Acupuncture For Tennis Elbow

What is Tennis Elbow?

“Tennis Elbow” is a repetitive stress injury which causes adhesion and eventually tiny tears in the tendon. Acute (early onset) may be diagnosed as “Tendonitis” whereas “Tendonosis” diagnosis refers to chronic (long-term) trauma of repetitive, overuse activity. Tendons attach muscle to bone. When adhesions (sounds like “adhesive” because it is sticky like glue) form, they impede the gliding movement of tendon over the bone. Now there is pain!  Pain is felt on the outside of the elbow and is easily treated with acupuncture.

Signs & Symptoms

• Grip weakness
• Outer elbow pain
• Pain travels down forearm
• Dull pain which comes and goes
• Worse with twisting wrist motions, i.e. twisting open a jar lid or door knob

 

Could my Pain be “Golfer’s Elbow?”

 

Who is At Risk for Tennis Elbow?

• Anyone with tight forearm muscles from Overuse
• Tennis/ Racquetball/ Squash players
• Keyboarding/ Mouse use
• Construction workers
• Weight lifters

How to Avoid Tennis Elbow

• Choose a flexible racquet with a large sweet spot (mid-size or over-sized).  This type of racquet is gentle on the forearm because of how it absorbs and spreads out the impact.
• Use proper posture and body mechanics when weight lifting, playing racquet sports and other activities.
• Choose the correct grip on tennis racquet and other sports equipment or tools
• Avoid gripping too tightly while using tools
• Choose newer tennis balls (more pressurized)
• Eat a low-inflammation Diet
• Regular Cross Training & Yoga for Whole Body Strength

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

Acupuncture is good at treating almost all types of pain, including Tennis Elbow. Aleesha D Acupuncture treats tennis elbow effectively. Sometimes “dry needling” technique is used whereby needling is administered to the damaged areas of the tendon of the elbow.

At Home Care

• Apply heat as needed
• Rest and Elevate the affected arm
• Modify exercise/ activity to avoid pain
• Avoid movements which aggravate the pain
• Improve Flexibility and Strength with Daily Forearm/ Wrist Stretches
• Compression sleeve/ brace can reduce gripping pressure (relying on too heavily can lead to further adhesion and pain)

StrengtheningExercise

Grip Strengthening Exercise (Squeeze stress ball)

Exercises to Prevent Tennis Elbow

• Wrist Flexion/ Extension
• Wrist Supination/ Pronation
• Tricep Extensions

Be sure to use proper body mechanics to avoid stressing the wrist and elbow.

Resources

• International Tennis Federation

Conclusion

To avoid Tennis Elbow, eat a low-inflammation diet and use proper body mechanics, avoiding overuse movements. To recover from Tennis Elbow, change your activity to avoid aggravating the affected elbow. Try acupuncture for Tennis Elbow pain and follow through with recommended amount of treatments. See a Physical Therapist if elbow pain or weakness persists after a few months of the before-mentioned and follow-through with the routine recommended.

Written by Aleesha Ackerman, LAc

Aleesha Ackerman is a certified and state licensed acupuncturist with a Master’s degree in acupuncture. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hamline University. Aleesha owns and operates Aleesha D Acupuncture clinic for Pain and Women’s Health in Anoka, MN.

Aleesha became interested in acupuncture and holistic medicine when acupuncture cured her of her debilitating migraine pain after an auto collision with a semi-truck. Aleesha specializes in treating acute and chronic pain and Women’s Health. Women come to her everyday with issues such as hot flashes, mood imbalance and low energy.

Patients at Aleesha D Acupuncture report feeling cared for, listened to and are happy to get the much-needed pain and stress relief from their treatments!

Read the patient Testimonials for yourself.

Why wait? Start Your Relief Today- contact Aleesha D Acupuncture in Anoka today to schedule your acupuncture appointment!

Aleesha D Acupuncture is located near Highway 10 in historic downtown Anoka at 207 E Main Street next to Peterson’s Shoes with free parking.

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care. No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturist in Anoka Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Champlin, Circle Pines, Columbus, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Lino Lakes, Maple Grove, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Osseo, Ostego, Ramsey, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Shoreview, Spring Lake Park, Vadnais Heights and White Bear Lake.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960