The physiotherapeutic management of distal biceps tendinopathy: is there a role for acupuncture?

The cause and management of distal biceps tendon (DBT) injuries and in particular tendinopathies remains unclear in the current literature. It is believed that acupuncture may be able to play a role in the often multi-dimensional treatment plans for this clinical presentation. This case study presents evidence to suggest that, in combination with eccentric exercise, acupuncture can have significant treatment effects on the pain and limb dysfunction associated with a DBT tendinopathy; post-treatment alterations in patient reported pain via a visual analogue scale (VAS) and QuickDASH scores. However due to treatment protocol limitations the results of this case study need to be viewed with restraint, and it is recommended that further research be completed, e.g. multi-centred or randomised control trials, to substantiate the findings of this paper.