Epicondylitis

Lateral epicondylitis , or «tennis elbow ,» is characterized by pain on the outside of the elbow that can radiate to the forearm. It originates from overuse of the forearm muscles and occurs as a result of activities involving forced rotation or extension of the wrist.

Medial epicondylitis , or «golfer’s elbow ,» is characterized by pain on the inside of the elbow and when bending the fingers at the wrist. It is a less common condition that results from overuse of the muscles responsible for making a fist.

The application of medicinal leeches* is effective in relieving epicondylitis, since when the leech bites, it injects microdoses of over 100 biological substances contained in its salivary glands into the wound. In this case, these include potent anti-inflammatories (hirustasin), anesthetics, analgesics, and anticoagulants (hirudin), which exert their effect directly on the affected area, improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and relieving pain.

To demonstrate the effectiveness of hirudotherapy in relieving epicondylitis, the Department of Internal and Integrative Medicine at the Essen Clinic in Germany conducted a study with 40 affected patients. Two to four medicinal leeches were applied per session over a period of 30 days. The results were compared with treatment using topical diclofenac, and it was shown that after 7 days, patients undergoing hirudotherapy experienced significantly greater pain relief than with conventional treatment. Forty-five days after application, the pain had not returned.

In conclusion, Hirudotherapy has proven to be effective in relieving epicondylitis symptoms , both in the short and long term.

The main advantages of this tool are that it has no side effects or negative consequences and few contraindications. It is a safe and painless procedure. Each Hirudo medicinalis specimen is bio-produced, for single use only, and cannot be reused.

Hirudotherapy is a complementary technique and is not an alternative or substitute for your doctor’s instructions. Always follow your doctor’s instructions.