Muscle & joint complaints
Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow & Golfer's Elbow
Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow are common complaints involving pain around the elbow. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture can be used to help reduce pain and muscle tension and support recovery and function in the affected area.
Targeted treatment for elbow pain
With tennis elbow, pain is usually located on the outside of the elbow, whereas golfer's elbow typically causes pain on the inside. Both complaints can develop as a result of repetitive or prolonged strain on the muscles and tendons of the forearm.
The discomfort can radiate into the forearm and may increase with gripping, lifting, squeezing, wringing, or moving the wrist. Despite their names, these complaints are not limited to athletes. Prolonged computer use, physical work, DIY activities, and other repetitive movements can also place strain on the elbow and forearm.
With tennis elbow, the muscles and tendons on the outer side of the forearm are commonly involved. With golfer's elbow, structures on the inner side are more commonly involved. The exact cause and pattern of symptoms can vary from person to person.
Traditional Chinese Medicine
The TCM perspective on tennis and golfer's elbow
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine, elbow complaints are viewed in part in relation to the flow of Qi and Blood through the meridians that run along the arm. According to this approach, repetitive strain may contribute to stagnation, with local pain and tension becoming more prominent.
Local Qi and Blood Stagnation
According to the TCM approach, an overuse complaint may involve local stagnation. The pain is often clearly localized and may increase with physical strain or specific movements of the arm.
Cold and Dampness
When complaints are accompanied by a heavy or stiff sensation and sensitivity to cold or damp conditions, a pattern of Cold and Dampness may also be considered as part of the TCM assessment.
Our treatment approach
Treatment is tailored to the location and nature of the symptoms, the muscles and tendons involved, and how the arm is used in daily life. Acupuncture and laser acupuncture may be used separately or in combination.
- 01We first assess the exact location of your symptoms and identify movements or activities that trigger or aggravate the pain.
- 02With acupuncture, ultra-fine needles are placed at selected acupuncture points. These may be located around the elbow or at other points on the arm or body.
- 03With laser acupuncture, selected acupuncture points are treated with therapeutic laser light instead of needles. The treatment is completely needle-free and can be used when you prefer not to have needles.
- 04The laser can also be applied directly to the local area around the elbow, depending on the nature and location of the symptoms. Laser acupuncture can therefore be used as a standalone treatment or alongside needle acupuncture.
- 05When appropriate, treatment may be supplemented with cupping or guasha on the forearm and surrounding muscle areas.
- 06We also discuss practical ways to adjust the load on your arm during daily activities and support the recovery process.
Prefer no needles?
Every treatment can also be carried out completely needle-free with laser acupuncture, in which the same points are treated with therapeutic laser light. Ear acupuncture is always carried out with the laser. Acupressure, which also uses no needles, can be used as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the needles inserted directly into the painful area?
Not necessarily. The choice of acupuncture points depends on the individual pattern of symptoms. We may use local points around the elbow as well as points on the forearm, arm, or elsewhere on the body. If you prefer not to use needles, laser acupuncture can be considered as an alternative.
What is laser acupuncture?
With laser acupuncture, selected acupuncture points are treated with therapeutic laser light instead of needles. The treatment is completely needle-free. For elbow complaints, the laser may be applied to relevant acupuncture points and, depending on the situation, to the local area around the elbow.
Is laser acupuncture suitable for tennis or golfer's elbow?
Laser acupuncture can be used as a standalone treatment or alongside needle acupuncture for these complaints. The approach depends on the nature and location of the symptoms and on your personal preference.
How many treatments are needed?
This varies from person to person. Factors such as how long the symptoms have been present, the level of physical strain, and the individual response to treatment all play a role. Longer-lasting or recurring complaints may require more time. During the treatment process, we assess how the symptoms develop and whether continuing treatment is appropriate.
Personal Treatment Plan
Want to grip and lift more comfortably again?
Are you experiencing persistent pain on the inside or outside of your elbow? We will look at your symptoms and discuss which treatment approach may be appropriate.