Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is painful inflammation of the extensor muscle tendon at the elbow, usually caused by overuse. It’s one of the most common causes of elbow pain—and most people who have it don’t actually play tennis. Symptoms include pain (which may have a burning quality), swelling, and stiffness of the elbow, along with a weak hand grip or difficulty holding objects.

Our acupuncturists work to release overused muscles, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. This is done using needles at the affected elbow, wrist, and hand, as well as acupuncture points farther away from the site to address systemic imbalances. Electroacupuncture (estim) may be applied to affected muscles, and topical herbal plasters can further support healing.

Western Medicine Perspective

Tennis elbow is typically caused by repetitive strain on the muscles that extend the wrist—the muscles along the outside of the forearm. These muscles share a common tendon that connects to the elbow. Repetitive motions can strain this tendon, leading to inflammation, pain, and weakness.

Common Western treatments include rest, ice, compression, stretching and strengthening exercises, physical therapy, OTC pain medications, and shockwave therapy.

Chinese Medicine Perspective

In Chinese Medicine, pain results from stagnation—a blockage in the free flow of qi (energy) and blood. This stagnation causes pressure, leading to pain, inflammation, stiffness, and weakness. Our acupuncturists determine which meridian is affected. In cases of tennis elbow, it's often the Large Intestine meridian.

Points near the elbow and wrist on the Large Intestine meridian are used to move qi, resolve stagnation, and relieve pain. Additional acupuncture points throughout the body may be included to support circulation, reduce inflammation, and promote healing.

Because meridians connect distant areas of the body, symptoms like wrist pain, weak grip, shoulder discomfort, jaw pain, or even constipation can be related to Large Intestine meridian stagnation. Acupuncture restores flow through the meridian to relieve these diverse symptoms.

From an anatomical perspective, acupuncture works to release tension in the extensor muscles of the forearm, easing the pull on the tendon and reducing inflammation. At the same time, treatment can strengthen the opposing muscles—the flexors—to reestablish muscular balance and normalize grip strength.

This dual action—releasing and strengthening—can be accomplished with regular acupuncture or enhanced through e-stim applied to the needles. Needles are inserted at neuromuscular junctions, where the nerve meets the muscle. Stimulating these areas acts like a reset button, helping overly tight muscles relax and underactive muscles reengage.

Acupuncture is also known to reduce systemic inflammation. Points on the arms, legs, and abdomen may be chosen for this purpose. Because no health issue exists in isolation, our acupuncturists assess the entire body, selecting points to address any underlying imbalances contributing to the problem.

Pain along an acupuncture meridian is often accompanied by related symptoms in the associated organ system. Treatment will address not only the elbow pain, but any additional symptoms tied to the Large Intestine meridian.

For ongoing support, your acupuncturist may send you home with an herbal plaster—a topical formula that continuously moves stagnation and helps stop pain between sessions.

Takeaways

Tennis elbow can cause significant elbow pain, stiffness, and grip weakness. Acupuncture treatment targets both local pain and systemic imbalances by unblocking meridian stagnation, reducing inflammation, and supporting muscle recovery. Topical herbal plasters may be used for continued relief at home. This holistic approach helps resolve symptoms and promotes long-term healing.