I discovered acupuncture as a treatment for tennis elbow not as a practitioner, but as a patient. A chronic case of extreme pain and weakness in my right arm was not only affecting the quality of my workouts, but really reducing the quality of my life.
A shot of cortisone and other “conventional” forms of treatment simply did not help. I went into the YOSAN College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine and asked if they could help me. I received between 6 and 8 treatments of acupuncture with electric stimulation, modified my workouts and did some simple gentle exercises. The pain vanished, never to return. This experience led me to pursue a path in acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).
Tennis elbows (lateral epicondylitis) is a painful condition of the elbow as a result of overuse and inflammation or injury to the muscles and tendons of the forearm. Left untreated, this can result in a chronic and extremely painful condition.
Your doctor may suggest R.I.C.E. (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and the use of NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication). Or, possibly a cortisone shot. But, cortisone injections are not without their side effects. One, is that it may cause deterioration of the cartilage in the joint. These shots cannot be given as an ongoing therapy.
Acupuncture and TCM may also offer patients an effective and safe form of therapy.
Acupuncture works by promoting circulation to the local area and helping the body to heal itself. Small sterile needles are inserted into both pre-existing acupuncture points and very tender or “ashi-Points” on the elbow/forearm. The use of Tui-na (Chinese medical massage) may also be used, along with the topical application of herbs to help reduce pain, swelling and promote circulation to the area.
It is also essential to address proper body mechanics and make sure you are not continually aggravating or re-injuring the elbow. For many tennis players it may be an improper use of the backhand. But, this injury is not limited to tennis players.
If your tennis elbow is keeping you sidelined, give acupuncture a try. It worked for me!
Michael Egan, L.Ac., Dipl.O.M., Performance Acupuncture,LLC
