Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common condition that causes pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow—often due to overuse or repetitive strain, not just from tennis. Whether you’re an athlete, desk worker, or DIY enthusiast, this painful condition can interfere with your daily activities. Fortunately, one increasingly popular treatment is showing promising results: dry needling. We are pleased to share that dry needling is a treatment offered by our physiotherapists here at Cotton Mill Rehab!
What Is Dry Needling?
Dry needling is a technique performed by trained physiotherapists at our clinic in which thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points—tight bands of muscle or fascia—to relieve pain and improve movement. Unlike acupuncture, which is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is based on modern Western anatomy and science.
How Dry Needling Helps Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is often caused by microscopic tears in the extensor tendons of the forearm, leading to inflammation, tightness, and pain. Dry needling works by targeting these areas directly. Here’s how it can help:
- Reduces Muscle Tension
Dry needling helps release tight muscle bands in the forearm, which may be pulling on the tendon and exacerbating pain. By relaxing these trigger points, tension decreases, improving blood flow and reducing strain on the joint. - Improves Blood Flow and Healing
When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it creates a micro-lesion that stimulates the body’s natural healing response. This promotes increased circulation, oxygenation, and cellular repair in the affected tissue. - Decreases Pain Signals
The stimulation caused by the needle can disrupt pain signals being sent to the brain, leading to immediate or short-term relief. Over time, repeated sessions may help recalibrate the nervous system’s response to pain in the area. - Restores Range of Motion
By loosening tight muscles and reducing inflammation, dry needling can help restore normal movement and function in the elbow and forearm—essential for anyone looking to return to work, hobbies, or sport.
What to Expect During a Session
During a dry needling session for tennis elbow, you might feel a brief twitch or cramping sensation as the needle hits the trigger point. This is normal and usually indicates the muscle is reacting to the stimulation. Some mild soreness may follow, similar to the feeling after a workout, but most patients report rapid improvement in symptoms after just a few sessions.
Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Dry needling is generally safe when performed by a qualified practitioner and can be a powerful complement to other treatments like physiotherapy, stretching, manual therapy, and activity modification. If you’ve been dealing with persistent elbow pain and other treatments haven’t provided relief, dry needling might be worth considering.
Talk to your physiotherapist at Cotton Mill Rehab to see if dry needling is appropriate for your condition. With the right approach, you can get back to the activities you love—pain-free.
Have questions or want to book a dry needling session? Contact our clinic today to learn more or schedule your appointment! You can now book online through our website: cottonmillrehab.com!
-Hilary Veenstra, PT