Tennis elbow is a painful chronic condition that can weaken your hands and make it impossible to use tools or even hold a coffee cup. Although it is extremely common among tennis players, almost any activity that involves constant, repetitive motion of the hand or wrist can trigger debilitating inflammation. Fortunately, acupuncture can help treat this condition, potentially alleviating discomfort and preventing further injury. Below, learn more about this condition and how to help the situation. 

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a repetitive motion injury caused by overuse of the muscles that raise or straighten your hand. In time, tiny tears develop in the tendons connecting the joints and muscles, causing pain that radiates up and down the arm.

Tennis players often suffer lateral epicondylitis, especially if they have poor technique. However, any activity that involves frequent wrist motions can put you at risk. For instance, the act of turning a screw, using plumbing tools, or painting can cause tennis elbow. Office workers who constantly use a computer mouse can also suffer overuse injuries like tennis elbow and carpal tunnel syndrome.

How Can Acupuncture Help?

Treatment for lateral epicondylitis typically consists of physical therapy, injections, or even surgery, which can have uneven or only temporary results. Acupuncture is an alternative approach based on traditional Chinese medicine and has been used for thousands of years to treat a variety of ailments, from tennis elbow to toothaches.

In clinical studies, many patients who tried acupuncture enjoyed a complete resolution of their symptoms, including pain, weakness, and limited mobility. In addition to being less invasive and painful, acupuncture seems to provide longer-lasting results than medication or rest alone.

Whether you’re an athlete or carpenter, you don’t have to suffer from tennis elbow or other repetitive motion injuries. For over 20 years, Marie Gonzales, L.Ac. has been providing effective alternative treatments to patients throughout Nyack, NY, bringing a holistic approach designed to help you maximize your well-being. Visit their website or follow the wellness center on Twitter to learn more about the benefits of acupuncture, or call (845) 398-1312 for more information.