Can tendinitis be treated with acupuncture?

Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
Updated on March 08, 2025
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The occurrence of tendinitis is mostly due to local overuse and trauma, which causes local stagnation of qi and blood, and blockage of the meridians. As a result, there may be adhesion and pain in the tendons. Acupuncture is particularly effective in dredging meridians, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain quickly. Therefore, acupuncture can be very effective for tendinitis. We can perform acupuncture treatment by needling the painful area and selecting points along the meridian. Generally, the effects of acupuncture are favorable. If combined with other conservative treatment methods, it can produce significant results.

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Written by Dai Ru
Orthopedics
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How long does it take for tendonitis to heal?

Tendons are a type of tough connective tissue that connects muscles to bones. When tendons are subjected to repeated excessive stretching, excessive stimulation, or injury, it can lead to localized pathological changes, causing pain, swelling, and dysfunction at the affected site. This may also involve the tendon sheath that envelopes the tendon, leading to a series of aseptic inflammatory responses, thereby causing dysfunction and a range of symptoms in the affected area. Generally, after sufficient rest, avoiding intense activities, and the appropriate use of anti-inflammatory analgesic drugs, recovery can be achieved in about two weeks.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can tendinitis be treated with acupuncture?

The occurrence of tendinitis is mostly due to local overuse and trauma, which causes local stagnation of qi and blood, and blockage of the meridians. As a result, there may be adhesion and pain in the tendons. Acupuncture is particularly effective in dredging meridians, activating blood circulation, and relieving pain quickly. Therefore, acupuncture can be very effective for tendinitis. We can perform acupuncture treatment by needling the painful area and selecting points along the meridian. Generally, the effects of acupuncture are favorable. If combined with other conservative treatment methods, it can produce significant results.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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What is tendinitis?

Tendonitis refers to an inflammatory reaction caused by various factors such as over-fatigue, fiber tearing, or other injuries to the tendon and its surrounding tissues. Therefore, tendonitis usually has a cause, commonly seen in acute injuries or chronic strain. The main symptoms are: first, pain, which is often related to movement, intensifies during physical activity and alleviates during rest. Second, there is occasional slight swelling of the joint. Third, persistent pain occurs in bouts. This indicates that after the tendon recovers from an initial injury, persistent pain appears, which eases after rest or treatment but is prone to recurrence. Thus, tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding tissues, usually a non-bacterial inflammation. If conservative treatment does not improve the condition after 7-10 days, it is recommended to seek medical treatment at a hospital.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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The difference between tendinitis and tenosynovitis

Actually, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are essentially two aspects of the same condition. The term tendinitis usually refers to the part where the muscle transitions into the tendon, whereas tenosynovitis generally refers to the fibrous sheath over the tendon surface. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis often coexist; tendinitis can lead to tenosynovitis, and conversely, tenosynovitis can also affect tendinitis, causing or exacerbating it. Therefore, in clinical practice, there usually is not a clear distinction between tendinitis and tenosynovitis. It is common during surgeries for stenosing tenosynovitis to observe that the tendon is also congested and swollen, and even adhered to the tendon sheath. Thus, tendinitis and tenosynovitis are generally considered the same disease, merely referred to by two different names. However, if strictly distinguished, there is a certain difference, which lies in the location: tendinitis refers to the tendon itself, while tenosynovitis refers to the sheath outside the tendon.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Will tendinitis gradually heal by itself?

The answer is negative. Even minor injuries, if not properly addressed and managed, can gradually develop into more severe and chronic diseases. This later affects normal daily life. Tendonitis, for example, is mostly caused by repetitive stretching, severe tearing, or corresponding work-related strain. Therefore, the first step is rest. Additionally, local applications of topical plasters or physical therapies like thermotherapy, acupuncture, and appropriate spectrum treatments can alleviate localized pain and swelling. However, at least two to four weeks of rest is required. After recovery, it is also necessary to avoid repetitive stretching and excessive physical strain to prevent recurrence.