Is heat or cold better for tennis elbow?

Cold: Rice = rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Tendinitis results from a muscle strain, micro-tears from over use. Use ice wraps or ice massage regularly to relieve discomfort. Stretch multiple times a day. As it heals then add strengthening (therabar is excellent). Also consider a restraint band to limit over use as it's healing, but don't use long term. Finally, improve tennis stroke mechanics.

Heat: Initially heat, then rest it. Don't overuse elbow until pain gone.

Rest & ice are best: Tennis elbow is inflammation of the tendons in the elbow or tendonitis. This usually improves with rest and ice. Once the condition settles down, doing exercises to strengthen the forearm will help decrease the strain on the tendons and help prevent the condition from recurring.