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Other symptoms of tendonitis include tenderness in the joints (especially when there is movement), swelling, and numbness and tingling. Stiffness causes further restriction of movement. Tendonitis is most frequently experienced in the shoulder, elbow, wrists, knees (also called jumper’s knee), and heels (Achilles tendonitis).

The most common causes of tendonitis include trauma or excessive strain. This can often be a problem for casual sports enthusiasts; sports injuries are often caused by a failure to properly ‘warm up’ or prepare the body for physical activity.

Other causes of tendonitis are related to regular, everyday overuse, such as the types of tendonitis experienced by massage therapists or musicians. People who work for long hours at a computer are also vulnerable to tendonitis.

Traditional medical treatments for tendonitis usually involve some form of pharmaceutical intervention. In particular, patients are often counseled to use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain. Not only do NSAIDs cause gastrointestinal distress and kidney damage, they are also ineffective in the healing process. In some cases, affected tendons are injected with steroids, despite that there is little scientific basis for this method, and steroids (like all drugs) have serious side effects.

Tendonitis and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a practice of Chinese medicine. Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years, although generally not in the Western world. Today, its efficacy is lauded in every part of the globe, and the treatment of tendonitis in particular is well documented. Acupuncture is known for providing results without the use of drugs.

Acupuncture works by inserting very fine needles into points corresponding to meridians, or channels, in the body. The body’s life force (Qi) runs throughout the body in an interconnected pattern within these meridians. Acupuncture is used as a tendonitis treatment by inserting needles directly in the area where pain and inflammation are present.

Chinese medicine views tendonitis as a localized congestion of Qi and blood. The tendons have a relatively poor blood supply, which makes the fibrous tissue very slow to recover. In fact, the tendons are known as one of the weakest structures in the body. Acupuncture improves circulation and blood supply in affected areas to speed the healing process. Acupuncture also helps with the release of endorphins—the body’s natural painkillers. An improvement in pain and inflammation restores mobility.

There have been numerous studies that illustrate the effectiveness of acupuncture for tendonitis. One study followed 58 patients with tennis elbow (tendonitis in the elbow). These patients ranged in age from 27 to 73 years, and included 22 men and 36 women. Fifty-two percent of patients reported being cured of tendonitis after experiencing no symptoms for more than six months. Forty percent experienced ‘excellent’ outcomes following treatment.*

Tendonitis Treatment at Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation

Monmouth Pain and Rehabilitation is a holistic wellness center located in Monmouth County, New Jersey. We approach all health concerns, including tendonitis, with a multidisciplinary approach that may include chiropractic care, physical therapy, massage therapy, and acupuncture. We offer a full orthopedic and neurological diagnostic process to determine the best course of action for your condition.

Please visit this link to learn more about our free consultation offer, and to visit our office to discuss treatment options for your tendonitis and other concerns.

*He LP, Wen XA. Treatment on tennis elbow with heat needling: A clinical summary of 58 cases. J Tradit.Chin Med. 1988;8:129-130.