Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

How acupuncture may help to relieve forearm and elbow pain. 

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

If you are experiencing pain in your forearm or elbow when undertaking daily tasks like carrying shopping bags or working out at the gym, you may be suffering from tennis elbow.  As a modern branch of sports acupuncture, acupuncture for tennis elbow may assist in managing pain and inflammation in the forearm and elbow.  

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is a condition that can occur when tendons in the arm are strained, often due to overuse or repetitive motion.  There are tendons in your arm that attach the forearm to the elbow and if these tendons become strained, small tears can appear which can cause pain, inflammation and have a negative impact on grip strength. Tennis elbow pain can often be experienced as a sharp pain on the outside of the forearm, when gripping or releasing grip of an object. 

What type of activities can lead to Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is a condition that can arise due to a range of reasons such as:

  • Playing sports that involve repetitive movement involving the arm and wrist such as tennis, squash or weightlifting.  
  • Occupations that involve a high rate of repetitive movement such as plumbing or carpentry. 
  • Lifting heavy items with improper technique 
  • Sustaining an elbow injury which may cause tendon damage. 
  • Advancing in age – as we get older the flexibility in our tendons can reduce. 

How acupuncture may be beneficial if you are experiencing tennis elbow pain.

If you are experiencing pain from tennis elbow, acupuncture therapy may be beneficial to help you manage symptoms and address any underlying issues which may be contributing to the pain.  

Acupuncture is a holistic and natural therapy that may provide an alternative to surgery or injections.  Acupuncture is a key pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine which is an ancient form of healthcare with key philosophies based on keeping the body in balance, maximising energy flow and identifying underlying issues that may be causing pain and imbalance

Potential benefits of acupuncture therapy for tennis elbow pain may include:

Reducing pain and inflammation – acupuncture may provide pain relief by promoting the release of pain-relieving endorphins within the body. 

Improving blood flow – by inserting acupuncture needles in specific areas of the arm acupuncture may promote an increase in blood flow.  

Improving flexibility and movement of the elbow joint – by focusing on specific areas of the elbow and forearm, acupuncture may reduce tension, ease stiffness  and restore motion in the forearm and wrist. 

Identifying underlying issues – acupuncture focuses on identifying and treating any underlying issues that may be contributing to tennis below pain. 

Complementary treatment – acupuncture can work alongside western medicine treatments and may enhance outcomes.

What research is available about the effectiveness of acupuncture for tennis elbow?

A 2020 study concluded that ‘acupuncture appears to be superior to drug or blocking therapy or sham acupuncture therapy’ for tennis elbow. However further research is required to prove the efficacy of acupuncture for treating lateral epicondylitis.’

Acupuncture for tennis elbow, a natural and holistic therapy to consider

If you are experiencing forearm or elbow pain and are looking for a natural therapy alternative to surgery, acupuncture for tennis elbow is something to consider.

To find out more about Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow call us at the clinic:

0403 524 893