Why Tennis Elbow Happens (and Why It Hurts So Much)

Dr. Maggie Parker
3 days ago
2 min read

Dry Needling for Tennis Elbow

Tennis elbow—also known as lateral epicondylalgia—is one of the most common elbow injuries we treat at Outshine. It affects lifters, racquet-sport athletes, rock climbers, gardeners, and anyone gripping, lifting, or typing throughout the day.

It’s not just inflammation. It’s a tendon overload problem—tiny micro-irritations that build up over time, leading to pain with gripping, lifting a coffee mug, twisting a doorknob, or using a mouse.

Why Dry Needling Works So Well for Tennis Elbow

Dry needling is one of our most effective tools for this condition because it:

Releases painful trigger points in the wrist extensor muscles
Improves blood flow to a stubborn tendon
Reduces tension on the irritated area
Decreases pain quickly so you can return to lifting, working, and playing
Pairs perfectly with corrective strengthening to actually fix the root cause

Most patients feel relief within their first 1–2 sessions, with deeper improvements over a full course of care.

Gloved hands insert dry needle into a person's back. The person wears a blue top. Bright indoor setting, focus on precision.

Where We Place the Needles

For tennis elbow, we often target:

Common extensor tendon
Extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB)
Extensor digitorum
Supinator
Sometimes the triceps or shoulder if they’re contributing

Dry needling works best when combined with manual therapy, progressive loading, and movement retraining—all of which we do here at Outshine.

What a Typical Session Looks Like at Outshine

Here’s what to expect:

Detailed movement evaluation We analyze your grip mechanics, shoulder mechanics, training habits, and tendon irritability.
Dry needling to targeted areas Quick, effective relief.
Soft tissue release & mobilization Loosens up the entire elbow complex.
Grip and wrist strengthening that actually works No more “just do some wrist curls.” We get specific.
A custom return-to-sport or return-to-lifting plan So you don’t fall into the flare-up cycle again.

Tennis Elbow Shouldn’t Stop Your Asheville Lifestyle

Whether you’re playing at Aston Park, lifting at your favorite gym, climbing at Cultivate Climbing, or working long days at your desk, you deserve an elbow that lets you move pain-free.

If you’ve been dealing with nagging elbow pain for more than 2–3 weeks, dry needling can help speed up healing and get you back to doing what you love.

Ready to fix your tennis elbow?

Book a visit at Outshine Physical Therapy & Fitness and let’s get you back to performing your best.