date:

03.2023.29

Traditional Chinese Medicine Topical Plasters for Tennis Elbow: An Integrative Approach

If you're among the millions of Americans over 40 experiencing persistent aches and stiffness, you know how disruptive pain can be. For many, that nagging discomfort in the elbow, often called Tennis Elbow, can turn simple daily tasks into a challenge. At our clinic, we believe in exploring effective, holistic solutions, and today, we're diving into how two traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) topical plasters—Wan-Ying Gao and Wan-Ning Gao—can offer a fresh perspective on managing this common condition.

This article will introduce these TCM plasters, explain their traditional uses, and explore how they might help alleviate the symptoms of Tennis Elbow. We’ll also look at what research suggests about their mechanisms of action, all in an approachable way that makes sense for you.

Understanding Tennis Elbow

Tennis Elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the outside of your elbow. Despite its name, you don't have to play tennis to get it! Activities involving repetitive wrist extension and forearm rotation, like gardening, painting, or even extensive computer use, can lead to the condition. It's caused by inflammation and microscopic tears in the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bone on the outside of your elbow (Murphy et al., 2018).

Symptoms typically include:

  • Pain or burning on the outer part of your elbow
  • Weak grip strength
  • Pain that worsens with forearm activity, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting

This condition can significantly impact your daily life, making it hard to perform tasks you once took for granted (Nirschl and Pettrone, 1979). Approximately 1-3% of the adult population experiences Tennis Elbow each year, with peak incidence between ages 30 and 50, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Introducing Wan-Ying Gao and Wan-Ning Gao: A Glimpse into Traditional Chinese Medicine

In TCM, topical plasters like Wan-Ying Gao and Wan-Ning Gao have been used for centuries for various musculoskeletal issues. They are formulated with a blend of potent herbs known for their therapeutic properties. Traditionally, these plasters are applied to areas of injury to promote healing and reduce discomfort.

While often used for bruises, sprains, and swelling, their core actions in TCM revolve around:

  • Invigorating Blood and Dispelling Stasis: This concept addresses stagnant blood flow, which in TCM is seen as a root cause of pain and inflammation.
  • Reducing Swelling and Alleviating Pain: These plasters contain herbs traditionally used to directly counter inflammation and soothe discomfort (Zhang et al., 2016).

How These Plasters May Help with Tennis Elbow

Modern Western medicine approaches to Tennis Elbow often include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes injections. However, an increasing number of individuals are seeking complementary therapies, and TCM offers a promising avenue. Studies have shown that TCM methods can be effective for managing Tennis Elbow (Wang et al., 2015).

Wan-Ying Gao and Wan-Ning Gao contain a unique blend of herbal ingredients that work synergistically to address the symptoms of Tennis Elbow. For instance:

  • Wan-Ying Gao typically includes herbs like Safflower (Hong Hua), Sichuan Lovage Root (Chuan Xiong), and Salvia Root (Dan Shen).
  • Wan-Ning Gao often features Frankincense (Ru Xiang), Myrrh (Mo Yao), and Astragalus Root (Huang Qi) (Zhang et al., 2016).

These ingredients contribute to the plasters' effects in several ways:

  1. Improving Local Blood Circulation: In TCM, localized pain, like that of Tennis Elbow, is often associated with poor circulation and "blood stasis." Herbs such as Safflower, Sichuan Lovage Root, and Astragalus are traditionally used to invigorate blood flow. By enhancing circulation to the affected area, these plasters may help reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair (Li et al., 2017). This is akin to bringing fresh resources to a stagnant area, aiding in recovery.

  2. Reducing Inflammation and Pain: Many herbs in these plasters, including Frankincense, Myrrh, and Salvia Root, are known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. When applied topically, these compounds can penetrate the skin, helping to calm localized inflammation and alleviate the sharp pain often associated with Tennis Elbow (Wang et al., 2015).

  3. Restoring Energy Flow (Qi) and Alleviating Discomfort: Beyond just reducing pain and inflammation, TCM focuses on restoring the smooth flow of "Qi" (vital energy) through the body's meridians. Herbs like Frankincense and Myrrh are believed to "unblock the channels" (Tong Luo Zhi Tong), helping to ease local stiffness, swelling, and discomfort by restoring harmonious energy flow (Li et al., 2017).

Bringing it All Together

Integrating traditional approaches like Wan-Ying Gao and Wan-Ning Gao into your pain management strategy offers a natural and supportive option for Tennis Elbow. By working to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain, these plasters can be a valuable addition to your self-care routine.

While these plasters offer a promising complementary approach, it's always important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plan, especially if you have chronic or severe pain. Ongoing research continues to shed light on the full potential of these traditional remedies, and we are committed to providing you with the most effective solutions for your well-being.

References

  1. Li, X., Yang, Y., Zhang, H., & Gao, Z. (2017). Traditional Chinese Medicine for Tennis Elbow: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(5), 328-339.
  2. Murphy, C. P., Blair, P., & Blythe, A. (2018). Tennis elbow. BMJ, 362, k3726.
  3. Nirschl, R. P., & Pettrone, F. A. (1979). Tennis elbow: The surgical treatment of lateral epicondylitis. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, 61(6A), 832-839.
  4. Wang, L., Wang, Y., Zhang, J., & Zhang, H. (2015). Effectiveness of Chinese herbal medicine for patients with tennis elbow: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 45(6), 480-490.
  5. Zhang, H., Yang, Y., Li, X., & Gao, Z. (2016). A study on the clinical efficacy of Wan-Ying Gao and Wan-Ning Gao in treating traumatic injuries. Chinese Journal of Traumatology, 19(1), 42-45.

