Outer elbow pain on gripping
Handshakes, grocery bags, lifting a pan or opening a heavy door bring on a sharp pain at the bony point.
Epicondylitis means pain at one of the bony points on either side of the elbow, called the epicondyles. It often starts as a sharp pain on gripping, then settles into a deep ache that lingers. The arm may feel stiff in the morning, ease after a few minutes, and get worse again as the day goes on.
The usual problem is a tendon that has been asked to do more than it can currently handle. The wrist extensors attach at the outer epicondyle, and the wrist flexors attach at the inner one. Tendons recover with the right amount of gradual load, so long rest followed by sudden use tends to keep them sore. Tight forearm muscles and compensation from the wrist and shoulder add to the strain.
I use dry needling, a form of acupuncture, on the forearm muscles that pull on the sore tendon. On the outer side, the short wrist extensor, extensor carpi radialis brevis, can crowd the radial nerve. That adds a burning quality to the ache. Needling that muscle and its neighbors helps make room around the nerve. The aim is to lower the tension on the tendon so a gradual loading plan becomes tolerable.
Most people have tried rest, a forearm strap and anti-inflammatory medication, and some have had an injection. Those can calm a flare, but tendons respond to gradual loading, and none of them rebuilds that tolerance. The result is often a loop of rest, return to activity, and another flare. If PT or chiropractic care is already part of your history, dry needling is outside both professions’ scope in New York.
I ask when the pain began, what you grip or lift most, and how the arm responds the day after a heavy session. Then the exam:
Alongside your primary care doctor, orthopedist or sports medicine physician, I focus on the muscle and nerve side. When something I find is worth raising with them, I’ll say so and share my notes.
Yes, those are the common names. Tennis elbow is lateral epicondylitis, on the outer elbow where the wrist extensors attach. Golfer’s elbow is medial epicondylitis, on the inner elbow where the wrist flexors attach.
The name suggests inflammation, but longstanding cases usually behave more like an overloaded tendon. That is one reason anti-inflammatories often help only for a while. Gradual loading tends to matter more over time.
My main targets are the forearm muscles that load the tendon, along with any muscle crowding the radial nerve. It is usually a combination of both, since tight extensors and nerve irritation often appear together. Loosening those muscles also eases pressure on the nerve, which can make loading the tendon more tolerable.
Complete rest usually calms the pain for a while but leaves the tendon less prepared for use. Keeping activity within a tolerable range while building strength gradually tends to work better.
Usually not. Epicondylitis is diagnosed from the exam, by pressing on the tendon and testing grip and wrist movement. Imaging becomes useful when something in your history raises concern or progress is slower than expected.
Burning down the forearm is common when the radial nerve is involved. Weakness that keeps getting worse, significant numbness, unexplained swelling or fever needs prompt medical evaluation. So does an injury that leaves you unable to use the arm. Those should be checked before needling.
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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