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.*
