Easing Tennis Elbow Pain with Acupuncture: Targeted Pain Relief – A Deeper Dive

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Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons. It’s not just athletes who suffer—anyone who engages in repetitive arm motions, such as office workers, manual laborers, and musicians, can develop this condition. The pain, often centered around the outer elbow, can make even simple tasks like lifting objects, gripping, or shaking hands difficult. Left untreated, it can persist for months, interfering with daily life and work.

Tennis elbow lateral epicondylitis

What Is a Tennis Elbow? Causes and Symptoms

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow become strained, inflamed, or develop tiny tears. The repeated stress weakens the tendon over time, making it painful and difficult to use the affected arm.

Common Causes:

  • Repetitive Motions – Activities like typing, painting, playing instruments, or using hand tools can contribute.
  • Poor Technique in Sports – Incorrect form in tennis, golf, or weightlifting can put extra strain on the elbow.
  • Aging and Wear-and-Tear – The condition is most common in individuals between 30 and 50 years old.
  • Lack of Proper Recovery – Failing to give the muscles adequate rest after intense activity can increase the risk of developing tennis elbow.

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow:

  • Pain and tenderness on the outer elbow
  • Weak grip strength
  • Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting objects
  • Stiffness and discomfort in the forearm
  • Pain that radiates down the forearm
  • Increased discomfort when performing twisting motions, such as turning a doorknob or opening a jar
acupuncture help for tennis elbows

How does acupuncture help for tennis elbows?

Acupuncture is a time-tested therapy that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. By inserting fine, sterile needles into specific acupuncture points, this treatment offers several key benefits for tennis elbow relief:

  • Pain Reduction – Acupuncture triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping to alleviate discomfort.
  • Improved Blood Circulation – Increased circulation brings oxygen and nutrients to the affected tendons, accelerating healing and tissue repair.
  • Reduced Inflammation – Acupuncture helps regulate inflammation, addressing one of the root causes of pain and stiffness.
  • Muscle Relaxation – Tense and overworked muscles around the elbow can loosen up, alleviating discomfort and stiffness.
  • Enhanced Mobility – As pain subsides and inflammation decreases, range of motion improves, allowing for easier movement.
  • Support for Long-Term Healing – Acupuncture doesn’t just mask the symptoms; it encourages deeper tissue repair, reducing the likelihood of recurring pain.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Are Needed for Tennis Elbow?

The number of acupuncture sessions required varies based on the severity of the condition. Many patients begin to experience relief within four to six sessions, while chronic cases may require eight to twelve treatments for lasting results.

For best results, acupuncture should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan that includes:

  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Gentle movements can help improve mobility and restore muscle balance.
  • Ergonomic Adjustments – Modifying workstations or sports techniques can help prevent further strain.
  • Heat and Cold Therapy – Alternating between hot and cold compresses can aid in reducing swelling and stiffness.
  • Dietary and Lifestyle Changes – Anti-inflammatory foods and hydration can further support recovery.
Dry needling

Overcoming Tennis Elbow Pain Naturally

Tennis elbow can be a frustrating and persistent condition, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life. While conventional treatments can provide temporary relief, acupuncture offers a natural and holistic approach to managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting long-term healing. By addressing the root cause of discomfort and enhancing the body’s self-repair mechanisms, acupuncture can be a valuable part of a comprehensive recovery plan.

Incorporating acupuncture into your treatment regimen may help speed up recovery while reducing dependence on pain medications or invasive procedures. The goal is not just to relieve symptoms but to restore full function and prevent re-injury.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If tennis elbow is interfering with daily activities and quality of life, acupuncture may provide the relief needed.

📍 Address: 13 Hoylake Cres, West Lakes, SA 5021
📞 Phone: 0402 108 808 / 0406 412 808
✉️ Email: contact@adelaideacupuncture.com.au
🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat-Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Don’t let tennis elbow pain hold you back—schedule an acupuncture appointment today and regain pain-free movement!

Acupuncture for Frozen Shoulder: Regaining Movement and Easing Pain

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Frozen shoulder, also known as adhesive capsulitis, is a painful and frustrating condition that can make even the simplest movements feel impossible. It develops gradually, often starting with mild discomfort that worsens over time, leading to significant stiffness and restricted mobility. Everyday activities—like reaching overhead, fastening a seatbelt, or even getting dressed—can become a struggle. 

