Tennis elbow is a common injury that occurs as a result of excessive strain on the forearm and wrist. This injury is characterized by pain and stiffness in the elbow and forearm. Tennis elbow is very annoying and often hinders you in your daily activities. In this blog post, you will read all about how acupuncture helps with tennis elbow.
What is a tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow usually occurs due to repeated strain on the forearm and wrist, which causes small tears in the tendons. The tendons that connect the forearm and wrist muscles to the bone on the outside of the elbow are overused and irritated in tennis elbow. This irritation leads to inflammation and pain, which is usually felt in the area around the outer elbow and can radiate to the forearm and wrist.
Who suffers from a tennis elbow?
As the name suggests, tennis elbow is more common in people who play tennis, but this is not the only cause of tennis elbow. A tennis elbow often occurs in activities that require many repetitive movements of the wrist and forearm. Think for example also of golf, painting, prolonged typing, or repetitive use of a mouse. Excessive use of a mobile phone can also cause a tennis elbow. Even someone who does not play sports can therefore develop a tennis elbow. Other factors that increase the risk of a tennis elbow are poor posture, weak muscles, old age, overweight, smoking, and certain medical conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
How does acupuncture work for a tennis elbow?
Acupuncture ensures that the energy in the body can flow better. When the energy is better balanced, the muscles and tendons can relax better and the pain can be reduced. The tendons are then less sensitive to overuse and further damage. In addition, acupuncture improves blood circulation. By improving blood circulation, the body can send more nutrients and oxygen to the damaged tissue. This promotes recovery. Acupuncture also addresses inflammation.
Acupuncture as a natural painkiller for a tennis elbow
Acupuncture is often used as a natural painkiller. By placing fine needles at various points in the body, the production of the body's own substances and neurotransmitters is stimulated. Endorphins, for example, are very good at relieving pain. Natural anti-inflammatory drugs are also produced.
What does an acupuncture treatment look like?
The treatment lasts 45-60 minutes. The acupuncturist discusses your complaints, the suspected cause of the tennis elbow, and any other complaints with you. Then your wrist is felt and your tongue is looked at. You can take a seat on the treatment bench and then the acupuncturist places a number of very small needles, spread across your body. Then you can relax or sleep for 30 minutes. Acupuncture does not hurt.
You make an online appointment at one of our locations in Breukelen, Hoofddorp, Nieuw-Vennep, Rijswijk / Delft, Voorburg or Wassenaar.
