Update to Acupuncture and Depression — A Pilot Research Study

Research into acupuncture and depression has been ongoing for many years. One Australian pilot study, conducted at the University of Western Australia, explored acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine as possible approaches for people experiencing depressive symptoms.

The study provides an interesting example of early research into Chinese medicine, although it's important to understand what the findings can and cannot tell us.

What did the Australian pilot study find?

Published in 2012, the study investigated acupuncture alone and acupuncture combined with Chinese herbal medicine over five weeks.

Nineteen participants completed the study. The researchers reported improvements in depressive symptoms during the study period, with no additional benefit identified from combining herbal medicine with acupuncture.

However, this was a small preliminary study without a control group. As a result, it cannot establish whether acupuncture itself was responsible for the changes observed.

Pilot studies can help identify questions for future research, but their results need to be considered alongside larger, more rigorous studies.

What does the wider research suggest?

A 2018 Cochrane systematic review examined 64 trials involving 7,104 participants.

The review reported reductions in depression symptom severity in some comparisons, but most of the evidence was rated low or very low quality. The researchers concluded that more high-quality studies were needed to establish the effectiveness of acupuncture for depression.

Depression can significantly affect people's lives, and appropriate medical and mental health care remains important. Acupuncture should not be regarded as a replacement for established depression treatments.

Putting the research into perspective

The Australian pilot study contributes to the ongoing investigation of acupuncture and depression, but its small size and methodological limitations mean that firm conclusions about effectiveness cannot be drawn from it.

Research continues to explore this area, and findings need to be interpreted in the context of the broader evidence rather than any single study.

References

• Acupuncture and Chinese Herbs as Treatments for Depression: An Australian Pilot Study (2012)

• Smith et al. (2018) — Acupuncture for Depression, Cochrane Review

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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.

Book an Acupuncture Appointment

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.

Book Your Acupuncture Appointment Online

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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