RSI of the Elbow

Richard takes referrals from ‘The Pain Clinic’ at Southmead Hospital – A nationally recognised centre of excellence for pain management.

Tennis elbow & Golfer’s elbow

To talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally and to see his clinic locations, click here for contact and location information.

Elbow conditions often mean that gripping, lifting and twisting may all have become very painful and there is often particular stiffness in the mornings.

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are the common names given to two different conditions, the symptoms of which are described below.

Richard has more than 30 years’ clinical experience of treating muscular and skeletal problems. We find most people respond positively to treatment with acupuncture and a good many leave the clinic feeling immediate relief.

Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is a painful condition that occurs particularly in middle age (30 – 60 years old) when the outer part of the elbow becomes painful. It’s a condition that is commonly associated with playing tennis, squash and other racket sports. In tennis and racket sports it is the repeated striking of the ball that causes tiny tears in the muscle which is probably to blame. It is a repetitive strain injury (RSI) which causes pain and inflammation in the tendons. In fact anyone who uses the arms in repetitive ways can be affected. Gardeners, carpenters, plumbers mechanics, to name a few .

Symptoms usually start gradually. The primary symptom is pain, which may begin with a dull aching or soreness on the outer part of the elbow that goes away within 24 hours after an activity. As time goes on, it may take longer for the pain to go away. The condition may further progress to pain with any movement, even during everyday activities, such as lifting a jug of milk. Pain may spread to the hand, other parts of the arm, shoulder, or neck

The medical name for this condition is lateral epicondylitis which means “inflammation to the outside elbow bone”, it may also be referred to as lateral epicondylosis, or just lateral elbow pain.

Golfer’s elbow

Golfer’s elbow is similar to tennis elbow (as described above) however the inflammation takes place on the inside of the elbow, around a bone called the medial epicondyle (rather than the lateral epicondyle). It can also be treated with acupuncture.

Golfer’s elbow is known medically as medial epicondylitis. The inner part of the elbow becomes painful and tender as a result of damage or tearing to the muscles and tendons in that area. The treatment principle in treating golfer’s elbow is the same as in tennis elbow: Clear heat (inflammation) and treat pain.

Rest and ice may be sufficient to treat this condition but it can be stubborn and distressing and should not be ignored. Acupuncture has a good record and we have treated it many times with good results.

Acupuncture treatment for Elbow Conditions

For elbow pain, the acupuncture points used are usually around the site of the pain, down the affected arm and sometimes in the shoulder. Other parts of the body such as the upper back, neck, and so on may also be used.

The needles are incredibly fine and most people are not put off – in fact they are usually pleasantly surprised by how they enjoy the treatment.

The sensation of ‘needling’ is like pulling a hair out of your arm. Try it!

How many Acupuncture treatments for Elbow Conditions?

We normally suggest 5 or 6 appointments with about a week in between and by then it should be very clear the extent to which that patient can be helped. Usually close to this time the intervals between treatments can be increased without symptoms returning significantly.

Chronic or long-term conditions frequently improve with treatment, however It is worth saying that getting good results in people becomes significantly more difficult in people over 75, particularly if they have had the condition for a long time. It may become a question of acupuncture managing the problem instead of a complete cure, depending on what is being treated.

Why else to choose Acupuncture? :

• Very Low risk: Acupuncture is very safe when performed by a trained professional.
• Naturally calming: Many people feel deeply relaxed during or after treatment (often falling asleep during treatment).
• Drug-free: It helps the body heal without medication or potentially worrying side effects.
  
• Minimal discomfort: Needles are hair-thin and usually painless.
  Mild effects only: Rare side effects include slight redness or brief bruising.

To talk to Richard about how acupuncture might help you personally and to see his clinic locations, click here for contact and location information.