Tennis Elbow or Lateral Epicondylitis is a painful condition that results from overuse of the elbow joint, especially the tendons attached to the lateral epicondyle of the humerus (outer part of the elbow). Despite its name, this condition is not limited to tennis players—it affects people who perform repetitive wrist and arm movements, such as painters, carpenters, office workers, and homemakers. It is commonly caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons around the elbow joint. In Ayurveda, this condition is often referred to as Snayugata Vata at the Kurpara Sandhi (elbow joint).
Certain professions and activities increase the risk of developing tennis elbow due to repetitive stress or heavy use of the elbow joint, such as:
- Athletes: especially those involved in sports like tennis, badminton, or javelin throw.
- Gym-goers: particularly those who lift heavy weights.
- Cooks: due to frequent and repetitive hand and arm movements.
- Manual laborers: who are required to lift or carry heavy loads regularly.
In all these cases, the repeated strain leads to microscopic tears in the tendons, resulting in pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. In modern medicine, treatment usually involves rest, physiotherapy, painkillers, or corticosteroid injections. However, Ayurveda offers a more sustainable and holistic approach to healing this condition without side effects.
At Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, under the guidance of Dr. Manoj and Dr Aparna Deshpande, the treatment of Tennis Elbow is personalized, root-cause-oriented, and aimed at long-term relief and joint health restoration. Let’s explore the Ayurvedic understanding of Tennis Elbow and how it is effectively managed at Kalpataru.
Understanding Tennis Elbow Through the Lens of Ayurveda:
In Ayurveda, Tennis Elbow can be correlated with a condition known as Snayugata Vata—a condition where the aggravated Vata dosha affects the ligaments (snayu), tendons, and joints, leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
Vata Dosha is responsible for all kinds of movement and neuromuscular movements in the body. When Vata gets irritated due to factors such as overuse of the joint, improper postures, repetitive motions, poor dietary habits, or exposure to cold and dry environments, it settles in the elbow joint and causes pain and dysfunction.
Symptoms of Snayugata Vata (Tennis Elbow) in Ayurveda include:
- Localized pain over the outer part of the elbow
- Stiffness and tightness in forearm muscles
- Pain aggravated by wrist and elbow movement
- Weak grip strength
- The sensation of dryness and cracking in the joint
Causes and Aggravating Factors According to Ayurveda:
Ayurveda believes that lifestyle and diet play a crucial role in the imbalance of doshas. Some common factors that aggravate Vata and contribute to conditions like Tennis Elbow include:
- Overuse of the arm through repetitive tasks (e.g., typing, lifting, playing instruments)
- Poor dietary habits like excessive intake of dry, cold, or stale food
- Insufficient rest and irregular sleeping patterns
- Excessive exposure to cold wind or water
- Emotional stress and anxiety
Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ Approach: A Holistic and Natural Way to Heal:
Dr. Manoj Deshpande and his team at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ approach Tennis Elbow holistically. The treatment is individualized based on the patient’s prakriti (body constitution), the severity of the condition, and the root cause. The focus is on reducing pain, restoring joint function, and controlling recurrence.
Internal Medications (Aushadhi Chikitsa):
- Herbal Formulations: Ayurvedic medicines such as Rasnadi Guggulu, Yogaraj Guggulu, Dashmoolarishta, and Mahayograj Guggulu are prescribed to balance Vata, decrease inflammation, and nourish the tissues.
- Anti-inflammatory Herbs: Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggulu, and Ashwagandha help reduce pain and swelling while strengthening muscles and tendons.
- Ama Pachana: In chronic cases with Ama accumulation, herbs like Trikatu, Guduchi, and Chitrak are used to digest and eliminate toxins.
Panchakarma Therapies (Detoxification & Rejuvenation):
Panchakarma plays a vital role in purifying the body and rebalancing doshas. At Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, specific therapies are employed for Tennis Elbow:
Abhyanga (Therapeutic Oil Massage):
This is one of the first steps in addressing Vata disorders. Medicated oils like Mahanarayan Taila, Bala Taila, or Dhanwantaram Taila are used to pacify Vata dosha, lubricate the joints, and improve circulation.
Benefits:
- Reduces pain and stiffness
- Relieves muscle spasms
- Promotes better blood flow and healing
Swedana (Herbal Steam Therapy):
After Abhyanga, Nadi Sweda or localized steam therapy is applied to the affected area. This helps in reducing stiffness, improving mobility, and flushing out toxins.
Benefits:
- Softens the tendons and ligaments
- Reduces inflammation
- Alleviates Vata-induced pain
Lepa (Medicated Herbal Pastes):
The application of warm herbal pastes like Dashmool Lepa or Eranda Mooladi or kottamchukyadi Lepa directly over the elbow helps relieve localized inflammation and pain.
Basti Therapy (Medicated Enema):
Vata mostly resides in the colon, and Basti is considered the most effective treatment for Vata-related diseases. Depending on the condition, Matra Basti (oil enema) or Kashaya Basti (decoction enema) is administered.
Benefits:
- Balances systemic Vata
- Provides nourishment to joints and nerves
- Long-lasting relief in chronic cases
Agnikarma (Therapeutic Cauterization):
Agnikarma (therapeutic heat application) is an important and effective Ayurvedic treatment for chronic pain conditions like tennis elbow.
Probable Mode of Action of Agnikarma Treatment:
Many patients wonder how simply applying heat or a cautery tool can relieve such pain. Here’s how Agnikarma works:
- Reduction of Inflammation and Pain Chemicals: In chronic pain, certain chemicals responsible for inflammation and pain accumulate at the affected site. When therapeutic heat is applied during Agnikarma, these chemicals are dispersed and flushed into the main circulation. This reduces local pain and swelling.
- Disruption of Pain Conduction Pathway: Another theory suggests that the heat from Agnikarma temporarily disrupts the nerve pathways that carry pain signals to the brain. As a result, the perception of pain decreases, and mobility improves.
Gradually, as the pain subsides and movement becomes easier, the overall healing of the affected joint or muscle is facilitated.
Internal Herbal Medication:
Along with external therapies, internal medications are prescribed to reduce inflammation, nourish the joints, and balance Vata dosha. Some commonly used formulations include:
- Yogaraj Guggul: for joint stiffness and inflammation
- Dashmoolarishta: for generalized Vata disorders
- Eranda Sneha: for internal oleation
- Ashwagandha Churna: for strengthening muscles and nerves
All medications are carefully selected and monitored by Dr. Manoj Deshpande for maximum efficacy and safety.
Diet and Lifestyle Modifications:
In Ayurveda, food is medicine. A Vata-pacifying diet is recommended:
Foods to include:
- Warm, freshly cooked meals
- Ghee, sesame oil, and other healthy fats
- Cooked vegetables like pumpkin, bottle gourd, carrots
- Herbal teas made with ginger, ashwagandha, or fennel
Foods to avoid:
- Dry, cold, stale, or refrigerated food
- Excessive caffeine or aerated drinks
- Raw vegetables and salads
- Refined sugar and maida-based foods
Lifestyle Tips:
- Avoid cold exposure to joints
- Perform gentle joint exercises and stretches
- Maintain proper posture while working
- Ensure sufficient rest and sleep
- Practice stress-relieving techniques like Pranayama and meditation
Conclusion:
Tennis Elbow can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life if left untreated or only addressed symptomatically. Ayurveda offers a time-tested, natural, and holistic path to healing this painful condition by managing the root cause—Vata imbalance. Under the expert care of Dr. Manoj Deshpande at Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™, patients can experience safe, effective, and sustainable recovery from Tennis Elbow.
If you or someone you know is struggling with elbow pain or stiffness, consider booking a consultation with Dr. Deshpande and rediscover the power of Ayurveda for joint health and pain-free living.
Visit Kalpataru Ayurvediya Chikitsalaya™ today and take the first step towards pain-free living — the Ayurvedic way.