Tennis elbow, medically known as "lateral epicondylitis," is named after its common occurrence in tennis players. It is often caused by repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation movements while exerting force. Below, let's take a look at the massage techniques for tennis elbow.
Full Body Massage Technique
1. Have the patient sit down with the elbow naturally flexed. Use your thumb to press and knead the painful area.
2. Press the Hegu acupoint on the patient's hand, then gently knead the area.
3. Use kneading technique to massage from the wrist to the elbow 5-10 times. Use pushing technique to massage the forearm from the wrist to the elbow, repeating the massage 10 times.
4. With the patient's elbow joint clenched, perform kneading movements from the wrist to the elbow 5-10 times. After the pressure is released, gently rub the area.
5. Use kneading technique on the painful point on the outer side of the elbow, applying pressure 5 times.
6. Apply strong pressure on the Xia Bai, Chi Ze, and Qu Ze acupoints for 5 minutes each until the patient feels a sore and swollen sensation.
7. Massage the arm from top to bottom to alleviate local pain.
8. Use fingertip pressure and friction on the Qu Chi acupoint.
Shoulder Massage Technique
Have the patient sit down, and the masseur stands on the patient's affected side. Support the patient's affected wrist with your right hand and extend the upper arm outward at about 45°. Then use your left thumb and four fingers to knead the shoulder together, applying pressure to relieve the soreness and pain. Repeat the massage on both sides for 3 minutes each.
Acupressure Technique
Press and knead the Qu Chi acupoint: Place the thumb pad on the Qu Chi acupoint and the other four fingers on the forearm. Apply gradually increasing pressure and knead for 5 minutes.
Press and knead the Elbow Li acupoint: Place the index finger pad on the Elbow Li acupoint and apply pressure with kneading movements, focusing on the area with a sore and swollen sensation.
Press and knead the Hand Sanli acupoint: Place the thumb pad on the Hand Sanli acupoint and the other four fingers on the forearm. Apply pressure and knead for 5 minutes.
Press and knead the Hand Wuli acupoint: Place the thumb pad on the Hand Wuli acupoint and the other four fingers on the forearm. Apply pressure and knead for 5 minutes.
Pinch and press the Hegu acupoint: Place the right thumb on the Hegu acupoint and the index finger on the palm. Gradually increase the pressure and pinch for 3 minutes.
Massage and knead the Ashi acupoint: Use the thumb pad to massage and knead the Ashi acupoint for 2-3 minutes with moderate pressure.
Analysis of the Efficacy of Tennis Elbow Acupressure
Tennis elbow mainly occurs on the outer side of the elbow, which is where the Hand Yangming meridian passes. Acupressure on the Qu Chi, Elbow Li, Hand Sanli, and Hand Wuli acupoints aims to promote the circulation of meridians and blood, while the Ashi acupoint is used to dispel pathogenic factors, promote meridian circulation, and relieve pain. Pressing the Hegu acupoint helps to relieve pain by promoting meridian circulation.
Tennis Elbow Self-Diagnosis
1. In most cases, the onset of this condition is slow. Patients may feel pain on the outer side of the elbow during movement, which can radiate upwards or downwards. They may also experience a sore and uncomfortable sensation. There is usually a localized tender point at the outer epicondyle of the humerus.
2. There is no redness or swelling in the area, and elbow extension and flexion are not affected. However, pain may be felt during forearm rotation.
Preventive Measures for Tennis Elbow
1. Reduce workload if tennis elbow is caused by work-related factors to prevent worsening of the condition.
2. Warm up the elbow and wrist before playing sports.
3. For those regularly engaged in tennis or badminton, ensure correct posture and limit practice sessions to no more than 1 hour.
4. Pay attention to the grip posture, allowing slight flexion of the wrist to reduce stress on the hand.
5. When using a mop to clean the floor, slightly bend the legs and use the strength of the waist and legs to move the shoulder and arm, rather than relying solely on arm strength.
6. Avoid prolonged repetitive use or excessive exercise in work or sports. Use elbow braces when necessary.
