Treating Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow with Dry Needling

Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow are common conditions that affect the elbow’s tendons, pain and discomfort in the forearm. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, results from overuse of the muscles and tendons on the outside of the elbow, while golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Both conditions can be debilitating, impacting daily activities and athletic performance. dry needling therapy Grande Prairie At Junction Physical Therapy, we use various therapeutic techniques, including dry needling, to effectively treat these conditions and promote healing.

Understanding Tennis Elbow and Golfer's Elbow

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): This condition is characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow, often caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the extensor muscles and tendons. It is common in sports that involve repetitive gripping and wrist movements, such as tennis and racquet sports.

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain occurs on the inside of the elbow and is caused by overuse of the flexor muscles and tendons. This condition is often associated with sports or activities that involve repetitive wrist flexion or gripping, such as golf.

Both conditions involve inflammation and micro-tears in the tendons, pain and reduced functional capacity.

Dry Needling as a Treatment Option

It involves inserting thin, sterile needles into specific points in the muscle or tendon to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Here’s how dry needling can help with tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow:

Trigger Point Release: Dry needling targets trigger points—tight bands or knots within muscles that can contribute to pain and discomfort. By releasing these trigger points, dry needling helps alleviate the tension in the affected muscles and tendons, reducing pain and improving function.

Enhanced Blood Flow: The insertion of needles stimulates local blood flow, promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. Improved circulation helps accelerate the healing process and reduces inflammation.

Reduction of Muscle Spasms: Dry needling can help relax tight muscles and reduce spasms, which can contribute to pain and stiffness in conditions like tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow.

Pain Relief: By addressing the underlying muscle and tendon issues, dry needling can provide significant pain relief, allowing patients to return to their regular activities and sports more quickly.

Integrating Dry Needling with Other Therapies

While dry needling can be highly effective, it is often used in combination with other therapeutic interventions to achieve the results. At Junction Physical Therapy, we integrate dry needling with a comprehensive treatment plan that may include:

Strengthening Exercises: Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow, improving stability and preventing future injuries.

Stretching and Flexibility Exercises: Stretching the affected muscles and tendons helps to increase range of motion and reduce tension.

Education and Ergonomic Advice: Providing guidance on proper technique, posture, and equipment use to prevent recurrence of symptoms.

What to Expect from Dry Needling Treatment

During a dry needling session, our skilled physiotherapists will insert thin needles into specific points in the affected area. The procedure may cause a brief, mild discomfort as the needle reaches the trigger point, but this sensation is typically short-lived. After treatment, patients may experience some soreness in the area, similar to post-exercise muscle soreness, which usually resolves within a few days.

Conclusion

Dry needling is a valuable tool in the treatment of tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, offering targeted relief from pain and discomfort. At Junction Physical Therapy in Grande Prairie, we combine dry needling with other therapeutic techniques to provide a comprehensive approach to managing these common elbow conditions. If you are struggling with tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow, our experienced team is here to help you regain function and return to your favorite activities. Contact us today to learn more about how dry needling can benefit you and start your journey toward recovery.

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