Tennis elbow. Case study

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is pain that develops on the outer side of the elbow due to repetitive use and overexertion of the forearm muscles and tendons. Despite its name, the condition is not limited to tennis players, and is also common among people who do repetitive manual work or other sports activities. On this page I explain what tennis elbow is, what symptoms it causes, and how acupuncture and cupping can help – illustrated through a real case story from the clinic.

What Is Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow is usually caused by repeated, excessive use of the forearm muscles, mainly through gripping, twisting or repeated lifting motions. This repeated use places strain on the tendon connecting the forearm muscles to the outer elbow, and inflammation and sensitivity gradually develop there. Common risk factors include racquet sports such as tennis, but also work involving repetitive motions such as carpentry, painting or prolonged keyboard use. Tennis elbow is one of the conditions detailed on the common problems page, where Chinese medicine may be able to help.

Common Symptoms

The main symptom of tennis elbow is pain on the outer side of the elbow, which usually worsens when gripping or rotating the wrist:

• Pain or a burning sensation on the outer side of the elbow
• Weak grip strength, for example when lifting a cup or shaking hands
• Tenderness to touch over the affected tendon
• Pain that gradually worsens as the triggering activity continues

The Chinese Medicine Approach to Treatment

Chinese medicine views tennis elbow as a state of local blockage in the flow of energy and blood in the affected area, leading to inflammation and ongoing pain. Acupuncture is used to reduce inflammation, release tension in the tissues and encourage natural healing of the affected tendon, using needles inserted both in the affected area and at more distant points. Cupping, usually used in combination with acupuncture, helps improve local blood flow and speed up the healing process.

Case Story – A 35-Year-Old Patient

Here is a case story from the clinic that illustrates the effectiveness of acupuncture and cupping in treating tennis elbow. The patient was a 35-year-old man, an avid tennis player, who had experienced pain and discomfort in his right elbow for six months – pain that directly affected his ability to keep playing. The treatment plan included acupuncture sessions twice a week for six weeks, combined with cupping treatment once a week. During the acupuncture sessions, needles were inserted at specific points along the affected arm as well as at more distant points, aiming to stimulate healing and reduce pain, and the cupping sessions involved placing glass cups on the affected area to improve blood flow.

After the six-week treatment period, the patient reported a significant reduction in pain and discomfort. He was able to return to playing tennis without limitation, and his overall quality of life improved accordingly.

What Can Be Learned From This Case

This case highlights the potential benefits of combining acupuncture and cupping in treating musculoskeletal conditions such as tennis elbow, and shows that these treatments may serve as an important addition to a comprehensive pain-management plan. At the same time, it is important to remember that this is a single case story, and every patient responds differently to treatment depending on their individual condition and how long the problem has persisted. In cases of prolonged or severe pain, it is always recommended to also pursue medical evaluation, with Chinese medicine able to be combined alongside conventional treatments such as physiotherapy or pain medication.

Scheduling a Treatment

If you suffer from tennis elbow pain that limits you in sports or daily activities, acupuncture and cupping may offer a natural, effective treatment option. I am Shai Davids, a Chinese medicine practitioner in Jerusalem and Ramat Gan, and I would be glad to guide you through a personally tailored treatment process. Schedule a treatment or consultation.