Outer elbow pain when gripping
Worse with mouse use, lifting a bag or pull ups, especially once the forearm is tired.
Elbow and wrist pain is a symptom with several possible sources. For some people it is a hot spot at the elbow during a long day at the keyboard. For others it is a compressed ache at the wrist in a plank or yoga pose, or tingling that drifts into the fingers.
The forearm muscles and their tendons are the most common source, at both the elbow and the wrist. The wrist joint itself can be sore with weight bearing. The shoulder and neck can also leave the forearm doing extra work. Three nerves run this route, the radial, median and ulnar, and each can become sensitive where it passes through muscle. That explains pain that doesn’t match a single tendon.
For elbow and wrist pain I rely mostly on dry needling, a form of acupuncture. The pronator teres, the muscle that turns your palm down, can squeeze the median nerve as it passes between its two heads. Needling that muscle aims to free up room for the nerve. The ulnar nerve, which runs behind the inner elbow, can also become irritable by itself, especially with long periods of elbow bending. In that case I use electroacupuncture, with fine needles close to the ulnar nerve and a mild current to help shift how it signals.
People with this pattern have usually tried wrist braces, rest, anti-inflammatories and a general strengthening program. Those can quiet symptoms for a while, but the pain often returns once typing or training picks up. Imaging may show tendon changes that don’t match the pain, or nothing at all. Physical therapy is a common step too. Needling is a separate tool, because physical therapists and chiropractors in New York may not perform it.
I ask about your desk setup, your training schedule, any recent jump in hours or volume, and what sets the pain off. Then the exam:
I coordinate with your physician, hand surgeon or physical therapist. If my findings point toward a follow up with any of them, I’ll let you know and send along what I saw.
Those names describe where the pain sits, on the outer or inner elbow. When the wrist hurts as well, or the fingers tingle, the forearm muscles and nerves are often part of it. I look for what reproduces your pain before deciding what to treat.
Yes. Treatment is usually a combination, because tendon soreness, a tight pronator and an irritable ulnar nerve often occur together. Releasing the forearm muscles takes pressure off the nerves running between them, and electroacupuncture is added when a nerve is reactive by itself.
The median and ulnar nerves pass the elbow on their way to the hand. Irritation near the elbow can be felt further down the nerve’s path. Which fingers tingle helps point to which nerve is involved.
Often you can, with some changes. I’ll help you adjust grip, volume and exercise choice so you keep training while the irritated tissue settles.
Tendon changes are common in people without any pain, so a finding doesn’t decide the plan on its own. I weigh it alongside what the exam shows. If the results raise a question for your doctor, I’ll let you know.
Get seen promptly after an injury with deformity or a suspected fracture, or if weakness is getting worse quickly. Significant numbness that doesn’t change with position, fever, or new redness and swelling also need medical evaluation. The same goes for severe night pain that is new and worsening.
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.
We also offer house calls and after-hours appointments by arrangement.
Private Access & House Calls →Ready when you are.
Limited spots each week — book now to reserve yours.
118 W. 72nd St, Rear Lobby, New York, NY 10023
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.
Member Clinic
An independent practice and member of New York Acupuncture Group, sharing clinical space and operations in Manhattan.
This site does not provide medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making changes to your health. Read our full disclaimer.