If left untreated, frozen shoulder can take months or even years to resolve. While conventional treatments such as physical therapy, pain medications, and steroid injections may provide relief, acupuncture offers a natural, holistic approach to easing pain, improving mobility, and supporting long-term recovery.

Frozen shoulder adhesive capsulitis

Understanding Frozen Shoulder: Causes and Risk Factors

Frozen shoulder typically develops in three distinct stages:

  1. Freezing Stage: This is the initial phase, marked by increasing pain and stiffness. The shoulder’s range of motion becomes progressively limited, making everyday movements difficult. This stage can last anywhere from six weeks to nine months.
  2. Frozen Stage: While pain may subside slightly, stiffness remains a major issue. The shoulder becomes extremely difficult to move, and function is significantly reduced. This phase can last for several months.
  3. Thawing Stage: Gradually, the shoulder starts to loosen up, and mobility begins to return. This final stage can take anywhere from six months to two years, depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment pursued.

The exact cause of frozen shoulder isn’t always clear, but certain factors increase the risk of developing it:

  • Prolonged Shoulder Immobilization: If the shoulder remains inactive due to injury, surgery, or another medical condition, frozen shoulder is more likely to develop.
  • Diabetes: Research suggests that individuals with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing frozen shoulder, though the exact reason remains unclear.
  • Age & Gender: Frozen shoulder is most common in people between 40 and 60 years old, and it tends to affect women more frequently than men.
  • Thyroid Disorders: Conditions such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism have been linked to a higher risk of frozen shoulder.
  • Inflammatory & Autoimmune Conditions: Chronic inflammation and autoimmune disorders can contribute to joint stiffness and pain, increasing the likelihood of frozen shoulder.
Acupuncture Helps Treat Frozen Shoulder

How Acupuncture Helps Treat Frozen Shoulder

Acupuncture, a core component of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), involves inserting fine, sterile needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and restore balance. When it comes to frozen shoulder, acupuncture offers several key benefits:

  • Pain Relief: Acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, helping to reduce discomfort without the need for medication.
  • Improved Blood Circulation: By enhancing blood flow to the shoulder area, acupuncture helps nourish tissues, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing.
  • Muscle Relaxation: Frozen shoulder often leads to severe muscle tightness. Acupuncture can help release tension, making movement less painful.
  • Increased Range of Motion: By targeting key acupuncture points, treatment can help break down adhesions in the shoulder capsule, restoring flexibility and function.
  • Reduced Inflammation: Chronic inflammation is a major contributor to pain and stiffness. Acupuncture helps regulate the body’s inflammatory response, promoting long-term relief.

How Many Acupuncture Sessions Are Needed for Frozen Shoulder?

The number of acupuncture sessions needed to treat frozen shoulder varies from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition and individual response to treatment. In general, many patients begin to notice improvements after four to six sessions, with more significant progress occurring after eight to twelve sessions. For chronic or severe cases, a longer treatment plan may be necessary. Acupuncture works best when combined with other therapies such as gentle stretching, physical therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to maximize healing.

acupuncture process 1

Treat Frozen Shoulder Naturally

Don’t let your frozen shoulder hold you back any longer. While it can be a challenging condition, there’s hope for regaining movement, easing pain, and restoring your quality of life. Acupuncture, with its time-tested ability to harmonise the body’s natural healing abilities, offers a powerful pathway to recovery. Unlike medications that only mask symptoms, acupuncture works to address the root cause of frozen shoulder by promoting circulation, reducing inflammation, and improving mobility. Many patients find that acupuncture not only relieves pain but also supports overall well-being, helping them regain function without relying on long-term medication use.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If frozen shoulder is limiting daily activities and quality of life, acupuncture may be the natural solution needed.

📍 Address: 13 Hoylake Cres, West Lakes, SA 5021
📞 Phone: 0402 108 808 / 0406 412 808
✉️ Email: contact@adelaideacupuncture.com.au
🕘 Opening Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM | Sat-Sun: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Don’t let frozen shoulders hold you back—schedule an acupuncture appointment today and take the first step toward pain-free movement!