mPNS (Magnetic Nerve Stimulation) for Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow — medically called lateral epicondylitis — causes pain and weakness at the outside of the elbow. mPNS (magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation) is a non-invasive treatment option that targets nerve pathways to reduce pain and improve function.
What is tennis elbow?
Tennis elbow is an overuse injury of the tendons and surrounding tissue that attach to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow. It’s common in people who repeatedly use wrist extension and gripping motions.
Alternate name: lateral epicondylitis.
Common symptoms
Sharp or burning pain at the outside of the elbow
Pain radiating down the forearm toward the wrist
Weak or painful grip (difficulty holding objects)
Pain when lifting, shaking hands, turning a doorknob, or twisting the wrist
Symptoms often worse with repetitive or forceful activities
Statistics and scope
Prevalence estimates vary by setting and diagnostic criteria; myofascial pain features are common in primary care, pain clinics, and among people with chronic neck/back pain. MPS is a frequent contributor to chronic regional pain complaints and disability worldwide.
How tennis elbow affects daily life
Reduced ability to perform work tasks that require gripping, lifting, or repetitive arm motion (e.g., manual labor, typing, cooking)
Difficulty with sports, hobbies, and household chores
Sleep disruption from persistent pain. Potential time off work or reduced productivity
Emotional impact from chronic pain and activity limitations
Common treatment options
Self-care and conservative measures
Rest and activity modification to reduce tendon strain
Ice, heat, and short-term anti-inflammatory medication for symptom relief
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other injection therapies (variable evidence)
Surgery
Surgery (reserved for persistent, severe cases after conservative care fails)
What is mPNS
mPNS delivers focused magnetic pulses over peripheral nerves or muscle motor points to modulate nerve and muscle excitability non-invasively. It is needle-free, outpatient, and typically delivered in a series of short sessions.
Benefits of mPNS for tennis elbow
Non-invasive and usually well tolerated
Targeted pain reduction by modulating peripheral nerve activity
Can improve grip strength and function when combined with rehab
Minimal systemic side effects compared with medications or injections
Potentially useful when conservative care alone is insufficient or injections are undesirable
Typical treatment course and what to expect
Assessment by a clinician to confirm diagnosis and rule out other causes
Series of short outpatient sessions (number and frequency depend on protocol)
Most patients notice gradual pain reduction and functional improvement over weeks
Best outcomes when combined with physical therapy, activity modification, and home exercises
Is mPNS right for you?
Good candidates: people with persistent lateral elbow pain despite conservative care, those seeking non-invasive alternatives to injections or surgery.
Not suitable: certain implanted metallic/electronic devices or specific medical conditions — consult your clinician for screening.
Schedule an evaluation
To learn if mPNS can help your tennis elbow, schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Vo