Course Overview

Tennis elbow, or epicondylitis, presents with pain in the elbow at the lateral epicondyle and distally along the extensor tendon and muscles of the forearm. Usually a repetitive stress injury, it is characterized by inflammation and irritation of the forearm extensors and possibly the supinators. This is a typical sports injury, with the site of trauma occurring frequently on a yang surface (the extensors). It is much more common than medial epicondylitis, on the flexor muscle group of the yin surface.

Like many overuse injuries, its onset is insidious. There is often no specific traumatic event associated with the start of symptoms. However, the patient is predictably involved in recreational activities that require repetitive and vigorous use of the forearm muscles – like tennis and other racquet sports. Occupational stresses, such as construction work, also result in the injury. Similarly, the effects of computer keyboarding and utilizing a mouse, can also act as a stress to the extensor group.

The Large Intestine and San Jiao meridians encompass the region of the extensor muscles. However, neither of these two channels precisely encompass the lateral epicondyle. Hence, distal points may be difficult to determine, and the practitioner will need some “trick” techniques to treat this condition. As Whitfield Reaves will discuss in the webinar, the complexity of the anatomical structure of the common extensor tendon makes even local and adjacent needling more difficult than what some practitioners may want to admit.

This series was introduced in 2011, and is based upon single individual sports injuries. Each course provides simple and direct video for first time viewing as well as to increase precision through repetition. Even if you have taken the newer series, Mastering the Treatment of Injury and Pain, this old series is still an excellent resource for review and is filled with clinical gems.

Course Objectives

• To perform two orthopedic tests that assist in the diagnosis of the condition.
• To use palpation in order to diagnose the condition.
• To know two non-local treatments that may be used in the treatment of the condition.
• To be able to describe needle technique on the local zone of the epicondyle.
• To be able to describe needle technique on the local zone of the extensor tendon.

Course Outline

0 hrs - 15 minReview the anatomy of the forearm and extensor muscles.

15 min - 30 minClinical assessment of the pathology of the extensor muscles.

30 min - 45 minDemonstration of assessment techniques.

45 min - 1 hrsDemonstration of needling techniques.