Dry Needling for Tennis Elbow: How It Works and Benefits

Tennis elbow, also known as lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that causes pain and discomfort on the outside of the elbow. It’s often the result of repetitive movements like gripping, lifting, or twisting, which can irritate the tendons and lead to inflammation.

While rest, stretching, and strengthening exercises can help, many people are finding relief through dry needling—a targeted, drug-free treatment option that helps reduce pain and promote healing.

In this guide, we’ll walk through what dry needling is, how it can relieve tennis elbow, and what to expect from treatment.

What Is Dry Needling?

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique where thin, sterile needles are inserted into trigger points—tight, irritated areas within the muscle. These trigger points often develop from overuse or injury and can restrict movement and cause pain.

Unlike acupuncture, which is based on traditional Chinese medicine, dry needling is rooted in modern musculoskeletal science. It works by releasing muscle tension, increasing circulation, and stimulating the body's natural healing response.

When it comes to tennis elbow, dry needling targets the forearm muscles and tendons that are inflamed or overused, helping to relieve pressure on the tendons and restore function.

How Does Dry Needling Help with Tennis Elbow?

Tennis elbow happens when the tendons connecting your forearm muscles to the outside of your elbow become irritated. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and weakness—particularly when gripping or lifting.

Here’s how dry needling helps:

1. Releasing Muscle Tension

Dry needling targets the trigger points within tight forearm muscles, helping to reduce tension that places extra stress on the elbow tendons.

2. Improving Blood Flow and Healing

Inserting a needle into an affected muscle increases local blood flow, delivering oxygen and nutrients while flushing out inflammation-related waste products.

3. Reducing Pain and Inflammation

Dry needling calms overactive nerve signals in the muscle, helping to reduce pain and inflammation in and around the elbow.

4. Restoring Muscle Function

As tension decreases and circulation improves, muscles regain normal length and strength—making it easier to grip, lift, and move without discomfort.

More Than Just the Elbow

At Elite Health & Performance, our initial assessment looks beyond just the elbow. We assess the entire upper limb and neck, because how your shoulder, shoulder blade, and neck move can have a big impact on elbow function.

This includes:

• Evaluating posture and neck movement

• Assessing muscle strength and control in the shoulder and upper arm

• Identifying any contributing tension or mobility issues throughout the upper chain

By looking at the full picture, we can pinpoint not just the source of your pain, but why it’s not getting better—and build a more effective treatment plan.

What to Expect During a Dry Needling Session

If you’re trying dry needling for tennis elbow, here’s what a typical session involves:

1. Assessment and Planning

We’ll begin with a thorough assessment of your symptoms, movement patterns, and the function of your entire upper limb. From there, we’ll identify which muscles need to be targeted.

2. Needle Insertion

• Very fine needles are inserted into specific trigger points in your forearm or surrounding muscles.

• You may feel a brief ache or muscle twitch, which indicates a release is occurring.

3. Post-Treatment Sensations

• Mild soreness is common for 24–48 hours—similar to post-exercise soreness.

• We'll recommend stretches, hydration, or light activity to aid recovery.

Benefits of Dry Needling for Tennis Elbow

✔ Fast Pain Relief – Many people feel improvement within one or two sessions
✔ Drug-Free and Non-Invasive – No medication or surgical procedures involved
✔ Addresses the Root Cause – Targets the muscle dysfunction rather than just masking symptoms
✔ Improves Mobility and Function – Reduces stiffness and increases grip strength
✔ Pairs Well with Other Treatments – Enhances outcomes when used alongside physiotherapy

Complementary Treatments That Work with Dry Needling

To maximise results, dry needling is often combined with:

• Physiotherapy exercises – To strengthen the forearm, shoulder, and postural muscles

• Soft tissue therapy or massage – To release additional muscle tension

• Bracing or taping – To provide temporary support and reduce strain during activity

• Ice or heat therapy – For short-term pain relief or to manage inflammation

A tailored treatment plan ensures you receive the right combination of therapies for your condition and goals.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

Most people notice improvement within 2–3 sessions, but ongoing treatment may be needed depending on the severity of your symptoms and how long you’ve had the issue.

Your practitioner will monitor your progress and adjust your care plan as needed, incorporating strengthening exercises to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Is Dry Needling Safe?

Yes—dry needling is very safe when performed by trained professionals. Side effects are usually minor and temporary, including:

• Mild soreness

• Bruising at the needle site

• Fatigue

Our practitioners will guide you through aftercare instructions to support recovery and maximise results.

Get Relief from Tennis Elbow with Dry Needling

Dry needling is a powerful and natural way to relieve pain, restore movement, and support healing for tennis elbow. When combined with a thorough assessment and integrated treatment plan, it becomes even more effective.

At Elite Health & Performance, we take the time to assess the whole upper limb and neck to ensure your treatment plan addresses every contributing factor.

Book your appointment today to start your journey toward pain-free movement and stronger, healthier arms.