🎾 Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis)

Integrating Ayurvedic and Modern Perspectives with Agnikarma

At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital – Precision & Healing Through Tradition

🧘‍♂️ Introduction

Tennis Elbow, medically known as Lateral Epicondylitis, is a painful condition involving the tendons of the forearm muscles attached to the elbow. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with Kurpara Sandhi Shotha (inflammation of the elbow joint).
At Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital, we offer an integrated treatment strategy combining modern diagnostic tools, Ayurvedic therapies, and the specialized para-surgical procedure – Agnikarma, under the care of expert Ayurvedic practitioners and surgeons.

🩺 Modern Medical Perspective

📌 Definition

Tennis elbow is caused by inflammation or micro-tears in the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus, usually due to overuse or repetitive strain.

⚠️ Causes

  • Repetitive wrist and arm motion

  • Overuse in sports or occupations

  • Improper biomechanics

  • Gripping or lifting with strain

❗ Symptoms

  • Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow

  • Radiating pain to forearm or wrist

  • Weak grip strength

  • Discomfort during wrist extension or lifting

🔬 Diagnosis

  • Clinical examination

  • Imaging (X-rays or MRI if needed)

🩹 Conventional Treatments

  • Rest and ice therapy

  • NSAIDs (pain relievers)

  • Physiotherapy

  • Corticosteroid injections

  • Surgery in severe or chronic cases

🌿 Ayurvedic Perspective

📖 Understanding in Ayurveda

Tennis elbow is interpreted as Kurpara Sandhi Shotha, involving:

  • Vata and Pitta dosha imbalances

  • Affected Snayu (tendons) and Mamsa Dhatu (muscle tissue)

  • Ama accumulation causing inflammation

🧬 Pathological Factors

  • Vata Prakopa – Pain, stiffness, degeneration

  • Pitta Prakopa – Inflammation, heat, tenderness

  • Snayu/Mamsa Dhatu Kshaya – Degeneration and weakness

  • Ama – Obstruction and tissue inflammation

📋 Symptoms

  • Kurpara Shoola (pain in elbow joint)

  • Shotha (swelling/inflammation)

  • Stambha (stiffness)

  • Daurbalya (weakness in arm/hand)

🛠️ Ayurvedic Management at Yogakshema

We provide an integrated and comprehensive protocol tailored to the individual’s constitution and condition.

🔍 Diagnosis

  • Dosha assessment

  • Physical and orthopedic evaluation

  • Imaging support if needed

🌿 Ayurvedic Therapies

Vata & Pitta Shamana (Pacification):

  • Abhyanga – Therapeutic oil massage

  • Lepa – Anti-inflammatory herbal pastes

  • Swedana – Herbal steam to relieve stiffness

  • Rakta Mokshana – Bloodletting in select cases (under expert supervision)

Snayu & Mamsa Poshana (Tissue Nourishment):

  • Pinda Sweda – Warm bolus massage

  • Herbal decoctions and formulations to restore tendon and muscle health

Pain Management:

  • Herbal anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications like Guggulu, Shallaki, Ashwagandha

🔥 Agnikarma: Specialized Ayurvedic Procedure

Agnikarma is a para-surgical therapeutic technique using controlled heat to relieve localized pain and inflammation.

🔸 Procedure Highlights:

  • Use of sterile, heated instruments to apply therapeutic cautery to the pain point

  • Balances Vata and Pitta doshas

  • Provides immediate pain relief in many cases

  • Stimulates local circulation and tissue regeneration

⚠️ Important:

  • Performed only by trained Ayurvedic Shalya Tantra (surgical) specialists

  • Requires clinical sterility and safety protocols

  • Especially effective in chronic and resistant cases of tennis elbow

🤸‍♂️ Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation

  • Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises

  • Range of motion training

  • Posture correction

  • Muscle re-education techniques under expert guidance

🥗 Ahara & Vihara (Diet & Lifestyle)

Ahara (Diet):

  • Favor warm, anti-inflammatory foods

  • Include ghee, sesame oil, turmeric, ginger

  • Avoid sour, salty, spicy, fermented, and fried foods

  • Increase alkaline and nourishing foods to pacify Vata & Pitta

Vihara (Lifestyle):

  • Avoid repetitive and forceful movements

  • Apply warm oil to elbow joint daily

  • Use proper posture and ergonomic tools

  • Regular rest and stress management

  • Integrate yoga and meditation as part of healing

🌟 Benefits of Our Integrated Approach

✅ Rapid and lasting pain relief
✅ Improved elbow strength and function
✅ Reduced inflammation and stiffness
✅ Prevention of recurrence
✅ Agnikarma offers precise, localized relief
✅ Holistic recovery – physical, dietary, and mental well-being
✅ Complementary to conventional treatments

🏥 Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital: Your Trusted Destination for Tennis Elbow Relief

With a legacy of excellence in Ayurvedic musculoskeletal care, Yogakshema Ayurveda Hospital brings together tradition and technology to provide personalized, evidence-based, and outcome-oriented management of Tennis Elbow, including Agnikarma, herbal therapy, and rehabilitative support.

Experience the power of integrated healing. Reclaim your strength. Rediscover pain-free movement.