Tennis elbow isn’t limited to athletes — it’s one of the most common overuse conditions affecting office workers, tradies, parents, and anyone who performs repetitive arm or wrist movements. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), this condition is often linked to Qi and Blood stagnation along the arm meridians, combined with overuse, tension, and local inflammation.
At Qi Flow Wellness, we use a holistic TCM‑based approach to ease pain, restore mobility, and support long‑term recovery.
What Is Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) occurs when the tendons on the outside of the elbow become irritated or overloaded. This can happen from:
Repetitive gripping or lifting
Typing or mouse use
Manual labour
Sports such as tennis, badminton, or golf
Carrying children
Poor wrist or shoulder mechanics
Symptoms often include:
Pain on the outer elbow
Weak grip strength
Pain when lifting objects
Forearm tightness
Discomfort during daily tasks
How TCM Understands Tennis Elbow
From a TCM perspective, tennis elbow is commonly associated with:
Qi & Blood Stagnation
Overuse causes the flow of Qi and Blood to slow, leading to pain, tightness, and restricted movement.
Cold or Damp Invasion
Exposure to cold environments (air‑conditioning, cold weather) can worsen stiffness and pain.
Liver Meridian Imbalance
The Liver governs tendons; when Liver Qi is stagnant, tendons may become tight or irritated.
Underlying Weakness
Weakness in the Spleen or Kidney systems may contribute to slower recovery or chronic discomfort.
TCM treatment aims to restore smooth flow, reduce stagnation, and support the body’s natural healing.
TCM‑Based Therapies for Tennis Elbow
Your personalised session may include a combination of:
Cupping Therapy
Helps release tight forearm muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stagnation.
Gua Sha
Encourages fresh blood flow, reduces inflammation, and softens adhesions.
Tui Na / Meridian Massage
Targets the Large Intestine, Triple Burner, and Small Intestine meridians that run through the elbow and forearm.
Moxibustion
Warms the meridians, relaxes tendons, and supports healing — especially helpful for chronic or cold‑type pain.
Acupuncture (if applicable)
Stimulates specific points to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and restore Qi flow.
Lifestyle & Self‑Care Guidance
Simple adjustments to reduce strain and support recovery.
Common Benefits Clients Experience
Many clients report:
Reduced elbow and forearm pain
Improved grip strength
Better mobility and range of motion
Less tension in the wrist and shoulder
Faster recovery from overuse
Better performance in daily tasks and sports
TCM doesn’t just treat the elbow — it supports the entire system to prevent recurrence.
Self‑Care Tips to Support Recovery
Your therapist may recommend:
Gentle forearm stretching
Heat therapy for chronic tightness
Avoiding repetitive gripping during flare‑ups
Ergonomic adjustments for desk work
Strengthening exercises once pain decreases
These simple habits help maintain progress between sessions.
Is TCM Right for Your Tennis Elbow?
TCM is suitable for:
New or recurring elbow pain
Chronic tightness from work or sport
Weak grip strength
Pain that worsens with lifting or gripping
People seeking a natural, holistic approach
Your practitioner will assess your symptoms, lifestyle, and meridian patterns to create a tailored plan.
Final Thoughts
Tennis elbow can be frustrating, especially when it affects your work, training, or daily life. TCM offers a gentle, effective way to relieve pain, restore function, and support long‑term tendon health. Whether your symptoms are new or chronic, our holistic approach helps your body return to balance.
Ready to ease your elbow pain naturally? Book your TCM session at Qi Flow Wellness today.
