Acupuncture for Skin Conditions
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Acupuncture and headache & migraine
Acupuncture and stomach and intestinal complaints
Acupuncture and healthy weight loss
Acupunctuur bij een tennisarm
Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common complaint where pain can occur on the outer side of the elbow. The symptoms may arise after repeated strain on the forearm and hand. Despite the name, tennis elbow is not exclusive to tennis players.
What is tennis elbow?
In the case of tennis elbow, there is usually an overload of the tendons on the outer side of the elbow. The symptoms may manifest as pain around the outer elbow bump and can increase when the forearm muscles are tensed, for example, during gripping, lifting, or moving the wrist.
A similar complaint can occur on the inner side of the elbow, which is also known as golfer's elbow.
Acupuncture for tennis elbow
Acupuncture can be applied to various pain complaints, including those associated with tennis elbow. Research on acupuncture for tennis elbow shows mixed results. The available studies differ in the treatment methods used and how the effects are measured.
Within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), tennis elbow is viewed in light of the individual symptom profile. Different patterns may play a role. The acupuncturist looks at the location and nature of the pain, the onset of the symptoms, and other characteristics that are important within TCM. Based on this, the treatment is tailored.
In TCM, pain is associated with a disruption of the free flow of qi and blood. Therefore, the acupuncturist may choose points in the area of the complaint or other locations that correspond to the symptom pattern according to TCM.
Moxa
In addition to acupuncture, an acupuncturist may use moxa. This involves heating dried mugwort and using it to provide a pleasant warmth on or around certain acupuncture points.
Whether moxa is part of a treatment depends on the individual situation and the acupuncturist's treatment approach.
Electrical stimulation
Another treatment method within acupuncture is the electrical stimulation of acupuncture needles. This involves applying a light electrical impulse between two or more needles using a device. This can be experienced as a slight tingling or rhythmic vibration.
This form of treatment can also be part of an individual treatment plan, depending on the symptom profile and the acupuncturist's choice.
Personal treatment plan
If you have tennis elbow or golfer's elbow, you can discuss this with an acupuncturist. The acupuncturist will assess your symptoms and health situation and discuss which treatment is appropriate.
In cases of persistent or severe symptoms, it is important to also consult a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and advice.
