Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow: How Acupuncture Eases Tendon Pain and Inflammation

Is your sore, stiff elbow interfering in your daily life? You don’t have to be a professional golfer or tennis player to develop the pain and inflammation often associated with these sports.

Whether the strain comes from hours on the court or repetitive tasks at work, Kerri Kuhlsen, Lac, cSMA, can help you find relief at Twin Acupuncture in Staten Island, New York. She provides specialized care for overuse injuries like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow using advanced training in Sports Medicine Acupuncture® to restore strength and function to your arm.

What’s the difference between tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow?

Both conditions are forms of tendonitis — an inflammation of the thick, fibrous cords that attach your muscles to bone. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) involves the tendon that connects your forearm muscles to the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) affects the tendon on the inside of the joint.

Repetitive arm movements, particularly twisting, gripping, and swinging, can damage these tendons. Continued use prevents the tissue from healing properly, leading to a cycle of chronic inflammation and symptoms such as:

• Persistent pain and swelling at the elbow and wrist joints
• Stiffness and limited range of motion
• A loss of grip strength or numbness and tingling in your fingers

Improper mechanics in golf or racket sports can play a role, but only around 5% of tennis elbow cases result from playing tennis. Hours spent using a keyboard and mouse or working with hand tools are more common culprits.

Acupuncture for tendonitis: How it works

Acupuncture addresses the root cause of musculoskeletal pain from injuries like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow by targeting specific pressure points, known as acupoints, that correspond to areas of injury or tension in your body. Kerri uses fine, sterile needles — about the diameter of a hair — to stimulate these points.

Because tendons have a limited blood supply compared to muscles and other tissues, they heal more slowly. Stimulating certain acupoints increases circulation to the injured tendon, delivering the oxygen and nutrients needed for repair while clearing out the metabolic waste that contributes to persistent inflammation and soreness.

The needle stimulation also triggers the release of endorphins, which naturally block pain signals and ease the muscle tension caused by overcompensating for the weak tendon. Relaxing these muscles reduces the strain on the elbow joint, allowing the tissue to heal more effectively.

How to prevent elbow injuries

Regular acupuncture sessions keep your tendons strong and resilient, which may help prevent the recurrence of painful conditions like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow. To extend the benefit of your treatments, make these habits part of your routine:

• Warm up with dynamic movements, such as arm circles or jumping jacks, to prepare your muscles and joints for activity
• Focus on proper form and ergonomics, whether you’re playing sports, lifting at the gym, or working at your desk
• Drink plenty of water to maintain tissue elasticity and prevent stiffness
• Incorporate strength training: Building the muscles in your forearms and shoulders provides better support for your elbow joints

Don’t let discomfort get in the way of your job or favorite sport. Targeted acupuncture treatments help your body repair existing damage from injuries like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow and stay ahead of future strain. Contact Twin Acupuncture today to schedule a consultation with Kerri and learn what this holistic therapy can do for you.