Sharp pain at the elbow point when gripping
Lifting a bag, pouring from a kettle or using a mouse brings it on, and the forearm tightens right after.
Elbow and forearm pain is a symptom, and it can come from more than one place. Some people feel a sharp point at the bony elbow when they lift a bag. Others describe a deep ache or burning along the top of the forearm that flares hours after work or a workout.
The common muscle sources are the forearm extensors and the supinator, which turns the palm up. Tendons at the outer and inner elbow can also become irritated where they attach to bone. The elbow joint and the neck can refer pain here too. On the nerve side, the radial nerve is the usual one, along with the median and ulnar nerves. These often overlap, since a sore tendon changes your grip and a tighter forearm makes nearby nerves more sensitive.
I treat this with dry needling, a form of acupuncture, aimed at the forearm muscles and tendon attachments that reproduce your pain. The supinator can press on the radial nerve where the nerve runs through it. I needle that muscle so the nerve has more room. The posterior interosseous nerve, a deep branch of the radial nerve, can also become irritable on its own. For that I use electroacupuncture, fine needles near the nerve with a gentle current, to help change how it is signaling.
Most people with this pain have tried rest, an elbow strap, anti-inflammatories and a sheet of stretches. These can settle a flare, but they don’t change why the forearm stays sensitive once you return to normal use. An X-ray or MRI is useful for ruling out larger problems. It often comes back normal, though, because it can’t show an irritated nerve or a tight forearm muscle. If you’ve seen a physical therapist or chiropractor, dry needling adds something different, since New York law doesn’t allow either profession to use it.
I ask where the pain starts, where it travels, and which tasks bring it on later in the day. Then the exam:
I work alongside primary care doctors, orthopedists and hand specialists. If something in the exam suggests checking back in with one of them, I’ll tell you and pass along my findings.
It could be tendon irritation at the outer elbow, which is what tennis elbow describes. Many people with that label also have a tight supinator or an irritated radial nerve. The exam shows which one reproduces your pain, and that decides where I treat.
Imaging is good at ruling out fractures and larger structural problems. It doesn’t show a forearm muscle holding high tone or a nerve that has become sensitive. Either one can keep the area sore with ordinary daily use.
Yes, and it is usually a combination of approaches, because a tight muscle and an irritated nerve often show up together. Loosening the supinator and its neighbors relieves pressure on the radial nerve running through them. When the nerve stays reactive by itself, I add electroacupuncture.
It can contribute. The nerves that reach the forearm start in the neck, and tingling that changes with neck position is one clue. I check the neck during the exam and treat it when it plays a role.
Usually not. I help you find which grips, angles and volumes set off the delayed flares. Most people keep training with some changes while the forearm settles.
See a doctor promptly after an injury with visible deformity, for weakness that is getting worse quickly, or for numbness that persists. Fever, unexplained weight loss, or severe night pain without a clear reason also need medical attention first.
Adults with pelvic floor, nerve and orthopedic pain, along with neurological conditions. Most of my patients come to me after other care hasn't fully settled things. If you're looking for general wellness acupuncture, I'm not the right fit.
We review your history and what you've already tried. I assess the muscles and nerves involved, and you're treated the same day.
It depends on the condition. Pelvic and orthopedic plans usually run 4 to 6 weeks. Neurological plans are usually 2 visits a week for 6 weeks or 3 a week for 4. After that, visits space out so the changes hold. These are typical timelines, not promises.
Yes. I work alongside doctors, physical therapists and specialists. If something I find needs a closer look from one of them, I'll tell you.
I'm an out-of-network provider. You pay at the time of your visit, and my office submits the claim so any reimbursement comes to you. Free benefit checks are available before your first visit through the verification form, and HSA and FSA cards work. I don't take Medicare or Medicaid, though some Medicare Advantage plans reimburse out-of-network care. Full insurance details
Yes. I treat adults, teens and children, though I don't specialize in infants or toddlers.
Yes. Book a free discovery call to ask your questions and see whether we're a good fit.
Dry needling is a form of acupuncture. Fine needles go into tight bands of muscle and trigger points to lower muscle tension and change how the area is signaling.
You may feel a brief twitch or a deep ache as the needle reaches tight muscle. It passes quickly, and any soreness afterward usually fades within a day or two.
It's generally safe with a properly trained practitioner. Needles are sterile and single-use, and I check your health history first, including blood thinners. In New York, dry needling can only be performed by licensed acupuncturists, MDs and DOs. Physical therapists and chiropractors aren't permitted to perform it.
Eat something light beforehand and wear loose clothing that lets me reach the area being treated.
Usually not. Ultrasound helps in a few specific cases, but it hasn't been shown to improve results for common trigger points. A careful hands-on exam is what guides the needle. More on ultrasound-guided dry needling
Dry needling aimed at the pelvic floor and the hip and abdominal muscles around it, for pain, tension and urinary symptoms driven by those muscles and their nerves. More on pelvic floor dry needling
Sometimes, depending on the muscles involved, and you'll be draped throughout. Treatment always follows your consent and comfort. I don't do internal exams or internal treatment.
No, though it helps if you've already seen a doctor or pelvic floor physical therapist. Bring any notes or imaging you have.
Completely. I've heard it all, and there's no judgment here, just a straightforward conversation so we can treat what's going on.
Yes, I treat adults of every gender and identity. After gender-affirming surgery involving the pelvis, bring your surgical notes and we'll decide together what fits.
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Evidence-based acupuncture and dry needling on the Upper West Side. From chronic pain and headaches to pelvic floor dysfunction, Dr. Jordan Barber pairs the highest level of training with care that actually listens.
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