Does Acupuncture Help Golfer's Elbow?:
- sarahalemilac
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
How Acupuncture Can Help Relieve Golfer’s Elbow – A Natural Solution for DMV Golfers
The DMV area is home to some of the most beautiful and competitive golf courses on the East Coast. But with all that tee time comes the risk of overuse injuries—especially golfer’s elbow. If you’ve been noticing pain on the inside of your elbow during or after your swing, acupuncture may be the missing piece in your recovery and performance puzzle.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is inflammation or micro-tearing of the tendons that attach to the inner part of the elbow. It’s often caused by repetitive stress—like swinging a club, gripping too tightly, or even typing and lifting. Unlike tennis elbow, which affects the outer elbow, golfer’s elbow targets the tendons responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers.
Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow
Weak grip strength
Stiffness in the elbow or forearm
Discomfort with lifting, gripping, or swinging
Why Is It So Common in the DMV?
With countless golf courses across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and the D.C. area—not to mention year-round golf simulators and driving ranges—many residents play frequently without enough recovery time. Combine that with desk jobs and the daily commute, and it’s easy to see how strain builds up in the arms and elbows.
Why Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is highly effective for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal injuries. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), pain is often seen as a blockage of Qi (energy) and blood flow. Acupuncture promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and encourages the body’s natural healing processes.
For golfer’s elbow specifically, acupuncture can:
✅ Reduce pain and inflammation✅ Increase local blood flow for healing✅ Relax tight muscles in the forearm and upper arm✅ Support proper tendon recovery✅ Improve flexibility and range of motion✅ Lower stress levels, which may contribute to muscle tension and poor recovery
What to Expect During Treatment
Your treatment will be customized based on the severity and duration of your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall constitution. A typical session may include:
Local and distal acupuncture points for pain relief and healing
Gentle cupping or Gua Sha to release fascia
Moxibustion (if indicated) to improve circulation
Dietary or herbal recommendations to support tissue repair
We often recommend a short course of treatments—typically once or twice per week for several weeks—especially during golf season, when inflammation can flare up quickly.
Treat the Root, Not Just the Symptoms
Unlike cortisone shots or NSAIDs, acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root cause by supporting your body's entire healing system. If stress, posture, or underlying deficiencies are contributing to your golfer’s elbow, we’ll work on those, too.
Golfer’s Elbow in the DMV: You’re Not Alone
Whether you’re playing 18 holes at East Potomac or hitting the driving range in McLean, golfer’s elbow is incredibly common here in the DMV. The good news? Acupuncture can help you recover faster, play stronger, and prevent future injuries—without invasive procedures.
Ready to Get Back on the Green?
Let’s get you pain-free and swinging again. Schedule your session today to explore how acupuncture can support your elbow health, your golf game, and your overall well-being.
📍 Treating patients in McLean, VA and surrounding areas📅 Appointments available Monday through Saturday📞 703-848-1980 | 🌐 www.easternrootswellness.com





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