Conclusion
TENNIS ELBOW
Patients seeking healthcare for LET typically described: that they perceived the problem to be a form of damage from a specific activity; that the condition had a substantial impact on their ability to perform daily tasks, sleep, work and pursue hobbies; feeling hesitant to rely on online self-management information without first getting formal healthcare advice; that the common label of ‘Tennis Elbow’ was largely unrelatable for those who do not play sports; and that many of the treatment options they had received from healthcare providers were ineffective and offered false hope. Given uncertainty regarding the clinical and cost-effectiveness of current treatments for LET, this study provides stimulus for clinicians to consider the advice and treatment provided, and whether the messages conveyed reflect the favourable natural history and positive long-term outcome for many.