Starting from the Meridians: Addressing Both Symptoms and Root Causes
Elbow pain is a common musculoskeletal and joint issue, particularly prevalent among those who engage in long-term computer operation, heavy physical labor, sports, or the elderly. It significantly impacts daily life and work efficiency. Modern medicine often diagnoses these conditions as "Lateral Epicondylitis" (Tennis Elbow), "Elbow Arthritis," "Bursitis," or "Nerve Compression." From the perspective of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), these conditions fall under the categories of "Bi Syndrome," "Tendon Bi," or "Tendon Injury." TCM emphasizes the theory that "where there is flow, there is no pain; where there is pain, there is no flow," prioritizing the harmony of Qi and Blood, unblocking meridians, and dispelling Wind and Cold.
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Impact of Singapore's Work Environment on Elbow Health
In Singapore, due to prolonged use of computers and mobile phones and frequent mouse and keyboard operation—coupled with the alternating effects of a hot, humid climate and air-conditioned environments—many office workers experience elbow strain, tendonitis, and joint degeneration. According to Singapore Ministry of Health data, musculoskeletal diseases account for an increasing proportion of outpatient visits, with office workers and homemakers being high-risk groups. TCM conditioning has shown significant efficacy in treating this type of chronic strain-related pain, maintaining joint function and comfort over the long term.
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Common Types and Causes of Elbow Pain
In TCM, the causes of elbow pain primarily include the following:
- Wind-Cold-Damp Bi Type: Caused by pathogens invading the joints, obstructing the flow of Qi and Blood. Symptoms include distending pain in the elbow, worsening with cold, and difficulty in extension or flexion.
- Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Type: Resulting from traumatic injury or overstrain, leading to local Qi and Blood blockage. The pain is fixed, stabbing, and accompanied by obvious tenderness.
- Liver and Kidney Deficiency Type: Common in the elderly due to physical weakness and depletion of Liver and Kidney essence, leading to malnourished tendons and bones. Symptoms include dull pain, weakness, and recurring stiffness.
- Heat Bi Type: Inflammation causing swelling, heat, and pain. The area is red, swollen, and hot to the touch, often seen in acute inflammatory phases (such as acute bursitis).
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TCM Treatment Methods for Elbow Pain
TCM emphasizes "Syndrome Differentiation," tailoring personalized plans based on the cause and individual constitution. Key treatments include:
1. Acupuncture Therapy
Acupuncture is a core TCM method for treating elbow pain. Common acupoints include Quchi (LI11), Shousanli (LI10), Hegu (LI4), and Ashi points (tender spots). By regulating local Qi and Blood and unblocking meridians, it effectively relieves pain and reduces inflammation, especially for chronic issues like Tennis Elbow.
2. Internal Herbal Medicine or External Application
Depending on the type of pain, herbal treatments are used to promote blood circulation, dispel wind and cold, or tonify the Liver and Kidneys. For example, *Duhuo Jisheng Tang* may be used for Wind-Cold-Damp patterns, while *Xuefu Zhuyu Tang* is common for stasis patterns. External herbal poultices or medicated soaks can also enhance local efficacy.
3. Tuina (Massage), Cupping, and TDP Heat Therapy
TCM massage relaxes muscles and adjusts joint alignment; cupping unblocks meridians and dispels cold; while TDP electromagnetic wave therapy promotes blood circulation and accelerates tissue repair.
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How to Prevent Elbow Pain?
- Avoid repetitive movements for long periods; balance work with rest;
- Keep the area warm and prevent air-conditioning from blowing directly on the elbows, especially in Singapore's environment of high temperature differences;
- Engage in appropriate joint exercises, such as grip ball training and elbow stretches;
- Pay attention to nutrition to strengthen tendons and bones;
- Treat mild discomfort early to prevent it from developing into a chronic condition.
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Dr Li Rui: Extensive Experience and Proven Results
Dr Li Rui graduated from the China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, holding a Master's degree in TCM and a Bachelor's degree in Western Medicine. She has focused on TCM musculoskeletal and joint diseases for over thirty years, specializing in treating elbow pain, neck and shoulder pain, Tennis Elbow, and tendon strain. At her clinic in Yishun, Singapore, Dr Li Rui excels at combining acupuncture, herbal medicine, heat therapy, and dietary therapy for comprehensive treatment, focusing on personalized care and lifestyle improvements to help patients restore joint function.
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If you are suffering from elbow soreness, weakness, or limited range of motion, you are welcome to book an appointment with Dr Li Rui for a professional TCM assessment and personalized treatment.
