Tennis Elbow

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are symptomatic treatments that reduce pain and inflammatory signals, whereas acupuncture and moxibustion aim for tissue recovery and functional improvement. Since their mechanisms do not overlap, there is no problem with combining them. Herbal medicine can also be safely used in combination if prescribed after verifying any Western medications you are currently taking. There are two points to note. First, studies have shown that long-term use of NSAIDs can cause a burden on the gastrointestinal tract and delay tendon recovery itself; therefore, long-term reliance on them is not recommended for chronic tennis elbow. Second, since using your arm as usual while pain is masked by painkillers can lead to further injury, you must not mistake pain reduction for recovery. From the perspective of Korean medicine, painkillers merely shut off the signal of pain, whereas treatment resolves the underlying causes that trigger it: stagnation of Qi and blood, and excess Yang in the muscles and veins. Although their roles differ and they can be used together, if you only suppress the signal while ignoring the cause, the disease will progress from within. At Dongjedang, we check all medications currently being taken during the initial consultation. We then directly release blood stasis and adhesions in the injured area through external treatments (acupuncture, moxibustion, and pharmacopuncture), while for internal treatments, we administer herbal medicine tailored to your constitution with time intervals to avoid overlapping with Western medications. As treatment progresses and the root of the pain diminishes, you can naturally reduce your painkillers; this reduction process should also be carried out in stages under the guidance of your prescribing physician. Treatment is intended to help you stop taking medication, not to fight against it.