Chinese Medicine
Tennis elbow
Pain on the outside of the elbow when you grip, lift a kettle, or turn a doorknob. You do not have to play tennis to get it. Dr. Pan checks the cause first, then makes a plan.
Please bring a list of the medicines, supplements and herbs you take now. It helps to notice which movements hurt: gripping, lifting, typing, using tools.
First, check the cause
Tennis elbow is strain of the tendon on the outside of the elbow, from repeated gripping and twisting. Most people get better with treatment.
How it is treated
- Easing off the movements that hurt for a while, and changing how you grip and lift.
- Exercises to strengthen and stretch the forearm, and physical therapy if you need it. A forearm strap can help.
- Acupuncture: very thin needles, to relax the forearm and ease the pain. It is a long-established treatment for tennis elbow in Chinese medicine, and together with the forearm exercises it works even better.
- Chinese herbs, prescribed for your pattern, to improve circulation, relax the sinews and ease pain. They are checked against the medicines you already take.
- Pain medicine or a cream. A steroid injection eases pain quickly; Dr. Pan will go over whether it suits you.
How many visits
Usually once a week at first. Six to eight visits make a course; then look at how much better you are: less pain, a stronger grip.
Common questions
Do I need an X-ray or MRI?
Usually not. Dr. Pan will order one if the exam suggests something else.
Should I stop using my arm?
Keep the arm moving, and ease off only what hurts. Gentle use keeps the tendon strong.
Will I need surgery?
Very few people do. Most get better with treatment.
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Seen in King of Prussia
Patients travel from King of Prussia, Wayne, Bryn Mawr, Villanova, Radnor, Conshohocken, Malvern, Phoenixville, Devon and Berwyn.