site. See the UAE guide.
Getting your scan
Musculoskeletal ultrasound is widely available in the UAE. Send the report and images on WhatsApp for a free doctor review.
Preventing tennis elbow on the padel court
Prevention is easier than treatment. Practical steps for UAE players:
- Build up gradually: avoid jumping from one game a week to daily play.
- Warm up: include forearm, wrist and shoulder mobility before playing, especially in air-conditioned venues.
- Check your equipment: a lighter racket, correct grip size and a fresh overgrip reduce strain.
- Use your body, not your wrist: coaching on footwork and shoulder rotation reduces load on the forearm.
- Strengthen: regular wrist extensor and grip strengthening exercises, plus shoulder work.
- Respect early pain: reduce play when elbow pain starts rather than playing through it for weeks.
Evening games after long working days, when you are tired and dehydrated, are a common time for overload. Hydrate well, especially in summer when outdoor courts stay hot after sunset.
If pain has lasted more than a few months despite these changes and physiotherapy, ask for an ultrasound to confirm the diagnosis. That scan also helps our doctors decide whether PRP is reasonable or whether another approach would be better.
Follow-up at home
Continue tendon-loading exercises with your physiotherapist and send updates on WhatsApp. The UAE is 3 hours behind Bangkok. See how it works.
Frequently asked questions
Can padel cause tennis elbow?
Yes. Repetitive gripping and wrist extension during padel shots can overload the forearm tendons, especially with poor technique, a heavy racket or a sudden increase in playing time.
How long does tennis elbow take to heal?
Most cases improve within 6 to 12 months with load management and physiotherapy.
Are steroid injections good for tennis elbow?
They can ease pain in the short term, but research suggests a higher chance of recurrence later compared with physiotherapy or waiting.
Does PRP work for tennis elbow?
Evidence is mixed. Some trials suggest better long-term pain relief than steroid injections; placebo-controlled results vary.
How much does tennis elbow treatment in Bangkok cost?
It depends on your scan and plan. Send your ultrasound or MRI on WhatsApp for a personalised program.
Should I wear an elbow strap for padel?
A counterforce strap may reduce pain during play for some people. It does not treat the tendon on its own, so combine it with a loading program.
Is tennis elbow the same as golfer's elbow?
No. Tennis elbow affects the outer elbow tendons; golfer's elbow affects the inner side. Both are tendon overload problems and are treated in similar ways.
This page is general information, not medical advice, and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor. Results vary and no treatment outcome can be guaranteed. We are a patient coordination service and may receive a referral fee from partner medical providers. See our medical disclaimer and referral disclosure.