Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow Dysfunction: An Integrated Approach Using Western and Chinese Medicine
(Organ names in Chinese medicine differ from Western medicine’s understanding).
Tennis and golfer’s elbow dysfunction are common conditions that affect the elbow joint, causing pain and discomfort. Western medicine attributes the dysfunction to repetitive strain injury, inflammation, or overuse of the tendons that attach to the forearm muscles. The injury causes microtears in the tendon, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
The western biomedical approach to treating tennis and golfer’s elbow dysfunction involves rest, ice, physical therapy, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be required. It is important to note that these treatments are only recommended under the guidance of a Western medical doctor.
Chinese medicine views tennis and golfer’s elbow dysfunction as a result of an imbalance in the body’s energy or Qi, which flows through channels called meridians. The condition is seen as a blockage of the flow of Qi through the meridians that run through the arms and elbows. This blockage causes pain and discomfort in the elbow joint.
According to TCM theory, tennis and golfer’s elbow dysfunction may be related to various organs, including the Liver, Spleen, Kidney, and Small Intestine. TCM practitioners focus on balancing the flow of Qi in the affected meridians and restoring the balance of the organs to alleviate symptoms.
TCM practitioners may use acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine to treat tennis and golfer’s elbow dysfunction. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of Qi and promote healing. Cupping uses cups to create a vacuum on the skin, drawing blood and Qi to the affected area to relieve pain and promote healing. Herbal medicine may be prescribed to help restore the balance of the affected organs and promote healing.
It is important to note that while Chinese medicine can be effective in managing symptoms, A complementary approach to management using both Western and Chinese medicine can be effective in managing pain and promoting healing.
In conclusion, tennis and golfer’s elbow dysfunction can be effectively managed through a combination of Western and Chinese medicine approaches. Western medicine focuses on addressing the injury, while TCM focuses on restoring the flow of Qi and balancing the affected organs, as with most medical condition, Chinese Medicine treats the underlying causeaccording to TCM theory.
References:
Maciocia, G. (2015). The Practice of Chinese Medicine: The Treatment of Diseases with Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs. Churchill Livingstone.
Li, X. & Deng, Y. (2019). Clinical Observation on Treating Tennis Elbow with Acupuncture and Cupping. Journal of Acupuncture and Tuina Science, 17(5), 339-342.
Mishra, A. K. & Skrepnik, N. V. (2017). Treatment of chronic elbow tendinosis with buffered platelet-rich plasma. The American Journal of Sports Medicine, 45(4), 933-939.
Wang, H., Liu, J., Zhao, Y., Liu, D., & Du, S. (2017). Acupuncture for Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow): A Systematic Review. Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies, 10(4), 234–240. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jams.2017.06.003
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Registered practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine