Ayurvedic Treatment for Tennis Elbow

From an Ayurvedic viewpoint, tennis elbow is primarily a Vata dosha disorder affecting the tendons and muscles of the arm. Vata governs movement and the flow of prana (vital energy) in the body, but when it is aggravated it can cause excessive dryness and loss of strength in the musculoskeletal system.

Repetitive strain or sudden injury to the elbow can vitiate Vata at the site of the tendons. This Vata aggravation leads to stagnation and inflammation (known as Snayugata Vata) in the tendon tissues, causing pain, swelling and reduced mobility.

As Sai Ayush Ayurveda explains, an aggravated Vata in the elbow produces discomfort and stiffness that limits movement. Ayurveda also recognizes that factors like inadequate warm nourishment, overexertion of the arm, and exposure to cold can exacerbate Vata and worsen tennis elbow.

Key factors that can lead to tennis elbow in Ayurveda include:

• Repetitive strain or injury: Frequent overuse of the forearm (gripping, twisting, lifting) aggravates Vata in the elbow joint, leading to micro-tears and inflammations.
  
  
• Improper posture or technique: Using poor form when lifting or playing sports causes uneven stress on the tendons.
  
  
• Cold exposure: Working with cold weather or cold water hardens the tissues and increases Vata, contributing to stiffness and pain.
  
  
• Vata‑increasing diet and lifestyle: A diet or lifestyle high in cold, dry foods or irregular habits (skipping meals, excessive caffeine, etc.) can worsen the Vata that controls muscle and tendon health.
  
  
• Weak digestion (Agni) or Ama: Poor digestion can lead to accumulation of “ama” (metabolic waste) that blocks channels and aggravates Vata locally.
  
  

You should consider Ayurvedic care for tennis elbow if:

• Pain persists or worsens: If elbow pain and grip weakness don’t improve with rest or persist beyond a week, seek expert help. Cleveland Clinic similarly advises seeing a provider for persistent or severe elbow pain. Early Ayurvedic intervention can reduce chronic damage.
  
  
• Conventional treatments have limits: If you’ve tried braces, NSAIDs or physio but still have pain, Ayurveda can offer alternative solutions.
  
  
• You want to avoid surgery: Some patients consult Ayurveda to avoid cortisone shots or surgery. We aim to relieve your pain naturally, often without the need for invasive procedures.