Massage Points for Elbow Pain

Elbow pain commonly occurs from heavy lifting, repetitive stress from overuse, strong fast swinging motions of the arm or a combination of the two.  Each of these actions often aggravate or injure the muscles that surround the elbow joint leading to tension, swelling and pain.

As long as the  injury is muscular in origin then massage to the surrounding muscles are a great way to manage the pain and promote a speedy recovery.  That being said, if you are experiencing elbow pain then the first thing to do is consider what is the cause of the pain and if possible stop or alter that activity.

Below are a few common massage points that can help to release elbow tension and pain.  (see more on self massage in massage points for low back pain post) These points relate to acupuncture meridians.

Anterior Points

These muscle groups are responsible for flexion of the elbow.

A) focuses on the head of the biceps bracii, the brachialis and the upper attachment of the brachioradialis (not seen – under the brachialis muscle).  These muscle are the primary flexors of the elbow. This region relates to the Pericardium and Lung Meridian

B) Focuses on the Brachioradialis muscle below the elbow.  the brachioradialis is a large and often tender muscle.  It relates to the acupuncture point Lu5 and Li 11

C) Focuses on the muscles that originate from the common flexor tendon of the elbow.  This tendon connects to the: Pronator teres, Flexor carpi radialis, Palmaris longus, Flexor digitorum superficialis and the Flexor carpi ulnaris.  This region creates the medial elbow flexors.  It relates to the points Pc3 and Ht3.

Posterior Points

These muscle groups are responsible for extension of the elbow.

D) Focuses on the most powerful elbow extensor, the triceps brachii.  The triceps are a large muscle that covers the posterior region of the upper arm and the elbow.  The region near the elbow is often tense and knotted.  It relates to the acupuncture point Sj10 – 12.

E) Focuses on the extensor radialis longus and extensor digitorum communis.  Both hand extensors and and fairly weak elbow extensors. However they are commonly knotted up when experiencing elbow tension.  IT relates to the san jiao meridian in acupuncture

F) focuses on the Flexor Carpi Ulnaris and the Anconeus muscles.  Like the muscles in area E they are relatively weak extensors, however do play an important role in elbow stability and are therefore affected in elbow injuries. This region relates to Si8 and Ht 3 in acupuncture.

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Related posts:

1. Massage points for shoulder pain
2. Massage Points for Knee Pain
3. Massage Points for ankle strain and pain
4. Massage points for neck pain
5. Massage points for the Wrist and Forearm

Jan 11, 2010

• Posted by Matthew
• 6 comments
• Health, Qigong Physiology
• Qigong Tips, Therapy

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