Tennis elbow can make simple tasks like lifting a mug or turning a doorknob uncomfortable. Many people search for relief that goes beyond rest and pain medication. Dry needling for tennis elbow is a therapy that works by releasing muscle tension and stimulating the body’s healing response. This approach can help address pain at its source rather than only managing the symptoms.
What Tennis Elbow Means
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. It often happens to athletes, but it’s not limited to sports. Office workers, manual laborers, and hobbyists can experience it from repetitive gripping or wrist movements.
The condition involves small tears and inflammation in the tendon fibers. Over time, the irritation leads to stiffness, tenderness, and weakness in the arm. This can make it difficult to grip objects or carry out daily tasks.
Why Dry Needling Stands Out
Dry needling targets the underlying muscle tightness that often contributes to elbow pain. A trained practitioner inserts fine, sterile needles into trigger point knots or sensitive spots within muscles. These trigger points can refer pain to the elbow and become harder.
By working on these points, dry needling can help reduce muscle tension and improve blood flow to the affected area. Many patients notice changes after the first session, such as improved movement or less discomfort during daily activities.
The Link Between Trigger Points and Tennis Elbow
Trigger points in the forearm muscles often play a role in tennis elbow symptoms. Even though the pain is felt near the elbow joint, the tension can originate from muscles in the forearm or even the upper arm.
Dry needling helps release these tight spots, interrupting the cycle of pain and muscle guarding. This can reduce strain on the irritated tendons and give them a better environment to recover.
What Happens During Treatment for Tennis Elbow
Before starting, your practitioner will review your symptoms, activity level, and medical history to identify which muscles may be contributing to the pain. They will then palpate the forearm and surrounding muscles to locate tender or tense areas connected to your elbow discomfort.
Once a trigger point is identified, a fine needle is inserted, which may cause a brief twitch or dull ache, often a sign that the muscle is responding. This twitch helps reset the muscle, easing built-up tension and improving flexibility. After the session, you may experience mild soreness, similar to the feeling after a workout, for a day or two, and gentle stretching with light activity can support your adaptation to the changes in muscle tone.
Benefits Beyond Pain Relief
Dry needling offers more than short-term comfort. For tennis elbow, it can improve muscle balance around the joint, which supports better movement patterns. This can make everyday tasks easier and reduce the chance of symptoms returning.
It can also complement other approaches like physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises. When combined, these methods can help restore full arm function and speed up recovery.
Combining Dry Needling with Other Therapies
Dry needling is effective on its own, but many people recover faster when it’s part of a broader plan. Stretching, strengthening, and hands-on therapies can all work together to address both pain and function. Strengthening exercises for the forearm and wrist can help build resilience in the tendons. Gentle stretches can keep the muscles flexible, reducing strain during everyday movements. Manual therapies like massage can also help improve circulation and break down adhesions in the tissues.
Building a Long-Term Recovery Plan
Lasting improvement from tennis elbow often comes from a plan that addresses more than the pain site. You want to improve how the muscles and tendons handle repetitive tasks. This means correcting posture, adjusting workstations, or modifying sports techniques. It can also mean learning proper lifting and gripping mechanics. The goal is to reduce the stress placed on the elbow while building strength and flexibility in the arm.
Dry needling sessions can be spaced out over weeks to allow the body to adapt. Between treatments, a home program of stretches and exercises can reinforce the benefits. This approach helps prevent the same injury from returning.
Signs That Dry Needling May Help You
People with tennis elbow who have ongoing pain despite rest often benefit from dry needling. It can be especially helpful when the pain involves both the tendon and surrounding muscle tightness. You might also notice forearm stiffness in the morning or discomfort when gripping. These symptoms often respond well when the muscle tension is addressed directly.
Athletes who want to return to play and workers who use their hands frequently may find that dry needling speeds up the process. It can also be valuable after other therapies have plateaued, offering a new way to stimulate healing.
How Messina Acupuncture Approaches Tennis Elbow
At Messina Acupuncture, we take the time to assess the specific muscles and movements that trigger your pain. Each session is designed to target the areas that will make the most difference for your recovery. My focus is on orthopedic issues, so I understand the patterns that lead to overuse injuries like tennis elbow.
Treatment may include dry needling along with other therapies such as acupuncture or medical massage. This combination can address both the muscle tension and the circulation needed for tissue repair. By blending techniques, I can work on reducing pain while improving overall function in your arm.
Patient Experience and Expectations
During your first visit, we will review your health history and daily activities to find the root cause of your elbow pain. The dry needling process is explained before starting, so you know what to expect. You might feel a brief twitch or mild ache during the session. This sensation often fades quickly, and many patients notice immediate changes in range of motion or comfort.
After treatment, mild soreness can occur for a day or two, similar to post-exercise muscle fatigue. I recommend gentle use of the arm rather than complete rest. This helps the body adapt to the changes and encourages blood flow to the area. Over a few sessions, many patients report stronger grip, less stiffness, and reduced pain with daily activities.
Supporting Recovery with Lifestyle Adjustments
Healing from tennis elbow also involves changes in how you use your arm. Adjusting the way you lift, carry, or type can reduce ongoing strain. Using supportive braces or modifying grip during certain tasks can also help in the early stages.
Ice or heat therapy at home can complement dry needling sessions. Ice helps with short-term pain flare-ups, while heat promotes circulation in stiff muscles. Staying consistent with home exercises between visits can help keep the improvements from each session.
Preventing Future Flare-Ups
Once symptoms improve, it’s important to keep the forearm and wrist strong. Regular stretching, strength training, and breaks during repetitive tasks can protect the elbow. For athletes, technique refinement can make a big difference. For workers, small ergonomic changes can prevent stress from building up again.
Even after recovery, occasional maintenance sessions can help keep muscles balanced. This is especially true if your daily activities continue to involve gripping, lifting, or repetitive motions.
Why Many Patients Choose Messina Acupuncture
People come to Messina Acupuncture because they want targeted care for orthopedic issues without a one-size-fits-all approach. I focus on techniques that get results as quickly as possible, often starting from the first session. I also handle most of the insurance legwork, so you can focus on your recovery. My flexible hours make it easier to fit treatment into busy schedules.
Start Your Recovery Today
Tennis elbow can limit your work, hobbies, and daily life. Dry needling offers a way to release the tension and improve your arm’s ability to heal. At Messina Acupuncture, I work with you to build a plan that addresses both pain relief and long-term function.
Call today to book your appointment and take the first step toward using your arm without pain again.