Tendonitis (tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow)

Tendonitis, including tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow, is a common overuse injury affecting the tendons around the elbow. It often results from repetitive motions, poor ergonomics, or sudden strain, leading to pain, stiffness, and weakness that can interfere with daily tasks and sports.

Understanding Tendonitis in TCM

In TCM, tendonitis is often linked to:

  • Qi and Blood stagnation causing pain and inflammation
  • Wind-Cold-Damp invasion affecting the tendons
  • Liver and Kidney deficiencies leading to weakened tendons and ligaments

Pain and restricted movement occur when circulation is impaired and tendons lack proper nourishment. TCM treatments aim to restore flow, clear stagnation, and strengthen the body's musculoskeletal system.

How Acupuncture Helps with Tendonitis

Acupuncture supports tendon healing by:

  • Increasing local blood circulation to nourish damaged tissues
  • Reducing inflammation and swelling
  • Relaxing tight muscles around the elbow
  • Modulating pain signals to decrease sensitivity

We target acupuncture points along the Large Intestine, Triple Burner, Small Intestine, and Lung meridians, focusing on relieving tension, promoting tissue repair, and restoring normal function.

Studies in the Journal of Integrative Medicine (2022) show acupuncture significantly improves pain levels, grip strength, and flexibility in patients with tennis elbow and similar tendon conditions.

How Chinese Herbal Medicine Supports Healing

Herbal therapy complements acupuncture by working internally to:

  • Move Qi and invigorate Blood
  • Clear Dampness, Wind, and Cold from affected areas
  • Strengthen the Liver and Kidney systems for tendon resilience
  • Nourish Blood and promote faster tissue repair

Frequently used herbs include:

  • Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark): Strengthens tendons and ligaments
  • Xu Duan (Dipsacus Root): Promotes healing of injured tissues
  • Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis): Natural pain relief and circulation booster
  • Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Root): Expels Wind-Damp from muscles and joints

Each herbal prescription is tailored to address acute inflammation or chronic weakness, depending on your presentation.

Tennis Elbow vs Golfer’s Elbow: TCM Approach

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer part of the elbow. Treatment focuses on:

  • Reducing local Qi and Blood stagnation
  • Relaxing the forearm extensor muscles
  • Strengthening tendons to prevent re-injury

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)

Golfer’s elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow. TCM treatment aims to:

  • Restore circulation to the inner forearm
  • Relieve inflammation and tightness in the flexor muscles
  • Nourish Blood and reinforce tendon health

Both conditions benefit from a combination of acupuncture, herbal therapy, and movement correction.

Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations for Tendon Health

Daily habits influence recovery and long-term tendon health. At Vital Duo, we recommend:

  • Using ergonomic tools and adjusting workstations
  • Avoiding repetitive strain without proper breaks
  • Practising stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearms
  • Applying warm compresses to promote circulation (only once acute swelling subsides)
  • Eating foods that nourish tendons and Blood, such as walnuts, bone broth, leafy greens, and black sesame
  • Avoiding cold, greasy, and overly processed foods that contribute to Dampness

Mindful movement, stress reduction, and good posture habits also support full recovery.

Final Thoughts

Tendonitis, whether from tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, or repetitive strain, can be painful and limiting. But with the natural healing power of Traditional Chinese Medicine, true recovery is achievable.

Best Chinese Acupuncture for Pain Relief In Bristol

Our therapists combine traditional Chinese knowledge from Rank No.1 University in China, modern needles techniques, and 1:1 root cause consultation — so every session moves our clients toward full-body healing and sustainable wellness.

Root-Cause Pain Relief In Bristol

This isn’t your average acupuncture session.

This is Real Classical Chinese Acupuncture — 2,000 years of medical wisdom, now used to target pain at the root.

In your 60-minute personalised session, you’ll get:

  • Classics acupuncture / Cupping provided from top ranked academy
  • Diagnosis based on ancient Chinese medical texts
  • Personalised guidance on diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes
  • WhatsApp follow-up for questions and progress tracking

BONUS: First-time clients start with a Free Pain Relief Talk.

P.S: If we begin treatment and it doesn’t feel right, you get a FULL REFUND.

You’ve got nothing to lose — except the pain.

Book Me Now From £60 Per Session

Pain Relief Treatment At Vital Duo

  • Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is a cornerstone of TCM, involving the insertion of fine needles at specific points to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. This technique enhances blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and balances the flow of Qi (vital energy), effectively alleviating various types of pain, including:​

  • Herbal Tea

    Our custom-blended herbal teas are formulated based on ancient TCM texts and tailored to individual diagnoses. These blends work gently to reduce inflammation, nourish the organs, improve digestion, and calm the nervous system, supporting your recovery from within.

  • Herbal Supplements

    We offer personalised herbal supplements that strengthen the musculoskeletal system, ease nerve pain, and enhance resilience. Each formula is carefully matched to your condition and constitution to maximise healing potential.

  • Cupping

    Cupping therapy further boosts circulation, releases deep muscular tension, and supports lymphatic drainage. It is ideal for treating stubborn pain, inflammation, and stress-related tightness, helping you feel refreshed and renewed.

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Why Choose Vital Duo?

  • Free Pain Relief Talk with risk-free needle trial

    First-time patients enjoy a free consultation and a complimentary needle trial. If you decide to start treatment and it doesn’t feel right, you get a full refund. Our focus is your comfort, your results, and your trust.

  • Tailor Made Treatment

    At Vital Duo, every treatment plan is tailor-made. We diagnose based on ancient Chinese medical principles and provide personalised advice on diet, exercise, and lifestyle.

  • WhatsApp follow-up and progress tracking

    Our support continues beyond your session with WhatsApp follow-ups and progress tracking, so your healing journey is guided at every step.

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