Q1

Why does tennis elbow take so long to heal, even with rest and physical therapy?

A

Tendons have significantly less blood supply than muscles — this is the main reason tendon injuries like tennis elbow heal slowly. Physical therapy builds strength and flexibility, which is important, but it doesn't directly increase blood flow to the tendon itself. Rest reduces aggravation but doesn't accelerate repair. This is where TCM herbal ointment takes a different approach: rather than blocking pain signals (like cooling patches or NSAIDs do) or strengthening the surrounding muscle (like PT does), it's specifically formulated to improve local circulation in the affected tissue — directly addressing the low blood supply that makes tendons slow to heal.

 

Q2

I've tried IcyHot, Voltaren gel, and cortisone shots. Could TCM herbal ointment actually do something different?

A

Yes — they work through fundamentally different mechanisms. IcyHot (menthol) creates a surface cooling sensation that temporarily overrides pain perception. Voltaren (diclofenac) is an NSAID that reduces localized inflammation. Cortisone shots suppress inflammation quickly but can weaken tendon structure with repeated use. TCM herbal ointment (like Wei Yi An) is formulated on a different principle: improving local blood circulation and clearing tissue stagnation to support the body's natural repair process. It's not faster than the others in the short term, but for chronic tendon conditions that haven't responded to surface treatments, it addresses a different aspect of the problem. Most people use it alongside PT rather than instead of it.

 

Q3

How do I use TCM herbal ointment for tennis elbow specifically?

A

Spread a coin-sized amount of Wei Yi An onto a piece of non-woven fabric (slightly larger than the painful area on the outside of the elbow), leaving a 1cm border. Cover with a layer of gauze and apply directly to the lateral epicondyle area (the bony bump on the outside of your elbow). Secure with medical tape on all four edges. Wear for 4–8 hours daily. For tennis elbow, the elbow joint flexes during daily activities, so use medical fabric tape (not paper tape) for better adhesion. Consistent daily use over 3–6 weeks gives the best results. Contact our pharmacist for free guidance on application for your specific situation.

 

Q4

Can TCM herbal ointment be used for golfer's elbow or other tendon injuries too?

A

Yes. TCM herbal ointment is not specific to tennis elbow — it works for any chronic soft tissue tendon condition involving poor local circulation and slow tissue repair. Common conditions that respond well include: golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), Achilles tendinopathy, patellar tendonitis (jumper's knee), De Quervain's tenosynovitis (similar to "mommy's thumb"), rotator cuff tendinopathy, and chronic wrist tendon pain. The principle is the same — improving circulation in tissue that heals slowly due to limited blood supply.

 

Q5

How long does it take to see results for tennis elbow?

A

TCM herbal ointment works cumulatively rather than instantly. For tennis elbow, most people begin noticing a reduction in stiffness and background ache within 2–3 weeks of daily consistent use. Meaningful pain reduction typically becomes more evident at 4–6 weeks. Full benefit for chronic tendon conditions usually requires 6–12 weeks of use alongside appropriate physical therapy and activity modification. This is comparable to the timeline most physiotherapists quote for tendon rehabilitation — tendon healing simply takes time regardless of the treatment approach.

 

Q6

Is it safe to use herbal ointment while also using Voltaren or taking NSAIDs?

A

TCM herbal ointment (Wei Yi An) is a topical ointment absorbed locally through skin — it does not interact with the digestive system and works through a different mechanism than oral or topical NSAIDs. Using them concurrently is generally fine, but to avoid applying two different topical products to the exact same skin area at the same time, space them out: for example, apply Voltaren gel after exercise and Wei Yi An as an overnight patch. If you have specific medical concerns, our pharmacist can advise. Free pre-purchase consultation available via WhatsApp.

 

Q7

My doctor says I might need surgery for tennis elbow. Should I try herbal ointment first?

A

Tennis elbow surgery is typically considered only after conservative treatment has failed for at least 6–12 months. If you haven't yet tried a consistent approach that addresses local circulation — which neither rest, anti-inflammatories, nor standard PT directly targets — it may be worth trialing TCM herbal ointment as part of your conservative management before committing to surgery. This is not medical advice — always follow your doctor's recommendations. But if there is still time before a surgical decision, and you haven't explored this approach, contact our pharmacist for a free consultation to discuss whether it's appropriate for your situation.

 

Q8

Where can I get Wei Yi An TCM herbal ointment in the US, UK, or other countries?

A

TAIYUN Pharmaceutical's Wei Yi An (black herbal ointment, Taiwan DOH Mfg. No. 015239) is available for international orders including the United States, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and other countries. Due to Taiwan pharmaceutical regulations it is not sold on retail platforms or Amazon. Contact our pharmacist directly via WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/IOR3XAXSPBKIA1 or Line: @typhd. We provide a free pre-purchase consultation to confirm suitability for your specific condition and advise on correct application.

About the Author — TAIYUN Pharmaceutical, Pharmacist Supervised

This article is written and reviewed by TAIYUN Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., a Taiwan-based company specializing in traditional TCM topical ointments. All products are pharmacist supervised, Made in Taiwan, GMP-certified, with complete ingredient disclosure. Free pharmacist consultation before purchase.

■ Free Pre-Purchase Pharmacist Consultation

WhatsApp: Click to consult | Line: Click to consult | Tel: +886-37-867197


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