Are you struggling with the nagging pain of tennis elbow? Whether you’re an athlete or someone who uses repetitive arm movements in your daily life, tennis elbow can significantly impact your quality of life. If traditional treatments haven’t provided the relief you’re seeking, dry needling might be the game-changing solution you need. At Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture, we have been helping people overcome tennis elbow and get back to the activities they love.
Understanding tennis elbow
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the outer part of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition isn’t limited to tennis players, and in fact can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm movements, including:
- Painters
- Plumbers
- Carpenters
- Computer users
- Musicians
- Chefs
Symptoms of tennis elbow typically include:
- Pain on the outer part of the elbow
- Weakness in the forearm
- Difficulty gripping objects
- Pain that radiates down the arm
- Stiffness in the elbow
These symptoms can make simple daily tasks like opening a door, shaking hands, or lifting a cup of coffee painful and challenging.
What is dry needling?
Dry needling is a modern therapeutic technique that involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in muscles, tendons, or other soft tissues. Aside from acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles, dry needling is grounded in Western medical science and targets trigger points or knots in the muscles.
The term “dry” refers to the fact that the needles don’t inject any substance into the body. Instead, the needle itself stimulates a healing response in the targeted tissues.
Dry needling can reduce pain
One of the benefits of dry needling for tennis elbow is its ability to provide significant pain relief. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point in the affected muscles, it can cause a local twitch response. This brief contraction followed by relaxation helps to reset the muscle, reducing pain and discomfort.
For tennis elbow sufferers, this can mean immediate relief from the chronic pain that often accompanies the condition. Many patients report a noticeable decrease in pain levels even after their first dry needling session.
Dry needling improves range of motion
Tennis elbow often leads to stiffness and reduced mobility in the affected arm. The good news is, dry needling can help improve flexibility and range of motion by releasing tension in the muscles and tendons around the elbow.
As the muscles relax and pain decreases, patients typically find it easier to move their arm and engage in daily activities without discomfort. This improved mobility is crucial for both recovery and preventing future injuries.
Dry needling increases blood flow
Dry needling stimulates increased blood circulation to the treated areas. This enhanced blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues, promoting faster healing and reducing inflammation.
So, if you’re struggling with tennis elbow, this can mean quicker recovery times and a reduction in the chronic inflammation that often comes with the condition.
Dry needling releases muscle tension
Tennis elbow is often accompanied by tight, knotted muscles in the forearm and around the elbow. Dry needling targets these tense areas, helping to release the knots and reduce overall muscle tension.
By addressing these muscle imbalances, dry needling can help alleviate the strain on the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle, potentially preventing further damage and promoting healthy healing.
Dry needling aids a faster recovery
By combining pain relief, improved circulation, and muscle relaxation, dry needling can significantly speed up the recovery process for tennis elbow. This faster recovery time means you can return to your normal activities sooner, whether that’s playing sports, working, or simply enjoying daily life without the constant nagging pain of tennis elbow.
Dry needling is well complemented with other treatments
Dry needling works well in conjunction with other therapeutic approaches, such as physical therapy, massage, or exercise programs. This makes it a versatile option that can be easily integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan for tennis elbow.
Many of our patients find that combining dry needling with other modalities leads to faster and more complete relief from their tennis elbow symptoms.
What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session
If you’re considering dry needling for your tennis elbow, here’s what you can expect during a typical session at Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture:
- Initial Assessment: One of our experienced practitioners will discuss your medical history, current symptoms, and treatment goals. They may perform a physical examination to identify specific areas of muscle tension or trigger points.
- Treatment Explanation: The dry needling process will be explained in detail, ensuring you’re comfortable and informed about the procedure.
- Needle Insertion: Thin, sterile needles will be inserted into targeted areas around your elbow and forearm. You may feel a slight prick or pressure, but the process is generally not painful.
- Muscle Response: You might experience a brief muscle twitch or ache as the needle reaches a trigger point. Do not worry, this is a normal response to dry needling treatment.
- Treatment Duration: The needles are typically left in place for 10-30 minutes, allowing time for the muscles to relax and for the therapeutic effects to take hold.
- Needle Removal: One of our caring practitioners will gently remove the needles. Most patients report feeling relaxed and experiencing some immediate relief after the session.
- Post-Treatment Advice: Our practitioners may also provide guidance on stretches, exercises, or other self-care measures to enhance the effects of the treatment.
How Many Sessions Will You Need?
The number of dry needling sessions required for tennis elbow relief can vary depending on the severity and duration of your condition. For example, some of our patients experience significant improvement after just a few sessions, while others may benefit from a series of treatments over several weeks.
One of our practitioners will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan based on your individual needs and response to the therapy.
Book with us today
Don’t let tennis elbow keep you sidelined from the activities you love. Dry needling offers a promising approach to managing pain and addressing the underlying causes of this frustrating condition. At Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture, our experienced practitioners are dedicated to helping you find relief and improve your quality of life.
If you’re ready to explore the therapeutic effects of dry needling for your tennis elbow, take the first step towards pain-free movement by booking a consultation with us today.
Contact Lycoming Orthopedic & Sports Acupuncture now to schedule your first appointment and discover how dry needling can help you overcome tennis elbow pain.
