Treat Your Tennis Elbow With Acupuncture.
Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is not only a sports injury.
It is a painful inflammation of the tendons on the outer part of the elbow( the epicondyle), usually caused by overuse.
It is commonly called Tennis Elbow because very often tennis players acquire the condition due to the repetitive action of hitting the ball in a certain way.
However, 95% of patients get it from other occupations such as painting, constructing, or simply computer use & house cleaning.
It is an overuse injury also seen in golf or cricket players, mountain climbers or weight lifters.
Treatment for tennis elbow includes ice/heat application, stretching and strengthening exercises, therapeutic ultrasound, manual manipulation and replacement of the elbow joint.
While all therapies are aimed at largely suppressing the symptoms, Acupuncture has tremendous healing potential.
What are the Symptoms Of Tennis Elbow?
The typical symptom is radiating pain from the outside of their elbow down to the wrist ,there is a problem in lifting and gripping or twisting actions.
The condition commences with slight pain in the elbow and forearm.
Most patients resort to applying heat or taking pain relieving medicines.
The pain disappears quickly, but over time, it damages the tendons and the pain becomes chronic.
If early signs are ignored, the pain becomes persistent and damage becomes serious.
Lastly, it will decrease strength in gripping items in their hands, and point tenderness over the lateral epicondyle.
Other symptoms are swelling, weakness and low range of movement.
What is Acupuncture?
At Goodwill Therapy & Massage, we often practice acupuncture as an effective technique to relieve pain and enhance muscle function for various conditions besides lateral epicondylitis.
Our therapists are specially trained and licensed to perform this treatment.
It involves the insertion of several ultra-thin disposable needles into the skin/tissue in many specific areas on the body at a shallow depth.
These needles target nerves & trigger points. It stimulates glands to release natural pain relieving hormones, called endorphins.
This Chinese Therapy is aimed at bringing about a biomechanical balance, allowing the body to heal on its own, besides giving relief from pain and stiffness.
The treatments last for ten to twenty minutes. it is not painful, might just cause a little discomfort though.
Acupuncture combined with physiotherapy is highly effective in treating tennis elbow, low back pain, rotator cuff injury, shin splints etc.
Frequently Asked Question on Acupressure – FAQs
Does Acupuncture For Tennis Elbow Cause Pain?
Acupuncture is generally painless, although it might cause mild discomfort even after the first needle pricks , beyond the initial brief ‘pricking’ sensation (similar to a mosquito bite).
Other less common sensations can include a dull ache, pressure, tingling, numbness or heaviness.
How Many Treatment Sessions Will be Required?
Acupuncture commonly provides relief after a minimum of 3 sessions, although it also depends upon individual cases.
Our trained therapists at Goodwill will decide about it after consultation with the patients how he/she is feeling.
Is There Any Risk Associated With It?
Though acupuncture is considered an extremely safe treatment modality, it may have certain side effects, though less common.
In the beginning, some patients feel an increase in pain, tenderness at insertion sites, a dull ache, tingling, heaviness, fatigue or dizziness.
How Does Acupuncture Heal Tennis Elbow?
It effectively treats tennis elbow by allowing your body’s natural energy to start flowing freely throughout it.
According to the Chinese Medical perspective, super energy flows in the body in channels or pathways.
Whenever there is a blockage in these pathways, disorders and pain occur.
This is the principle on which tendonitis or lateral epicondylitis is treated.
What Other Types of Physiotherapies Help in LE?
Physical therapists help in reducing pain with :
- transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
- ultrasound & laser therapy
- stretching & strengthening workouts
- bracing
Lastly,
Work-related upper body disorders are a common issue among working populations in western countries.
Lateral epicondylitis is the most common type of soft tissue syndrome of the elbow.
Acupuncture combined with massage is very effective for the treatment of tennis elbow.