Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, one of the most frequent sports injuries experienced by athletes and weekend warriors, is an inflammation of the muscles and tendons of the forearm.
Repeated twisting of the wrist or frequent rotation of the forearm can lead to a weakened grip, elbow pain, and damage to the tendons that connect to the humerus, the bone of the upper arm.
At first, there may be mini-aches or twinges around the bone that's on the outside of the elbow; small tears in the muscle may bring pain on slowly.
But overuse can bring on sharp pain that shoots down your forearm or hand (ouch!).
Traditional therapies, such as braces, heat, medications, physical therapy and rest, can be effective in relieving pain, however, research* suggests that acupuncture not only relieves the pain but also appears to resolve the condition completely.
Acupuncture is an extremely powerful tool for pain.
Acupuncture immediately loosens the tight muscles around the elbow joint and is so helpful that it needs to be considered as a primary form of treatment.
An acupuncturist will assess the two main causes of tennis elbow, excess or deficiency and adjust his/her treatment accordingly.
Excess pain presents as a throbbing or stabbing local pain with much inflammation.
The joint may even feel warm to the touch as compared to other areas of the body.
Deficiency pain is more of a dull achy sensation, often due to overuse and undernourishment.
Remember to drink lots of water and keep your sugar intake low if you are an avid weekend warrior.
Supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin and calcium can play a vital role in preventing joint pain as well as a variety of Chinese herbal supplements which can be recommended by a licensed practitioner.
Other similar problems, such as tennis elbow and bursitis, can also be successfully treatment with acupuncture.