The short answer. Tennis elbow (outer) and golfer's elbow (inner) are overuse tendon injuries. The most effective fix is progressive eccentric strengthening, and acupuncture can help with the pain along the way.¹˒²
What's actually wrong
Despite the names, most cases aren't from sports — they're from repetitive gripping, typing, lifting, or tool use that overloads the tendons attaching at the elbow. The result is a nagging, sometimes sharp pain with gripping or lifting that can linger for months if it's only rested.
How chiropractic helps
Rest alone rarely fixes a cranky tendon. The evidence favors progressive loading — specifically eccentric (slow-lowering) strengthening — plus addressing the wrist, forearm, and even the neck/shoulder mechanics that overload the elbow. We add soft-tissue work and modalities like e-stim as needed.
How acupuncture helps
Acupuncture is well-evidenced for musculoskeletal pain² and can reduce elbow pain so you can do the loading exercises that actually heal the tendon. Dry cupping of the forearm can help tight tissue.
Why doing both can work better
Our Combined Care visit pairs the tendon-loading rehab with pain-calming acupuncture — helping you push the rehab that fixes the problem without being stopped by pain.
What to expect
An exam, hands-on care, and a simple home loading program. Consistency over a few weeks is what turns the corner.
Get help in Mineola
The Point Chiropractic and Acupuncture P.C. serves Mineola, Williston Park, Garden City, New Hyde Park, Albertson, Roslyn, Westbury, and western Nassau County. We're in-network with Northwell Direct for chiropractic and are adding more insurers. Book online — HSA/FSA accepted, superbills on request.
This article is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Talk to a qualified clinician about what's right for your situation.
Sources
- Tyler TF, et al. Addition of isolated wrist extensor eccentric exercise to standard treatment for chronic lateral epicondylosis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2010.
- Vickers AJ, et al. Acupuncture for Chronic Pain: Update of an Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Pain. 2018;19(5):455–474.
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NIH). Acupuncture: Effectiveness and Safety. nccih.nih.gov.
FAQ
What actually cures tennis elbow? Progressive eccentric (slow-lowering) strengthening is the most effective approach; rest alone usually isn't enough.
Is golfer's elbow different from tennis elbow? Same type of overuse tendon injury — golfer's elbow is on the inner elbow, tennis elbow on the outer. Both respond to loading rehab.
Does acupuncture help elbow pain? Acupuncture has good evidence for musculoskeletal pain and can reduce elbow pain so you can complete the rehab that heals the tendon.
How long until it's better? Often a few weeks of consistent loading exercises. We'll give you a simple home program and progress it.
Do you take insurance? In-network with Northwell Direct for chiropractic (adding more); acupuncture is cash-based. HSA/FSA accepted.
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