Adjunct Placement for Acupuncture Points and Trigger Points for Elbow Pain
The Primary Placement in the Elbow Pain Treatment Protocol is the recommended starting point, with Q Magnets positioned over the medial and lateral elbow joint spaces and relevant areas of tenderness. The placements below are optional Adjunct Placements that may be considered when symptoms correspond with particular areas of tenderness, muscular involvement or movement restriction.
Adjunct Placements may be used alongside the Primary Placement, at different times, or explored when the Primary Placement alone is not providing the desired response. Under the Field | Dose | Placement principle, select from the recommended points according to where symptoms are felt, tenderness, movement restriction and individual response rather than routinely applying every point listed. An appropriately selected distal acupuncture point may sometimes be useful on its own.
Recommended Additional Placements
Acupuncture Points
- LI10 – Small Quadrapolar or Medium Quadrapolar/Hexapolar – S / M
Located on the outer aspect of the forearm, below the elbow. This lateral point may be considered where symptoms or tenderness involve the outer elbow and nearby forearm region. - LI11 – Small Quadrapolar or Medium Quadrapolar/Hexapolar – S / M
Located around the outer elbow near the lateral end of the elbow crease. It may be considered for lateral elbow symptoms or local tenderness.
LI10 and LI11 are relatively close together. If both points are being used and there is insufficient space to maintain appropriate separation between larger magnets, use the supported S Small magnet option.
- HT3 – Medium Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – M
Located on the inner aspect of the elbow near the medial end of the elbow crease. This point may be considered where symptoms or tenderness are concentrated around the medial elbow.
Myofascial Trigger Points
- Extensor Carpi Radialis Brevis – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
This forearm extensor is associated with the lateral elbow region. Consider this placement where a tender or sensitive area can be identified within the involved muscle. - Brachioradialis – Large Quadrapolar or Hexapolar – L
The brachioradialis runs along the outer forearm from above the elbow towards the wrist. Consider this placement where tenderness or muscular involvement can be identified along the muscle.
Practical Placement Guidance
Begin with the medial and lateral joint-space Primary Placement shown in the Elbow Pain Treatment Protocol. The joint spaces can be located by gently grasping either side of the elbow while bending and straightening the joint.
When considering additional placements:
- For lateral elbow symptoms, assess LI10, LI11 and the recommended forearm trigger-point regions.
- For medial elbow symptoms, HT3 provides the recommended acupuncture-point option.
- Gently palpate the relevant area and prioritise placements that correspond with tenderness, sensitivity, muscular involvement or movement restriction.
- If using both LI10 and LI11, choose the supported S Small option where necessary to maintain appropriate separation between magnets.
- Reassess the individual response rather than automatically applying every available placement.
This information is provided as educational guidance and does not replace diagnosis, medical assessment or treatment recommended by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
