Looking for Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow in Melbourne?

Acupuncture for Tennis Elbow in Melbourne

Tennis elbow can be particularly frustrating, especially when work, sport or everyday activities place repeated demands on your arms and hands. Gripping a tool, lifting a saucepan or even shaking someone's hand can become painful, and symptoms may persist for months.

Tendon-related problems are among the musculoskeletal complaints I regularly see at Coburg Chinese Medicine. Over 15 years in clinical practice, I've worked with people experiencing elbow pain in a variety of circumstances, including persistent tendon complaints, work-related problems and sporting injuries.

I often see tradespeople, process workers and people in other physically demanding jobs, as well as climbers, weightlifters and recreational athletes. Many have never played tennis in their lives.

I'm Michael Warren, a registered acupuncturist running an affordable, independently operated clinic in Coburg, welcoming people from Brunswick, Pascoe Vale, Fawkner and surrounding northern Melbourne suburbs. I offer individual, one-on-one appointments, so you'll see me throughout your care.

I take the time to understand your symptoms, the demands of your work or sport, and any other healthcare you're receiving. Practical advice and helping people understand their options are important parts of my approach.

If you're looking for an experienced acupuncturist for tennis elbow in Melbourne's northern suburbs, you can book directly online.

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On this page

• About tennis elbow
• Your consultation
• Exercise & rehabilitation
• Location & FAQs
• Research & booking

What is tennis elbow?

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral elbow tendinopathy or lateral epicondylalgia, involves the tendons attaching to the outside of the elbow.

It commonly develops in association with repeated gripping, lifting and wrist movements, particularly when physical demands increase or change.

Typical symptoms include pain or tenderness around the outside of the elbow, particularly when gripping, lifting or turning objects such as a screwdriver or doorknob.

Despite the older term lateral epicondylitis, persistent tennis elbow isn't simply an inflammatory condition. Other causes of elbow pain are also possible, particularly when symptoms are unusual or persistent.

Considering acupuncture for tennis elbow?

People often consider acupuncture when elbow pain has become persistent, affects their livelihood or makes it difficult to enjoy sport and exercise.

I understand that avoiding aggravating activities isn't always practical, particularly when your work depends on using your hands and arms.

During your consultation, we'll discuss your symptoms, medical history, work or sporting activities and previous treatment. An examination may also help determine whether further medical assessment is appropriate.

Treatment may involve traditional acupuncture or, where suitable, electroacupuncture, which uses a small electrical current between acupuncture needles. I'll explain the proposed approach, relevant precautions and what to expect before proceeding.

Practical advice is an important part of my consultations. We may discuss modifying activities, strengthening, or whether forearm straps, compression sleeves or other supports are suitable. These may provide temporary comfort for some people but aren't necessary for everybody.

I'll also ask whether you've discussed appropriate pain relief or anti-inflammatory medication with your GP or pharmacist. These medicines aren't suitable for everyone, and their use needs to account for medical history, other medications and individual risks.

People sometimes mention during consultations that they've been offered a corticosteroid (cortisone) injection for their tennis elbow. I encourage them to discuss the potential benefits, risks and other treatment options with their treating doctor, so they can make an informed decision about their care. My role is to explain what acupuncture involves, provide practical advice within my scope of practice and support people in making their own healthcare decisions.

As the sole practitioner, you'll see me throughout your care. There are no compulsory treatment packages, and we'll discuss an approach appropriate to your circumstances.

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Exercise, strengthening and tendon rehabilitation

Managing tennis elbow can be challenging when work or sporting activities are difficult to avoid.

Complete rest for extended periods isn't always helpful. Depending on your circumstances, temporarily modifying aggravating activities and gradually rebuilding strength and tolerance to physical demands may be appropriate.

Rehabilitation commonly involves progressive strengthening exercises for the wrist and forearm, alongside adjustments to work or training loads.

For persistent symptoms or difficulty returning to normal activities, a physiotherapist or another qualified rehabilitation professional can help develop an individual programme.

