Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tennis Elbow

Pain & Musculoskeletal · ICD-10 M77.1

Tennis elbow (网球肘, ICD-10 M77.1), or lateral epicondylitis, is pain on the outer side of the elbow, usually caused by repetitive use of the forearm muscles and tendons, such as gripping or twisting. You do not need to play tennis to develop it. The pain often worsens when gripping heavy objects or twisting the wrist. This information is for general understanding and is not a personalized diagnosis.

The TCM perspective

Traditional Chinese Medicine views tennis elbow as repetitive strain that creates Local Blood Stasis and obstructs the flow of Qi and Blood in the channels around the elbow, together with invading Wind and Damp. It falls within the category of sinew disorders (Sinew Bi, 筋痹). TCM care focuses on opening local circulation and relaxing the sinews to help ease discomfort.

TCM patterns

• Local Blood Stasis — Clearly localized pain on the outer elbow, tender on pressure, worsening with use of the hand and wrist.
• Wind-Damp — A dull ache that may worsen with the weather, along with a sense of heaviness and stiffness around the elbow.
• Sinew Bi — Tight, weakened sinews from overuse, with chronic pain when gripping or twisting objects.

General self-care

• Rest the arm and elbow from activities that cause pain, and avoid repetitive gripping and twisting.
• Use cold packs during fresh, painful, or inflamed periods and warmth for chronic cases to relax the sinews.
• Adjust your work posture and how you hold tools to reduce squeezing force and wrist tension.
• Gently and gradually stretch and strengthen the forearm muscles as symptoms improve.

When to consult a doctor

• Pain severe enough that you cannot grip objects or use the hand for daily tasks.
• Persistent numbness, weakness of the hand, or pain radiating down the arm.
• An elbow that is swollen, red, and hot, or pain after a clear injury.
• Symptoms that do not improve within a few weeks despite rest and self-care.

This content is provided for general knowledge only. It is not individual medical advice and does not guarantee any result. Appropriate care should follow an assessment by a licensed TCM practitioner. For severe or emergency symptoms, see a doctor or call 1669.

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