Acupuncture as Treatment for Tennis Elbows

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese medicine practice that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and promote healing. For tennis elbow and other musculoskeletal conditions, acupuncture can be used as an alternative or complementary therapy to conventional treatments.

What is a tennis elbow?

"Tennis elbow," also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the outer part (lateral) of the elbow. Despite its name, tennis elbow is not limited to tennis players; it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles, such as those involved in gripping and lifting. Tennis elbow is a form of tendinitis, which means it involves inflammation of tendons.

The condition typically occurs due to overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle (a bony prominence on the outer side of the elbow). Activities that can contribute to tennis elbow include not only playing tennis but also activities like gardening, painting, typing, and other repetitive gripping and twisting motions.
Common symptoms of tennis elbow include:

1. Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
2. Weakness in the forearm.
3. Difficulty with gripping objects or shaking hands.
4. Pain that worsens with activities that involve forearm motion.

Tennis elbow can usually be managed with conservative treatments, including rest, ice, over-the-counter pain relievers, physical therapy, acupuncture and the use of braces or splints to support the affected arm. In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. Severe or persistent cases may require surgical intervention.

How does acupuncture help for tennis elbows?

Acupuncture is an alternative or complementary therapy for pain relief in cases of tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis). While its effectiveness varies from person to person, some individuals report experiencing significant pain relief through acupuncture treatment for tennis elbows. Here's how acupuncture provides pain relief:

1. Stimulation of Acupuncture Points: Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin needles into specific acupuncture points on the body. For tennis elbow, the needles may be inserted near the affected area, such as around the elbow or forearm.
2. Pain Modulation: Acupuncture is believed to stimulate the release of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals produced by the body. This can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with tennis elbow.
3. Improved Blood Flow: Acupuncture may promote improved blood circulation in the affected area, which can aid in reducing inflammation and promoting healing.
4. Muscle Relaxation: The insertion of acupuncture needles can help relax the muscles around the elbow and forearm, which may alleviate some of the tension and discomfort associated with tennis elbow.
5. Psychological Benefits: Acupuncture sessions often provide a relaxing and calming experience, which can contribute to a sense of overall well-being and may indirectly help with pain management.

A review conducted in 2005, which analyzed four different studies and was published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, aimed to address the effectiveness of acupuncture for tennis elbows. Within these studies, one of them indicated that acupuncture provided significant relief from pain when compared to a placebo. To be specific, the acupuncture group experienced a reduction in pain of 55.8 percent, while the placebo group saw a decrease of only 15 percent. Another study within the review observed an immediate improvement in symptoms after two weeks with acupuncture but found no notable difference compared to the placebo group after two months. Lastly, a study that compared acupuncture to ultrasound therapy for treating tennis elbow showed no significant distinction between the two treatments. In summary, the conclusion drawn by the authors was that acupuncture could be beneficial for alleviating tennis elbow symptoms, but its effects appeared to be temporary, lasting for a period of 2 to 8 weeks.

At Sydney Acupuncture CBD, we have been able to produce consistently positive results for Tennis elbows with acupuncture. But it's important to note that the effectiveness of acupuncture can vary from person to person, and not everyone with tennis elbow will experience the same level of relief.

Conclusion

If you are considering acupuncture for tennis elbow pain relief, it's crucial to consult with a qualified and licensed acupuncturist and also work in coordination with a healthcare professional, who specializes in musculoskeletal conditions, such as an orthopedic specialist or physical therapist. They can help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may include a combination of therapies, including acupuncture, to address your specific needs and provide the best possible pain relief and healing outcomes.