Acupuncture may be considered alongside appropriate rehabilitation and other healthcare rather than as a substitute for them.

Acupuncture for tennis elbow in Coburg and Brunswick

Coburg Chinese Medicine is located at 197 Sydney Road, Coburg, welcoming patients from Brunswick, Coburg North, Pascoe Vale, Preston, Thornbury, Fawkner and surrounding northern suburbs.

You can check current prices and opening hours on the Fees & Opening Hours page, or read more about my broader clinical approach on Managing Pain & Injury.

Frequently asked questions

Can I continue working or exercising with tennis elbow?

Often, some activities can continue with appropriate modifications, depending on your symptoms and physical demands. Professional assessment and rehabilitation advice may be useful where symptoms are persistent.

Is tennis elbow the same as golfer's elbow?

No. Tennis elbow generally affects the outside of the elbow, while golfer's elbow involves the inner elbow.

How many acupuncture appointments will I need?

There isn't a standard number suitable for everybody. We'll discuss your circumstances and review the approach as needed, without requiring a predetermined treatment package.

Research and clinical evidence

Studies of acupuncture for tennis elbow have reported some encouraging short-term findings, but the research varies in quality and hasn't established reliable longer-term benefits. Evidence specifically for electroacupuncture also remains limited.

Appropriate strengthening, load management and rehabilitation are important considerations when managing lateral elbow tendinopathy.

Book an acupuncture appointment for tennis elbow in Melbourne

If tennis elbow is affecting your work, exercise or everyday activities and you're considering acupuncture, you're welcome to arrange a consultation at Coburg Chinese Medicine.

I'll take the time to understand your circumstances, discuss your options and explain my approach.

Book an Acupuncture Appointment

References

• American Physical Therapy Association — Lateral Elbow Pain and Muscle Function Impairments: Clinical Practice Guideline (2022)

• Cochrane — Acupuncture for elbow pain

• Effects of manual acupuncture and electroacupuncture for lateral epicondylalgia: systematic review and meta-analysis

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Call us on ☎ (03) 90416569 to arrange an appointment or book online below

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Back Pain and Injury: 3 Practical Tips for Recovery

Back pain and injuries can be frustrating, particularly when they interfere with work, exercise, sleep or everyday activities. Sometimes there's an obvious injury, while at other times pain seems to appear without a clear cause.

Back pain is one of the most common problems I see at Coburg Chinese Medicine, and an area I have extensive clinical experience working with. Alongside acupuncture, I like to offer straightforward, practical advice that people can use in everyday life.

Here are three things worth considering when managing back pain or recovering from an injury.

If you're looking for an acupuncturist, you can read more about my approach on the Acupuncture for Back Pain in Melbourne page, or arrange an appointment directly.

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Tip 1: Using heat for back discomfort

Heat packs, wheat bags and hot water bottles can be useful for temporary comfort when your back feels painful or stiff.

Use comfortable warmth rather than excessive heat, keep a towel between the heat source and your skin, and avoid falling asleep with a heat pack. Take extra care if you have reduced skin sensation or circulation problems.

Some people prefer cold packs, particularly following certain recent injuries. Neither approach is right for everybody, and both are primarily ways of managing discomfort rather than repairing an underlying injury.

Tip 2: Topical liniments and muscle rubs

Menthol-based muscle rubs and traditional Chinese liniments are sometimes used for temporary muscular discomfort. Some contain ingredients such as menthol, camphor or methyl salicylate, which can produce warming or cooling sensations on the skin.

I often suggest considering a spray liniment because it's easy to apply without getting the preparation all over your hands. This can be particularly convenient when eating, using the bathroom or avoiding accidental contact with your eyes and other sensitive areas.

One example is Zen Joint & Muscle Relief Liniment Spray, available at Chemist Warehouse.

Always follow the product instructions. Avoid broken or irritated skin, eye contact and combining topical preparations with heat unless the product specifically permits it. Check with your pharmacist if you have relevant medical conditions, take other medications or are unsure whether a preparation is suitable.

