Understanding Elbow Pain and Tennis Elbow

Elbow pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. One of the most frequent causes is lateral epicondylitis, better known as tennis elbow. Despite its name, it doesn’t only affect tennis players — anyone who performs repetitive arm or wrist movements can develop this condition.

What Is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the outside of the elbow become irritated or overloaded, often from repetitive strain. This leads to micro-tears, inflammation and pain around the outer elbow, which can radiate down the forearm or make simple movements like gripping a cup or shaking hands painful.

Common causes include:

• Repetitive hand, wrist or arm motions (typing, lifting, manual work, sports)

• Poor posture or weak shoulder and wrist stabilisers

• Overuse without adequate rest or recovery

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Typical signs include:

• Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow

• Tenderness over the bony area of the joint

• Weakness when gripping or lifting objects

• Discomfort that worsens with activity

If the pain is on the inside of the elbow, it may be a related condition called golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis).

How Tennis Elbow Is Understood in Chinese Medicine

In Chinese medicine, elbow pain is often viewed as a bi syndrome — a condition caused by stagnation of Qi and Blood often due to overuse and strain. This stagnation blocks the free flow of energy through the affected channels, leading to pain, stiffness and reduced mobility. Treatment with acupuncture focuses on supporting tissue healing and overall circulation.

Therapeutic Acupuncture Approaches to Pain Relief for Tennis Elbow

At The Bright Side Family Acupuncture in Brisbane, we often use distal or Tung-style acupuncture, including points on the arms or legs that correspond to the affected channel. This approach helps activate the body’s natural repair mechanisms and improve circulation without directly needling the sore area. 

As part of a local acupuncture strategy, motor point acupuncture is a treatment that uses a gentle microcurrent to stimulate the affected muscles directly, release muscular tension and support regeneration of the tissues. 

Gentle heat therapy, stretching, and lifestyle advice are also integrated alongside acupuncture support for optimal recovery and to prevent recurrence.