Pickleball is booming, but so are injuries like pickleball elbow. This common injury can sideline players, but traditional Chinese medicine offers some research-backed solutions to keep you in the game—pain-free.
WORDS CHONG ZHIA NING (ANGELINE)
 FEATURED EXPERTCHONG ZHIA NING (ANGELINE) Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Sunway TCM Centre |
Pickleball is an exciting, fast-paced sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Recently, its popularity has soared around the world, and in Malaysia, it’s continuing to grow.
In fact, last year, the Selangor Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari announced plans to make pickleball a medal sport in Sukma 2026!
PICKLEBALL ELBOW
However, as with any sport, injuries are a concern.
- One common injury among pickleball players is pickleball elbow.
- It is also known as lateral epicondylitis or tennis elbow.
- This is a painful condition affecting the outer elbow, caused by repetitive motion of the wrist and arm.
THE TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE (TCM) PERSPECTIVE
From a TCM perspective, pickleball elbow is often linked to several factors:
Qi and Blood Stagnation
- Repetitive movements can cause blockages in the flow of qi (vital energy) and blood, leading to pain and delayed healing.
- The body needs smooth circulation to repair itself properly, and stagnation can prevent this.
Cold and Damp Invasion
- When the body is exposed to cold weather or damp conditions, like playing in the rain or taking a cold shower after exercise, it can cause the tendons to stiffen.
- This leads to swelling, discomfort, and limited movement in the elbow.
Liver and Kidney Deficiency
- In TCM, the liver governs the tendons, and the kidneys support bones and joints.
- Weakness in these organs can slow healing and weaken the tendons, making them more prone to injury.
- By addressing these imbalances, TCM helps restore the body’s natural healing ability and promotes long-term recovery.
HOW TCM MANAGES PICKLEBALL ELBOW
Acupuncture
- For pain relief and healing.
- Tiny needles are inserted into specific points on the body, also known as acupoints.
- This stimulates the flow of qi, reduce inflammation, and relieve muscle tension.
| Research has demonstrated that acupuncture can reduce pain and enhance function in individuals with lateral epicondylitis, yielding positive outcomes for treatment. |
Moxibustion
- For warming and healing.
- Involves the burning of moxa (mugwort herb) near acupuncture points or directly on the skin to warm the body and promote healing.
- By warming the affected area, moxibustion helps to improve circulation, alleviate pain, and prevent further stiffness in the tendons.
| Studies have shown that moxibustion can significantly enhance healing and reduce pain in musculoskeletal injuries. It is especially effective in managing chronic conditions where there is stagnation or coldness in the body. |
Tuina
- Involves applying pressure to specific areas of the body using various techniques such as kneading, rolling, and pressing.
- Used to relax the muscles around the elbow, relieve tension, and promote blood flow to the injured area.
- Also helps to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve overall tendon health.
| A review of tuina in sports medicine found it to be an effective treatment for relieving musculoskeletal pain and speeding up recovery from injuries. |
PRACTICAL TIPS FOR INJURY PREVENTION AND RECOVERY
Dynamic Warm Up Before Play
Actively move your joints and muscles with 10 to 12 repetitions of pickleball-specific motions such as:
- Arm swings
- Trunk twists
- High knees
- Lunges
- Side shuffles
Having a pre-game slow jog will also help to prevent pickleball injuries.
Support the Elbow
- Wear an elbow brace or compression sleeve, especially on your dominant arm.
Avoid Cold Showers Immediately After a Game
- Cold weather or damp conditions can worsen tendon stiffness.
Modify Your Technique
- Engage larger muscle groups, like your torso, arms, and shoulders, to generate power and reduce strain on the joints.
Get Adequate Rest
Allow time for the tendons to recover between games.
IN CONCLUSION
- Pickleball elbow doesn’t have to sideline you from the game you love.
- By integrating acupuncture, herbal remedies, dietary therapy and some lifestyle modifications, TCM provides a holistic and effective approach to healing, so you can stay active and pain-free.
| This article is part of our series on fitness and exercises that can improve your physical and mental health. |
References:
- Kang, L., Liu, P., Peng, A., Sun, B., He, Y., Huang, Z., Wang, M., Hu, Y., & He, B. (2021). Application of traditional Chinese therapy in sports medicine. Sports medicine and health science, 3(1), 11–20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smhs.2021.02.006
- Tang, H., Fan, H., Chen, J., Yang, M., Yi, X., Dai, G., Chen, J., Tang, L., Rong, H., Wu, J., & Liang, F. (2015). Acupuncture for Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2015, 861849. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/861849