Liniments are an optional comfort measure rather than a replacement for appropriate movement, rehabilitation or medical care.

Tip 3: Movement, strength training and rehabilitation

When your back is painful, it's understandable to want to rest. Temporarily modifying activities can be sensible, but prolonged bed rest is generally not recommended for uncomplicated lower back pain.

One of the most important things I discuss with people is finding ways to stay active within their capabilities. This might initially mean short walks, gentle movement or regularly changing position.

Why strength training matters

I'm a strong advocate for strength training, both for general health and as a possible part of back-pain rehabilitation.

Gradually developing strength through the back, hips and legs can help build the physical capacity needed for everyday activities, from lifting and gardening to work and exercise.

That doesn't necessarily mean lifting heavy weights in a gym. Depending on the individual, a programme might begin with body-weight exercises, resistance bands or light weights, progressing gradually as appropriate.

There's no single programme suitable for everybody. The exercises and pace of progression should reflect the person's symptoms, capabilities and circumstances.

What about sitting and inactivity?

Sitting isn't inherently harmful, and there's no single perfect posture. However, spending long periods inactive can limit opportunities to maintain strength, fitness and physical capacity.

For people already experiencing back pain, avoiding movement because of discomfort or fear of another painful episode can sometimes make returning to normal activities more difficult.

I generally think it's more useful to consider how much we move and how we maintain our physical capacity than to become overly concerned about sitting perfectly.

Australian and international clinical guidelines support staying active and considering appropriate exercise programmes. These can include strengthening, aerobic activity and other forms of movement suited to the individual.

For persistent pain, recurring injuries or difficulty returning to usual activities, a physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help develop an appropriate rehabilitation programme.

A note on pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication

Appropriate pain relief can sometimes make it easier to remain active and manage everyday activities.

Ibuprofen (Nurofen) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, or NSAID, which acts on processes involved in both pain and inflammation. Paracetamol (Panadol) is primarily a pain reliever, not an anti-inflammatory. Paracetamol alone isn't routinely recommended for lower back pain under NICE guidance.

These medicines aren't suitable for everybody. NSAIDs can interact with other medications and may be inappropriate for people with certain stomach, kidney or cardiovascular conditions, or during pregnancy.

Your GP or pharmacist can advise what's appropriate for you. Follow the recommended instructions; NSAIDs should generally be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.

Stress, sleep and recovery

Stress, poor sleep and worry about movement can influence how people experience back pain. Gradually rebuilding confidence in movement, alongside addressing sleep and stress where possible, may be useful during recovery.

The aim isn't to push through serious symptoms, but to find an approach suited to your individual circumstances.

When should you seek medical advice?

Most episodes of lower back pain aren't caused by serious conditions. However, seek emergency medical attention for new difficulty passing urine, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the genitals or saddle area, or severe or rapidly progressing leg weakness.

Significant trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer or persistent worsening symptoms also warrant appropriate medical assessment.

Acupuncture and back pain at Coburg Chinese Medicine

Back pain is a substantial part of my clinical work at Coburg Chinese Medicine. I offer individual, one-on-one appointments at my independently operated clinic in Melbourne's northern suburbs.

My approach involves understanding your symptoms, considering your other healthcare and providing practical advice alongside acupuncture where appropriate. Running a small clinic also allows me to keep my consultation fees relatively affordable.

You can read more about my experience and consultation approach on the Acupuncture for Back Pain in Melbourne page, or find current costs and clinic hours on the Fees & Opening Hours page.

If you're looking for an experienced acupuncturist in Coburg, you're welcome to arrange an appointment directly online.

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References

• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care — Low Back Pain Clinical Care Standard

• NICE — Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59)

• World Health Organization — Guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain (2023)

• Healthdirect — Anti-inflammatory medicines

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Call us on ☎ (03) 90416569 to arrange an appointment or book online below

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