Have you ever experienced a nagging pain outside or inside of your elbow that just won’t go away? Acupuncture for elbow pain could help.
Whether you’re an avid tennis player, a golf enthusiast, or someone who frequently engages in repetitive arm movements, you might be suffering from tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. This type of elbow pain can be frustrating and sometimes even debilitating. Beyond keeping you from enjoying the sports you love, it can also make doing your everyday activities a painful challenge.
There is good news: Acupuncture offers a natural and effective pain relief for both types of elbow pain.
What are Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) are types of tendinitis – strained and inflamed tendons in the elbow joint.
What’s the common culprit? Overuse and strain on the tendons and muscles of the forearm cause both conditions and lead to inflammation and pain. Despite their names, you don’t have to be a tennis player or golfer to suffer from these conditions. Any repetitive motion—whether it’s painting, typing, or lifting—can lead to these painful issues.
- Tennis Elbow: This condition affects the tendons outside of the elbow. Repetitive motions that involve extending the wrist and fingers, such as swinging a tennis racket, are often the main cause.
- Golfer’s Elbow: This condition affects the tendons inside of the elbow. It’s often associated with repetitive motions that involve gripping or flexing the wrist, such as swinging a golf club.
The Oriental Medicine Perspective
Oriental Medicine views the body as an interconnected system of energy pathways known as meridians. When the energy, or Qi (pronounced “chee”), flows smoothly through these pathways, we are healthy. Pain and disease occur when this flow is disrupted.
From this viewpoint, we can consider both tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow blockages or imbalances in the meridians that run through the arms. These imbalances occur due to overuse, injury, or other factors that can prevent this smooth flow. For instance, a diet high in inflammatory foods can increase inflammation in these tendons and lead to pain, or an anatomical abnormality can put painful pressure on the tendons and nerves in the area.
Modern medicine typically addresses these issues with painkillers, injections, or surgery. But, as Dr. Ko explains, “Surgery is considered the best treatment in modern medicine, but it is the worst treatment from our point of view. If you have surgery, you may be fine for a while, but in many cases the pain comes back. Oriental medicine is the only way to treat both cause and effect at the same time, and it can change damaged Qi(energy) into fresh Qi in the injured area. When this happens, all painful areas become fresh and heals.”
So, how can we fix these imbalances, relieve pain, and restore healthy movement of the elbow and arms for good? With acupuncture.
How Acupuncture Works for Elbow Pain
Acupuncture is a powerful pain relief therapy that works to restore the balance and flow of Qi, reduce inflammation and pain, and promote faster healing.
Acupuncture for tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body. For tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, an acupuncturist might target points around the elbow, as well as other points that influence the flow of Qi through the affected area. Other points may be placed further away to support whole-body healing and comprehensive support of the elbow joint.
Each treatment is individualized to the patient and their unique symptoms. No matter what style of treatment or points used, however, the goal is the same: to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain in the elbow.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow
Acupuncture for tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow is a natural and effective way to get the pain relief you need to get moving pain-free again. Studies show that acupuncture offers a range of benefits for these issues, such as:
- Natural Pain Relief
Acupuncture is known for its analgesic (pain relieving) effects. It stimulates the release of endorphins (the body’s natural painkillers) to provide quick relief from elbow pain without having relying on medications. - Reduced Inflammation
By improving circulation and promoting the flow of Qi, acupuncture can help reduce inflammation and swelling in the tendons and muscles surrounding the painful elbow. - Faster Healing
Acupuncture supports the body’s natural healing processes, which speeds up recovery time and improves the overall function of the elbow. - Non-Invasive Relief
Unlike surgery or injections, acupuncture is a non-invasive treatment with minimal side effects. It’s a safe option for anyone looking for a natural approach to pain relief (even kids!). - A Holistic Approach
TCM and acupuncture treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. This holistic approach can help address underlying issues and imbalances to prevent future pain or injuries in the elbow.
Get Back on the Court or Course Pain-Free with Acupuncture
Elbow pain isn’t just an annoyance – it keeps you from enjoying the sports and activities you love. While tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow can be frustrating to manage, acupuncture offers a natural and effective way to relieve the pain and prevent future elbow issues from striking again.
Are you ready to put an end to irritating elbow pain and get back to your active life? Book your consultation with 120 Acupuncture Clinic in Studio City, Los Angeles or call us at 1-818-980-7979 to find out how Dr. Ko and his team can help you stay in the game.
