Acupuncture and epicondylitis (tennis and golf elbow)

 

At Boulder East West Acupuncture we treat all musculoskeletal conditions, but tennis (and golf) elbow is one we see quite often.

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury that occurs when tendons (tissues that attach muscles to bones) become overloaded, leading to inflammation, degeneration and potential tearing. It commonly affects tennis players who grip their racquets too tightly. But anyone can develop this painful condition, medically known as lateral epicondylitis. The condition causes pain at the point where the tendon attaches to the epicondyle.

Acupuncture can help with tennis elbow by reducing inflammation and increasing blood flow to the target area, in this case the outside of the elbow and forearm, relieving pain and restoring mobility and strength. It works by decreasing the hypertonicity of the extensor muscles, and allowing more Qi to flow throughout the body. The blocked energy from tennis elbow builds up too much pressure causing ongoing pain and restriction in flexibility²¹.

If you or someone you know is suffering from tennis elbow schedule an initial consultation to discuss a treatment plan with one of our acupuncturists.

Source: Conversation with Bing, 6/5/2023
(1) An Acupuncturist’s Guide to Treating Tennis Elbow | Acupuncture Today. https://acupuncturetoday.com/article/34354-acupuncturists-guide-to-treating-tennis-elbow.
(2) Can Acupuncture Help with Tennis Elbow? Research Says Yes!. https://acupuncturecontinuingeducation.com/acupuncture-for-tennis-elbow.
(3) Acupuncture therapy for tennis elbow: A protocol for… : Medicine. https://journals.lww.com/md-journal/Fulltext/2021/02050/Acupuncture_therapy_for_tennis_elbow__A_protocol.74.aspx.