What is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, a common term for lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow.
This condition can afflict individuals who engage in activities extending beyond tennis, such as painting, cooking, or using a screwdriver. It's not just the movements but also the repetitive overuse of the forearm muscle with improper technique or equipment that contribute to the development of tennis elbow.
If you have pain on the inside of the elbow, you may have Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis.
The Acupuncture Treatment Experience
For those looking to explore this avenue, you'll find the process to be thorough and attuned to your needs. With a combination of specific points, acupuncture aims to reestablish the smooth flow of Qi and blood, reducing inflammation and pain. At our clinic we see patients with Tennis Elbow have reported a 70%-80% improvement within 3 to 5 sessions. More chronic and severe conditions might require additional sessions, but the progress is tangible and promising.
What to Expect During Your Sessions
When you come in for a Tennis Elbow treatment, firstly, we will conduct a comprehensive review of your health history and lifestyle habits. Understanding the body as an interconnected whole is critical in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). To further access your condition and ensure a holistic approach to your treatment, we will perform several diagnostic tests, including tongue diagnosis and abdominal pressure testing, as well as evaluate your range of motion.
Once we've grasped a complete picture of your condition, we will tailor a personalized treatment plan. This plan will involve the careful selection of acupuncture points. Depending on your specific needs, we may also incorporate auxiliary therapies such as cupping, which promotes the circulation of Qi and blood, and Tui Na massage, a form of therapeutic manipulation that relieves tension in the soft tissues and joints. These complementary treatments work synergistically to support your body's natural healing processes and restore balance.
Acupuncture Points for Alleviating Tennis Elbow
TCM identifies several acupuncture points that are effective in treating tennis elbow:
LI-10, LI-11, LI-12, LI-13: These are local points for elbow disorders, especially useful for conditions like tennis elbow where pain can radiate upwards towards the shoulder, or when there is spasms or numbness.
Combinations: The below combinations can also be useful to treat lateral elbow pain.
LU-5 paired with LI-11 is recommended to treat painful contractions of the elbow.
A combination of LI-3, SJ-3, and GB-41 can be utilized to treat pain with limited range of motion.
A combination of LI-5, SI-5, SI-2, SJ-2, and BL-66 can be utilized to treat pain caused by inflammation of the elbow.
Keep in mind that these are general points, and combinations may differ depending on your overall assessment.
Advantages of Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow
Acupuncture offer a non-invasive treatment option for tennis elbow, which may be particularly appealing to many of our patients seeking alternatives to conventional medical treatments, which often involve medication or surgery.
The advantages of using acupuncture for tennis elbow include:
Targeted Pain Relief: Acupuncture provides localized treatment aimed directly at the pain points around the elbow and forearm.
Minimal Side Effects: TCM treatments are known for their minimal side effects when compared to some pharmacological treatments.
Holistic Health Benefits: Apart from addressing the pain, TCM aims to improve overall well-being by balancing Qi throughout the body.
The Chung Acupuncture Commitment
At Chung Acupuncture, we don't just view you as a patient, but as a partner on your journey to well-being. We're here to offer guidance, support, and the wisdom of TCM to those affected by tennis elbow. Uncertain about what lies ahead? That's perfectly natural. Consider booking a free consultation with us. This is your chance to discuss your unique condition and determine whether TCM is the right choice for you.
Reach out to us or book your free consultation now. Let's work together to ease your pain and get you back into the swing of life.
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