Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow and Qiang Huo

Tennis elbow – medically termed lateral epicondylitis – is a widespread condition that affects far more people than just tennis players. Characterized by pain and tenderness along the outer elbow, tennis elbow is the result of tendonitis in the extensor carpi radialis brevis, a tendon that connects the wrist and elbow and plays a key role in stabilizing the wrist during gripping and lifting movements.

This condition typically develops from repetitive strain rather than a single injury. Any activity involving repeated wrist extension or gripping, such as painting, plumbing, typing, weightlifting, or manual labor, can place ongoing stress on this tendon and lead to the same overuse injury seen in tennis players. Over time, the tendon becomes inflamed and the surrounding tissue weakens, causing pain that can radiate from the elbow into the forearm and occasionally the hand. Left unaddressed, symptoms can persist for months and interfere with everyday tasks like turning a doorknob or shaking hands.

Treatment of tennis elbow tends to be conservative, but if persistent elbow tendonitis is a problem for you, Chinese medicine may offer effective alternatives. Among them is herbal treatment with Qiang Huo, the preferred option for tennis elbow.

What Are the Causes, Symptoms and Treatments for Tennis Elbow?

Lateral epicondylitis manifests with pain, which may feel like a burning or aching sensation. This pain tends to originate in the forearm and elbow but may spread to other parts of the arm if the underlying cause isn’t addressed. Eventually, the pain may be felt at rest or when attempting to grip something.

Although tennis elbow is closely associated with tennis play, it can be caused by any repetitive activity that involves using the elbow. Painting, using hand tools, operating machinery or playing an instrument – these can all cause lateral epicondylitis

Treatment is conservative, with rest and the occasional cold pack being the frontline approach. If the pain becomes severe, medication may also be prescribed.

How Can Chinese Herbs Like Qiang Huo Help with Tennis Elbow?

If rest isn’t enough to resolve your tennis elbow, and you’d rather not risk the side effects associated with pain medication, Chinese herbs may offer an effective alternative.

Qiang Huo (notopterygium root) is a popular beneficial botanical for tennis elbow. This herb is effective at eliminating cold and dampness from the body, both considered pathologies in Chinese medicine. Excessive dampness (too much fluid in parts of the body) can drive tendon or joint pain, but Qiang Huo can clear out this dampness, restoring ideal conditions in the body for pain management. Have a conversation with Houston Acupuncture today to learn about treatment options available to help treat your tennis elbow.