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If you have lateral epicondylitis, also known as tennis elbow, you already know it’s no fun. Every time you straighten or flex your arm, you feel that nagging pain. Pain is of course the main symptom of tennis elbow, but that’s not all there is to it. There’s also inflammation and bruising around the elbow joint or wrist. But you don’t have to suffer with tennis elbow symptoms, here are some tips for treating tennis elbow naturally that you can try:

1. You can release the strain and stress from your aching elbow by gently massaging the muscle surrounding the area. If you’re unsure how to effectively administer the massage, you can call a masseuse to help you out. Be sure the masseuse you hire is an expert in the field of treating injuries though. The person can end up doing more harm than good if they just conduct a regular massage and don’t treat the injured area appropriately.
2. Acupuncture or Oriental medicine may also provide relief. Not all practitioners are equal though. As with a massage therapist, it’s important to find a practitioner who is experienced with tennis elbow and has gotten good results. Be sure to do research and ask about this before you book an appointment.
3. Use an ice pack, rubbing it along the swollen areas of your elbow and arm in a circular manner. This is a highly recommended tennis elbow treatment. You need to perform the rubbing motion for about five to seven minutes, two to four times per day, to have it be effective.
4. You can also make use of homeopathic remedies; one fine example of which is ruta graveolens. This can be bought at your local health food or vitamin store. Take six doses of this homeopathic remedy for at least two to four times per day. This will provide you with a soothing relief and also gradually bring down the swelling of your elbow.
5. Use an elbow support brace or counter brace. This will keep you from contracting your muscles while you go about doing your usual household chores or activities at work. Be sure to visit a medical store for correct measuring of your arm and sizing of the brace, because an ill-fitting brace has the potential to make your condition worse.

Although it’s tempting to turn to anti-inflammatory drugs when you’re experiencing lateral epicondylitis pain, try these natural approaches first, because all drugs — even those bought over the counter — have side effects. Some may take years to show up, though, and you won’t see them right away. So the less of them you put in your body, the better.

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