How Medical Acupuncture Helps Elbow Pain

Elbow pain is a common musculoskeletal issue, affecting millions of Americans each year. While many cases improve with at-home treatments, like over-the-counter pain medication, ice, and rest, chronic elbow pain often requires more intensive care. 

For conditions like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and arthritis, you might assume surgery is your best bet. But an outpatient procedure, like medical acupuncture, may be just as effective, and it requires no downtime. 

At LiveWell Pain Management, interventional pain specialist Nora Taha, MD, often recommends medical acupuncture for elbow pain. Read on to discover what it is, how it works, and what to expect in terms of pain relief.

What is medical acupuncture?

Medical acupuncture, also called Western medical acupuncture, is similar to traditional Chinese acupuncture. However, instead of focusing on improving the flow of ‘Qi,’ your body’s energy flow, it stimulates the nervous system to reduce pain and support healing.

More specifically, it targets anatomical structures, like trigger points (tight muscle knots), to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension, and encourage the body’s healing process.

Although research is limited, there’s evidence that medical acupuncture can effectively relieve elbow pain. For example, one study found that medical acupuncture was better at relieving elbow pain caused by lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) than pain medication or nerve block injections.

Dr. Taha often combines medical acupuncture with other therapies, such as physical therapy and massage, to optimize results.

How medical acupuncture eases elbow pain

Scientists aren’t entirely sure why medical acupuncture can be effective at relieving elbow pain, but several mechanisms are thought to play a role. 

For instance, acupuncture increases circulation to the treated area, delivering oxygen and nutrient-rich blood, which can help promote recovery. It also releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. That helps reduce pain perception, making movements like bending and lifting your arm easier. 

In addition, medical acupuncture may encourage wound healing by reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of new, healthy tissue. While more research is needed to confirm these benefits, preliminary studies show promising results. That’s why many people with elbow pain are turning to acupuncture for relief.

What to expect during treatment

Medical acupuncture is a quick, in-office procedure that typically takes 30 to 60 minutes. Although the treatment involves Dr. Taha inserting small needles into the skin on and around your elbow, most people don’t find it painful. In fact, while it’s normal to experience a small prick with each needle’s insertion, many describe the overall sensation as warm and tingly.

After your appointment, Dr. Taha removes the needles and sends you home. Because the results of acupuncture are cumulative, meaning they add up over time, Dr. Taha usually recommends a series of treatments spaced over a few weeks.

Some people experience immediate elbow pain relief after just one treatment, but others see gradual improvement over the following weeks. Sticking with the full treatment plan gives your body the best chance to respond.

Request medical acupuncture for elbow pain

If elbow pain makes it difficult to brush your hair, wash up, or handle routine tasks, contact Dr. Taha today. She can assess the severity and underlying cause, and determine if medical acupuncture is right for you.

Call the nearest LiveWell Pain Management office in Elmwood Park, Englewood, or Paramus, New Jersey, or request an appointment online.