Golfers Elbow Treatment NYC
Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis
Imagine experiencing a persistent, aching pain on the inside of your elbow that worsens with gripping, lifting, or twisting motions—making everyday tasks like turning a doorknob or shaking hands a challenge. Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) involves irritation of the common flexor tendon as it attaches to the medial epicondyle of the humerus. At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach—combining acupuncture and dry needling—is designed to reduce tendon inflammation, release muscle tension, and restore proper elbow function.
Overview of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is characterized by:
Pain and tenderness on the inside (medial side) of the elbow
Pain that worsens with wrist flexion, gripping, or pronation/supination of the forearm
Occasional stiffness and weakness in the affected arm
Gradual onset of symptoms, often related to repetitive wrist/finger flexion or forearm pronation
It typically develops from overuse—such as repeated swinging in golf or racket sports—or occupational activities involving gripping and lifting.
Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms
Key factors contributing to medial epicondylitis include:
Tendon Overload & Microtears:
Repetitive stress on the common flexor tendon leads to microscopic collagen disruption and degeneration.Inflammatory Response:
Microtrauma triggers local inflammation, which sensitizes pain receptors in the tendon.Muscle Imbalances:
Overactivity of wrist/finger flexors (e.g., flexor carpi radialis, pronator teres) versus weaker extensors can exacerbate tendon load.Referred Pain:
Trigger points in the forearm muscles can refer pain to the medial elbow region.
Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective
Conventional treatments typically include:
Medications: NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation
Rest & Activity Modification: Avoiding aggravating movements and implementing ergonomic adjustments
Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm musculature
Bracing: Counterforce straps to offload the tendon during activity
Injections: Corticosteroid or platelet-rich plasma injections in refractory cases
Differential Diagnosis:
Symptoms can mimic ulnar nerve entrapment, cervical radiculopathy, or tear of the medial collateral ligament.
Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a non-invasive, first-line option to address both the tendon pathology and surrounding muscle dysfunction.
How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help
Acupuncture:
Fine needles are inserted at key TCM points to modulate pain pathways, increase local microcirculation, and reduce inflammation around the medial epicondyle.
Dry Needling:
Targets trigger points in overactive forearm flexors (e.g., flexor carpi radialis, pronator teres) to mechanically release tension, restore muscle balance, and decrease pull on the tendon.
Summary Table:
| Treatment Component | Techniques Used | Mechanism/Benefits | Example Points/Targets |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acupuncture | Insertion at TCM points | Modulates nerve pathways; increases local blood flow; reduces inflammation | PC6 (Neiguan), LI11 (Quchi), local Ashi points at medial epicondyle |
| Dry Needling | Insertion into trigger points | Releases muscle tension; improves range of motion; reduces referred pain | Trigger points in Trigger points in flexor carpi radialis, pronator teres, wrist flexors |
Acupuncture Points for Golfer’s Elbow
Our sessions may include these key points, chosen for their proximity to the elbow and systemic effects:
PC6 (Neiguan): Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects for wrist and forearm disorders.
LI11 (Quchi): Clears heat and alleviates pain at the elbow.
Local Ashi Points: Tender spots directly on the medial epicondyle to reduce localized discomfort.
Trigger Points for Golfer’s Elbow
We also address trigger points that contribute to medial elbow pain:
Flexor Carpi Radialis: Trigger points here can refer pain to the medial elbow and wrist.
Pronator Teres: Overactivity in this muscle increases medial elbow stress; dry needling releases tension.
Wrist Flexor Group: Other flexor muscles (flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus) may develop trigger points that exacerbate tendon overload.
Research & Evidence
Acupuncture for Golfer’s Elbow Research
Acupuncture has shown effectiveness in treating chronic epicondylitis, including Golfer’s Elbow, though most robust evidence comes from studies on lateral epicondylitis. A randomized controlled trial found that true acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved function compared to sham acupuncture, with benefits lasting up to two months.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses further support acupuncture’s efficacy for elbow tendinopathies, highlighting improvements in pain, grip strength, and overall arm function1. Large-scale, multicenter studies confirm these findings, showing that acupuncture can improve Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores and pain during exertion in chronic elbow tendinosis. While direct studies on medial epicondylitis are limited, the available evidence suggests acupuncture is a promising non-pharmacological option for managing Golfer’s Elbow.
Dry Needling for Golfer’s Elbow Research
Dry needling (DN) is emerging as a potential therapy for medial epicondylitis, supported by case studies and extrapolated evidence from lateral epicondylitis research. A case report documented significant pain reduction and restored function after a single DN session targeting the flexor origin in a patient with chronic Golfer’s Elbow, enabling a return to exercise.
For lateral epicondylitis, DN has been shown in meta-analyses and randomized trials to provide short-term pain relief, functional improvement, and increased grip strength, especially when a local twitch response is elicited. These results suggest that DN may benefit medial epicondylitis through mechanisms such as myofascial trigger point release and improved local circulation, though larger controlled trials specifically for Golfer’s Elbow are needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for golfer’s elbow?
Dry needling targets specific myofascial trigger points in the forearm flexors to release tension, while acupuncture uses TCM points to modulate pain and reduce inflammation.What activities worsen golfer’s elbow?
Gripping, lifting, wrist flexion, and repeated forearm pronation (e.g., swinging a golf club or racket).Can this treatment prevent surgery?
Many patients achieve significant relief non-invasively, potentially avoiding the need for surgical intervention.How many sessions are needed?
Improvement is often seen within a few sessions, though the total course varies by severity.Is it safe to combine with physical therapy?
Yes—our approach is designed to complement exercises, bracing, and ergonomic modifications.What long-term benefits can I expect?
Sustained pain relief, improved grip strength, and reduced risk of recurrence with maintenance treatments.
Ready to Take Control?
Are you ready to alleviate your Golfer’s elbow pain and restore your mobility? At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling targets the root causes of elbow pain.
Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.
Book Your Appointment Now: https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/new-patients
Call or Text Us At: (917) 830-4440
Additional Resources & Next Steps
Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.
What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief
Sources:
Fink, M., Wolkenstein, E., Karst, M., & Gehrke, A. (2002). Acupuncture in chronic epicondylitis: A randomized controlled trial. Rheumatology, 41(2), 205–209. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11886971/
Zhou Y, Guo Y, Zhou R, Wu P, Liang F, Yang Z. Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Pain Res Manag. 2020 Mar 20;2020:8506591. doi: 10.1155/2020/8506591. Erratum in: Pain Res Manag. 2022 Feb 17;2022:9764940. doi: 10.1155/2022/9764940. PMID: 32318130; PMCID: PMC7114772.
Shariat A, Noormohammadpour P, Memari AH, Ansari NN, Cleland JA, Kordi R. Acute effects of one session dry needling on a chronic golfer's elbow disability. J Exerc Rehabil. 2018 Feb 26;14(1):138-142. doi: 10.12965/jer.1836008.004. PMID: 29511665; PMCID: PMC5833959.
Tang, H., Li, Y., & Zhang, X. (2015). Acupuncture for lateral epicondylitis: A systematic review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2015, Article ID 861849. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/861849
Molsberger, A. F., Streitberger, K., Kraemer, J., & Berman, B. (2020). A multi-center international study of acupuncture for lateral elbow pain. European Journal of Pain, 24(4), 768–779. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1574
Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.
Read more from our blog
