Tennis elbow, which is otherwise known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common and often frustrating condition that causes pain on the outside of the elbow. At our acupuncture clinic in West Edmonton, we frequently see patients with tennis elbow caused by repetitive strain from computer work, manual labour, sports, or gripping activities.

Whether you’re a desk worker, tradesperson, parent, musician, or athlete, tennis elbow can hugely impact your ability to work, exercise, and perform everyday tasks like lifting a kettle, opening a jar, or typing. Understanding what tennis elbow is, why it occurs, and how it can be treated can help you recover for good.

What is Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow is an overuse injury involving the tendons that attach to the lateral epicondyle, the bony prominence on the outside of the elbow. These tendons belong to the forearm extensor muscles, which are responsible for extending the wrist and fingers and stabilizing the forearm during gripping activities.

When these tendons are repeatedly stressed, small micro-tears can develop. Over time, this leads to degeneration of the tendon tissue, inflammation, pain, and weakness

Common Causes of Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow usually develops gradually rather than from a single injury. Common contributing factors include:

Repetitive Movements

Activities that involve repeated gripping, twisting, or wrist extension place ongoing strain on the forearm tendons. Examples include:

  • Typing and mouse use
  • Manual labour (carpenters, electricians, mechanics)
  • Lifting children or heavy objects
  • Gardening
  • Playing racquet sports
  • Knitting, sewing, or crafting
  • Musical instruments

 Sudden Increase in Activity
If you increase the amount of time you do an activity without allowing the body time to adapt, you can overload the tendon.

Age-Related Tendon Changes
People between 35 and 55 more susceptible because of the fact that our body’s tissues lose elasticity and the capacity to repair between uses.

 

Symptoms of Tennis Elbow

Symptoms can range from mild discomfort to pain that won’t quit – the kind that interferes with daily life. Common signs include:

  • Pain or burning on the outside of the elbow
  • Pain that radiates into the forearm
  • Weak grip strength
  • Pain when lifting, gripping, or twisting objects
  • Discomfort when shaking hands
  • Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning

 

How Is Tennis Elbow Diagnosed?

During your first appointment, I will assess your condition based on your symptoms and on a physical examination.

If you have had an ultrasound, bring along your results or email them ahead of time to admin@thrivacupuncture.ca.

 

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional management of tennis elbow often includes:

Rest and Activity Modification: this can be hard if you cannot avoid activities due to work or other responsibilities.

Ice and Anti-Inflammatory Measures: Ice can help manage pain and reduce inflammation in the problem first appears. Advil or Tylenol can temporarily help with the pain too but doesn’t fix the problem.

Bracing:  This is just a temporary management strategy and not a long-term fix.

 

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow Treatment

From a holistic and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, tennis elbow is not viewed solely as a local tendon issue. Instead, it is understood as a combination of:

  • Qi and Blood stagnation in the elbow and forearm
  • Repetitive strain leading to impaired circulation
  • Weakness or imbalance in the surrounding muscles and joints
  • Systemic factors such as stress, inflammation, or poor recovery

 

Pain, in TCM, is often described as “where there is obstruction, there is pain.” Improving circulation, reducing tension, and triggering the body’s healing response are key treatment goals.

Pain Reduction
Acupuncture stimulates the nervous system to release endorphins and other natural pain-relieving chemicals, helping reduce discomfort without medication.

Improved Blood Flow
Acupuncture points around the elbow help increase circulation to the affected tissues, supporting tendon repair and reducing stagnation.

Muscle and Fascial Release
Acupuncture can help relax chronically tight forearm, shoulder, and neck muscles that contribute to ongoing strain at the elbow.

Nervous System Regulation
Chronic pain often involves nervous system sensitization. Acupuncture supports parasympathetic (rest-and-repair) activity, which can improve healing outcomes.

Addressing the Whole Chain
Rather than treating only the elbow, acupuncture often addresses the shoulder, neck, upper back, and wrist, recognizing that dysfunction elsewhere can overload the elbow.

Patients visiting our West Edmonton acupuncture clinic for elbow pain often notice gradual improvements in pain levels, grip strength, and overall arm function over the course of several treatments.

 

Science around acupuncture for Tennis Elbow

Research suggests that acupuncture may be a helpful treatment option for people dealing with tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis. Several clinical studies have found that acupuncture can help reduce pain, improve grip strength, and support better arm function in people with this condition.

In one randomized controlled trial, researchers found that patients who received acupuncture experienced greater pain relief and improved movement compared with those who received a placebo treatment (Fink et al., 2002). Reviews that looked at multiple studies have also reported that acupuncture may provide meaningful short-term pain relief and improved function for people with tennis elbow (Trinh et al., 2004; Tang et al., 2015; Zhou et al., 2020).

Some studies suggest that electroacupuncture, which uses gentle electrical stimulation, may further support healing by improving circulation and stimulating the muscles around the elbow. (This is the technique we use at our clinic!)

While more research is always helpful, current evidence suggests acupuncture can be a valuable part of a comprehensive approach to managing tennis elbow and supporting recovery.

References:

 

Lifestyle and Self-Care Strategies

Recovery from tennis elbow is most effective when treatment is paired with supportive self-care.

Ergonomic Adjustments

  • Adjust desk height and mouse position
  • Use ergonomic tools
  • Avoid prolonged gripping
  • Take frequent breaks to stretch and rest

 Strength and Mobility

  • Gradual strengthening of the forearm, shoulder, and upper back
  • Stretching tight muscles without forcing into pain

Stress Management
Stress increases muscle tension and slows recovery. Practices such as breathing exercises, gentle movement, and adequate sleep play a meaningful role in healing.

Nutrition and Tissue Health
Adequate protein intake, hydration, and nutrients that support connective tissue health (such as vitamin C and collagen-supporting foods) may aid recovery.

 

When to Seek Help

If elbow pain:

  • Continues for longer than a few days
  • Interferes with daily activities
  • Is getting worse even after rest
  • Keeps returning after short-term relief

It’s important to seek professional support early; acupuncture treatment can prevent tennis elbow from becoming a long-term, chronic issue.

 

Final Thoughts

Tennis elbow is more than just a sore elbow, it’s a condition that reflects repetitive strain, impaired recovery, and imbalance within the musculoskeletal system. While rest and proper ergonomics play an important role, a holistic approach that includes acupuncture, movement therapy, and lifestyle support often leads to more long-lasting results.

Many people in West Edmonton experience tennis elbow due to repetitive activities at work, sports like tennis or pickleball, or daily tasks that strain the forearm muscles. Acupuncture is becoming an increasingly popular option for those seeking natural pain relief for tennis elbow in Edmonton.

By addressing both the symptoms and the underlying contributors, many people can return to their work, sports, and daily activities with less pain, better strength, and improved resilience.

If you’re dealing with persistent elbow pain, know that effective, supportive treatment options are available and recovery is possible with the right approach.

Thrive Acupuncture West Edmonton
P: 780-851-2220
E: admin@thriveacupuncture.ca
10032 164 Street NW
Edmonton AB