Working through pain? You don’t have to.
If you’re a tradie, pain comes with the job — or so you’ve been told. You lift, twist, hammer, and carry, and sometimes that sharp ache on the outside of your elbow feels like just another part of the day.
But when the pain lingers, worsens, or stops you from doing your job properly, it’s not something to ignore. That persistent elbow pain could be tennis elbow — and left untreated, it can sideline you for longer than you think.
The good news? You don’t have to grit your teeth and push through. With the right workcover physio support, you can recover on the job — and get back to doing what you do best, safely and confidently.
What is Tennis Elbow — and Why It’s So Common in Tradies
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons in your forearm, right near the elbow. Despite the name, you don’t need a tennis racquet to get it — repetitive gripping, lifting, and twisting motions are often the real culprits.
For tradespeople, that includes:
- Using hand tools like screwdrivers or wrenches
- Carrying heavy loads
- Operating drills or jackhammers
- Repeating the same wrist and arm movements all day
Common symptoms include:
- A sharp or aching pain on the outer part of the elbow
- Pain when gripping, lifting, or twisting
- Reduced grip strength
- Difficulty completing tasks that were once easy
Over time, the pain can extend into the forearm and make even simple tasks — like turning a door handle or holding a coffee cup — difficult.
Tennis elbow is commonly seen in manual workers and those with repetitive upper limb movements.
Read more: Better Health Channel – Tennis Elbow
How WorkCover Physio Helps Tradies Stay on the Tools
You don’t need to be off work for months to recover. Physiotherapy under WorkCover is designed to help you manage pain, regain strength, and stay at work where possible — even if that means lighter duties to start.
Here’s how physio rehab under WorkCover supports your recovery:
- Tailored treatment: Your rehab plan is based on the physical demands of your trade — not a generic protocol.
- Stay working (safely): If your job allows, your physiotherapist can help you stay on the tools with modified duties.
- Less stress, more support: We’ll liaise with your GP, WorkCover case manager, and employer so you’re not doing it alone.
- Faster return to full duties: Research shows that early, appropriate rehab supports better outcomes and less time off long-term.
WorkCover physio services are focused on early intervention, injury management, and return to work support.
Learn more: WorkSafe QLD – Return to Work
What to Expect in a Physio Rehab Plan
Your rehab journey will begin with a full assessment to understand the severity of your symptoms and how your job tasks may be contributing to the problem.
A typical treatment plan may include:
✔️ Manual Therapy
To reduce pain, release tight muscles, and improve movement.
✔️ Exercise-Based Rehab
- Eccentric strengthening exercises for the wrist and forearm
- Grip strengthening drills
- Shoulder and postural control exercises to reduce strain on the elbow
✔️ Load Management
We’ll help you adjust how you lift or carry — not just in the clinic, but at work too.
✔️ Bracing or Taping
Short-term use of elbow braces may reduce strain during specific tasks.
✔️ Education
We’ll help you understand your injury, avoid re-injury, and feel more in control of your recovery.
What You Might Be Wondering About WorkCover Physio
One of the most common concerns we hear from tradies is whether they’ll need to stop working while getting physio.
In many cases, the answer is no. With the right modifications and support, you can often stay on the job while your treatment plan helps reduce pain and restore strength. Recovery time can vary depending on how long symptoms have been present, but most people notice improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of consistent physio rehab.
And while WorkCover physio includes all the standard hands-on treatment — like manual therapy and exercise programs — it also comes with additional support. That means help with return-to-work planning, communication with your GP and insurer, and guidance that fits the physical demands of your trade.
Don’t Let Elbow Pain Rule Your Workday
If your elbow pain has gone from annoying to debilitating, you don’t have to push through it alone. At Your Story Physio, our workcover physio team understands the physical demands of trade work — and we’ll work with you to build a recovery plan that makes sense for your job, your lifestyle, and your goals.
Whether it’s getting back to full duties or simply being able to lift your morning coffee without wincing, we’re here to help write a better chapter in your recovery story.
Book a WorkCover physiotherapy appointment today — and start your journey to recovery with a team that gets what your job demands.
