How Acupuncture May Help Relieve Repetitive Strain Injuries Like Biceps Tendonitis, Tennis, and Golfer's Elbow
- Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac
- Jan 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 14
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a modern day, work and lifestyle affliction. Conditions like tendonitis of the wrist, elbow, and shoulder are very common in today's world. Tendonitis, such as biceps, supraspinatis and wrist tendonitis, as well as tennis, and golfer's elbow (also known as lateral or medial epicondylitis), for instance, responds well to acupuncture and can be an effective treatment option. Acupuncture can help reduce pain, inflammation, and muscle tension, and it may also improve flexibility and range of motion, enabling you to gradually regain your strength.
How do you get tendonitis? Repetitive strain injuries are typically triggered by an initial incident, like a fall or impact on the area, and worsened by repetitive movements. Alternatively, they can develop gradually, becoming more severe over time due to continuous repetitive movements, with a more gradual onset.
Symptoms;
sharp or burning 'twinge like' pains with certain movement
dull aching at rest
weakness of hand, elbow and /or arm
weak hand grips
referal of pain into hand, up into elbow or shoulder
How are 'RSI's treated with acupuncture?
In acupuncture, we focus on the affected area by treating the muscle associated with the affected tendon, and then targeting the tendon itself at its bone insertion. Additionally, we may use needles on distal points, both above and below the injury. Proper acupuncture (distinct from dry needling) involves a combination of ASHI points (equivalent to trigger points in English), the motor points of the muscle related to the affected tendon, and traditional acupuncture points along the impacted channel.
If you are particularly prone to tendon or joint issues, we might also explore any underlying factors that could increase your susceptibility to recurring tendon or ligament problems, such as imbalances with the liver or gallbladder that may predispose you to sinew-related issues.
During the treatment, your registered acupuncturist might also use a TDP Infrared lamp over the needles or perform moxibustion (burning a herb over the area). Both of these additional Chinese medicine techniques serve to warm the area, stimulate blood circulation, and enhance the flow of qi, thereby eliminating stagnation that contributes to pain and a sensation of congestion along the channels in that area.
Moxibustion and infrared therapy are effective for eliminating damp accumulation, such as inflammation. Infrared therapy is particularly beneficial for deep tissue repair. During the treatment process, we may also incorporate laser therapy and/or electric acupuncture, which are other excellent modalities offered by Chinese medicine.
What is a course of treatment for tennis or golfer’s elbow? The most effective treatment plan involves sessions approximately once a week for about 7-10 sessions. After completing the course, you might require a few maintenance sessions to help stabilize the condition.
What to do between sessions
Make an effort to minimize the use of that arm as much as you can (reserve its use for simple tasks like brushing your hair). The more rest you provide to the affected arm, the faster the tendon can heal during treatment.
Avoid sleeping on it as much as possible, as this may restrict blood flow to the area and slow down the healing process.
Utilize specially formulated natural herbal Chinese liniments as recommended by your Chinese medicine practitioner or acupuncturist
Use heat or ice packs (or both), depending on the practitioner's advice. Ice is more effective for 'acute onset' conditions as it can reduce pain and inflammation. Heat is more suitable for the 'chronic stage' as it helps enhance blood flow to the affected area and relaxes the muscles.
Wrist and elbow guards can help immobilize and support the joints.
Schedule your appointment today with Dr. Margie Virgo D.TCM, R.Ac/registered acupuncturist and Chinese medicine practitioner.
Margie has been practicing since 1997 and incorporates both traditional and sports acupuncture into her treatments.
For more information please go to the ‘sports or musculoskeletal acupuncture’ pages on my website- www.westoncreekacupuncture.com.au
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