Elbow Pain Feature
Persistent Inner Elbow Pain? Acupuncture + Tui Na for a Complete Cure of "Golfer's Elbow"
Not just a golfer's concern—teachers, chefs, and office workers are also affected. Traditional Chinese Medicine addresses epicondylitis from its root cause.
Is the inside of your elbow aching, making it uncomfortable to lift heavy objects, wring out towels, or even hold a pen? This might be a warning sign of "Golfer's Elbow" (medial epicondylitis). If left untreated, the pain can become chronic, affecting your daily life.
Book a TCM consultation to find the root cause of your elbow painWhat is Golfer's Elbow? Who is most susceptible?
Golfer's Elbow (medically known as medial epicondylitis) refers to inflammation and microtears at the tendon attachment on the inner side of the elbow, caused by long-term repetitive motions, leading to persistent pain. Sufferers often include:
- Office workers: Prolonged use of keyboards and mice, leading to continuous tension in the wrist flexors
- Teachers: Long periods of writing or holding laser pointers, repeatedly flexing the wrist
- Chefs/Catering staff: Frequent lifting of heavy pots, chopping with knives
- Fitness enthusiasts: Improper pull-up or dumbbell techniques, excessively stressing forearm flexors
- Golfers: Impact on the inner elbow during swings (the origin of the condition's name, but not the primary patient group)
Golfer's Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow: How to differentiate?
Both are overuse injuries of the elbow, but the location of pain is opposite:
| Feature | Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) | Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Location | Inner elbow | Outer elbow |
| Muscles Involved | Forearm flexor muscles | Forearm extensor muscles |
| Typical Actions That Induce Pain | Wrist flexion, lifting heavy objects | Wrist extension, gripping objects with a backhand motion |
| Common Patients | Office workers, teachers, chefs | Office workers, athletes |
How does TCM view "Golfer's Elbow"?
In TCM, this condition falls under the category of "Bi Syndrome," with the core pathology being "stagnation of Qi and Blood." Long-term overuse leads to localized stagnation of Qi and Blood, causing malnourishment of the tendons and meridians. Coupled with Hong Kong's humid climate, "dampness evil" further obstructs Qi and Blood circulation, exacerbating the pain.
💡 TCM believes that "dampness is heavy, turbid, and sticky," like pouring mud and sand into a clogged pipe—in humid weather, overuse-related pain often significantly worsens. This perfectly illustrates the TCM theory of "dampness causing illness."
Shang Yi Tang's Three-Step Treatment Plan
Step One: Acupuncture directly targets the affected area, invigorating blood and resolving stasis
Based on the diagnosis, the practitioner selects acupoints such as Shaohai, Xiaohai, Yinxi, and ashi points, using the "encircling needling technique" to promote local Qi and blood circulation, eliminate inflammation, release adhesive tendon tissues, and alleviate pain at its source.
Step Two: Tui Na manipulation to release fascia
For tension and adhesion in the forearm flexor muscles, deep Tui Na is used to release the fascia, restore normal tendon elasticity, and correct poor wrist usage habits to prevent recurrence.
Step Three: External application of Chinese herbal medicine for continuous repair
Complementary external application of Chinese herbal medicine with blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving properties (such as Notoginseng, Caulis Spatholobi, and Myrrh) is used to continuously repair damaged tendon tissues during treatment intervals, accelerating the overall recovery process. For patients with recurrent episodes, the practitioner may also prescribe personalized internal conditioning formulas.
Daily Maintenance: Five Habits to Prevent Recurrence
- Regular breaks: Every 30 minutes, stop hand work and perform 5 wrist flexor and extensor stretches.
- Keep warm: Apply a hot water bottle to the affected area for 15 minutes to promote circulation.
- Cautious use of topical medications: When applying dit da jow or pain relief creams, apply gently and avoid vigorous rubbing (excessive friction can worsen inflammation).
- Adjust posture: Maintain a neutral wrist position when using tools, avoiding prolonged flexion.
- Dietary regulation: Avoid spicy, greasy, and cold foods to prevent exacerbation of dampness evil.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mild acute Golfer's Elbow may improve with sufficient rest and cold compresses. However, if the pain persists for more than 2-4 weeks, or recurs frequently, it indicates that it has entered a chronic inflammatory stage, and rest alone may not be enough for a complete cure. At this point, professional treatment should be sought to prevent it from developing into a long-term chronic problem affecting elbow mobility.
This varies from person to person. Generally, acute patients (onset less than 3 months) may see significant improvement after 4-6 sessions; chronic patients (onset over 3 months or recurrent episodes) may require 8-12 sessions or more. The practitioner will provide a more accurate estimate after the initial assessment, based on your specific condition.
In most cases, you can continue to work, but please note: avoid repetitive movements that worsen symptoms, use an elbow brace to reduce tendon load, and avoid strenuous use of the elbow within 24 hours after treatment. The practitioner will provide specific activity recommendations based on your work nature.
The typical characteristics of Golfer's Elbow are: a clear tender point on the inner side of the elbow (the side closer to the body), with pain worsening when flexing the wrist or pronating the forearm. If the tender point is on the outer side, it is more likely Tennis Elbow; if accompanied by numbness or weakness in the fingers, cubital tunnel syndrome needs to be ruled out. It is recommended to have a professional practitioner evaluate and diagnose to formulate the most suitable treatment plan.
It's time to say goodbye to elbow pain
Don't let elbow pain quietly erode your work ability and quality of life. Shang Yi Tang's integrated therapy aims to accurately identify the root cause of your pain and provide targeted treatment, allowing you to regain flexible and pain-free elbows.
Book an elbow assessment nowEntire 11th floor, Harbour Centre, 90 Jaffe Road
Wan Chai MTR Station Exit C
Tel: 2736 7473
WhatsApp: 5427 3297
Entire 3rd floor, Jianneng Development Building, 59 Parkes Street
Jordan MTR Station Exit C2
Tel: 2736 7033
WhatsApp: 5571 0281
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Dr. Cheung Yung — Registered Chinese Medicine Practitioner in Hong Kong
Graduated from Guangzhou Jinan University School of Chinese Medicine, with over 40 years of clinical experience. Specializes in Chinese medicine and herbal remedies, proficient in acupuncture, bone-setting, chiropractic, and traumatology. Studied under Wing Chun Grandmaster Cen Neng and national treasure TCM professor Long Cinhua. Author of "The Complete Book of Pain" and other works. Founder of Shang Yi Tang.
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