A Case of Tennis Elbow Treated with Acupuncture in Nanaimo

Patient Profile:

A 47-year-old male, office worker and recreational tennis player, presented to our Nanaimo clinic with persistent right elbow pain for over 3 months. He reported sharp, localized pain on the outer side of the elbow, worsened by gripping objects, shaking hands, or typing for long periods. Over-the-counter painkillers offered only temporary relief.

Men with Tennis Elbow Problems

Diagnosis:

Based on the patient’s symptoms and functional limitations, he was clinically diagnosed with lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) terms, the condition was identified as Bi syndrome (痹证)—stagnation of Qi and Blood in the meridians due to overuse and repetitive strain.

Tennis Elbow

Treatment Plan: Targeted Acupuncture for Tendon Repair and Pain Relief

We designed a treatment protocol involving twice-weekly acupuncture sessions over a period of four weeks, later tapered to weekly as symptoms improved.

Acupuncture points used included:

• Local Points:

  • LI10 (Shousanli)

  • LI11 (Quchi)

  • LI12 (Zhouliao)

  • Ashii points (tender points around the lateral epicondyle)

• Distal Points for Channel Regulation:

  • LI4 (Hegu) – to move Qi and alleviate pain

  • SJ5 (Waiguan) – for lateral arm pain

  • LU5 (Chize) – for tendon disorders of the elbow

  • GB34 (Yanglingquan) – influential point for tendons

Tennis Elbow Treatment with Traditional Acupuncture

Needling Technique:Mild reinforcing-reducing method, with manipulation to elicit deqi sensation. Occasional electro-acupuncture was applied between LI10–LI11 depending on tissue response and pain sensitivity.

Adjunct therapies:

• TDP infrared heat lamp to improve local circulation

• Simple tendon-stretching exercises were introduced after the third session

Results and Recovery

After 4 sessions, the patient reported noticeable reduction in pain intensity and improved grip strength. By session 8, he could resume light tennis practice with no sharp pain. After 10 sessions, he returned to full activity, including racket sports and keyboard work, with only occasional tightness that no longer interfered with daily function.

Follow-up after one month showed no recurrence.

Clinical Insights: Acupuncture in Sports Injury Management

This case illustrates how acupuncture can be a highly effective treatment for tennis elbow, especially when conventional therapies provide limited relief. By restoring balance to the affected meridian pathways and promoting tendon healing, acupuncture offers a non-pharmaceutical, minimally invasive approach to chronic overuse injuries.

It also reminds us that early intervention and tailored care—including movement guidance and rest—are key in preventing minor injuries from becoming chronic conditions.

Interested in Acupuncture for Elbow or Joint Pain?

Whether your elbow pain is from tennis, computer use, or gardening, acupuncture may offer safe, effective relief. Contact us today to book a consultation at our Nanaimo clinic.