Acupuncture for Tendonitis Treatment in Crofton, MD
Tendonitis can be one of the most persistent and frustrating pain conditions to deal with. That nagging ache in your elbow, shoulder, wrist, or ankle that flares with every repetitive motion – it can make work, exercise, and everyday tasks feel like a constant battle. And because tendons heal slowly due to limited blood supply, tendonitis often lingers far longer than you’d expect.
At Complete Care Acupuncture & Wellness, we see many patients who have been struggling with tendonitis for weeks, months, or even years. Acupuncture is well-suited for helping support those with tendonitis, addressing inflammation, poor circulation to the tendon, and supporting the body’s impaired healing response. Our personalized, integrative approach helps recovery and helps get you back to doing what you love.
Veterans – get a referral for pain treatment before scheduling to be covered by the VA. Details here »
Types of Tendonitis We Treat with Acupuncture
Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)
Tennis elbow causes pain on the outside of the elbow and forearm, often triggered by repetitive gripping, twisting, or lifting motions—not just playing tennis. It’s common in office workers, tradespeople, and athletes alike. Acupuncture addresses inflammation at the tendon attachment, helps improve blood flow to promote healing, and helps release the muscle tension that often accompanies this condition.
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Similar to tennis elbow but affecting the inside of the elbow, golfer’s elbow involves inflammation of the tendons that connect to the inner elbow. Acupuncture targets the inflammation, supports the body’s natural healing processes, and addresses the muscle tightness through the forearm that contributes to ongoing irritation.
Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and bears tremendous force during walking, running, and jumping. When inflamed, it can cause pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle that makes every step uncomfortable. Acupuncture improves circulation to this often under-served area, helps with swelling, and supports the tendon’s natural repair process.
Rotator Cuff Tendonitis
Rotator cuff tendonitis causes shoulder pain that often worsens with overhead movements or reaching behind the back. It’s common in people who do repetitive overhead work or sports. Acupuncture addresses the inflammation around the rotator cuff tendons, helps with muscle tension in the shoulder girdle, and can contribute to an improved range of motion.
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
This condition affects the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist, causing pain when gripping, pinching, or turning the wrist. It’s increasingly common due to smartphone and computer use. Acupuncture addresses the swelling in the tendon sheath, can help relieve pain, and contibutes to your efforts to improve function to the hand and wrist.
Patellar Tendonitis (Jumper’s Knee)
Patellar tendonitis causes pain just below the kneecap and is common in athletes and active individuals. Acupuncture addresses inflammation in the patellar tendon, supports blood flow to support healing, and contributes to your efforts to get back to your normal activities.
How Acupuncture Helps with Tendonitis
Tendonitis is fundamentally an issue of inflammation and impaired healing. Tendons have limited blood supply compared to muscles, which is why they can be so slow to recover. Acupuncture aims to support both of these challenges.
By inserting fine needles at strategic acupuncture points, we aim to stimulate increased blood circulation to the affected tendon, delivering the oxygen and nutrients essential for healing. Studies show that acupuncture can trigger the release of anti-inflammatory mediators that help the irritated tendon, and endorphins that provide natural pain relief.
Why Choose Acupuncture for Tendonitis Pain Management?
Acupuncture is a non-invasive, drug-free approach to managing chronic pain, which can be particularly appealing for people seeking alternatives to medications or invasive surgeries. It offers several benefits:
- Fewer Side Effects: Unlike prescription pain medications, acupuncture has few, if any, side effects or addictive properties, making it a safer option for long-term pain management.
- Personalized Treatment: A licensed acupuncturist will tailor your treatment based on your unique symptoms, lifestyle, and health history.
- Complementary Therapy: Acupuncture can be used alongside other treatments like physical therapy, chiropractic care, massage, or medications to enhance their effectiveness and provide faster pain relief.
Get Started with Acupuncture for Tendonitis Pain Relief Today
Our practitioners have advanced training in pain management and understand the unique challenges of treating tendon injuries. We take the time to assess not just the site of pain, but the movement patterns and lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your tendonitis.
Your treatment plan may include acupuncture combined with E-Stim (electroacupuncture), which has been shown to be useful for supporting tendon healing, along with cupping, moxibustion, or herbal recommendations tailored to support tissue repair.
We work alongside your other healthcare providers. Acupuncture pairs well with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and ergonomic changes to give you a comprehensive approach to recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for acupuncture to help tendonitis?
Some patients notice changes quickly, while others improve more gradually over a series of treatments. The number of treatments needed varies depending on the condition, severity, and duration of symptoms. We work with you and your unique situations to develop a clear and comprehensive care plan personalized to your needs, and support you throughout the process.
Can acupuncture cure tendonitis permanently?
Acupuncture can effectively resolve tendonitis when combined with appropriate rest and activity modifications. It accelerates healing, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. For tendonitis caused by repetitive activities, your practitioner will also discuss lifestyle adjustments to help prevent recurrence.
Is acupuncture better than cortisone injections for tendonitis?
Both have their place. Cortisone provides rapid anti-inflammatory relief but has limitations on how often it can be used and doesn’t promote tissue healing. Acupuncture addresses inflammation and supports the body’s healing process without the risks associated with repeated injections. Patients may use acupuncture as a first-line treatment or after cortisone effects have worn off.
Will you put needles in the inflamed tendon?
Our clinic uses the Balance Method, which often treats tendonitis by placing needles at points away from the inflamed area. This produces effective results without any risk of aggravating the already irritated tendon. Your practitioner will determine the best approach for your specific case.
Start Your Healing Journey with Us
“A few months ago I was diagnosed with arthritis in my neck. The pain was so severe I could barely lift my head off of my pillow and I had limited range of motion in my neck. After being treated for my neck for about a month, not only did the pain go away but my range of motion has improved drastically.”