Golfer’s Elbow Treatment
What is Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow or medial epicondylitis is characterized by pain at the inner portion of the elbow. It is considered a repetitive strain injury and develops when load exceeds the current resiliency of the muscles and tendon. The flexor muscles (the muscles that help you make a fist), as well as the pronator teres muscle (helps us turn a doorknob) all share the common flexor tendon. The common flexor tendon attaches to the upper arm bone at the medial epicondyle. Conversely, tennis elbow is characterized by pain on the outer portion of the elbow.
With repetitive stress to the forearm muscles, the tendon bone attachment initially becomes inflamed resulting in pain. If left undiagnosed, the tendon no longer is inflamed and actually starts degenerating and is termed tendinopathy. Most cases of Golfer’s elbow affect patients for a long time so the more appropriate term is medial epicondylopathy. Check out our video below for a demonstration on the exam and treatment for Golfer’s elbow.
Who is Susceptible to Golfer’s Elbow?
As the name suggests, golfer’s commonly are affected by this condition due to the nature/impact of the golf swing. Any profession or activity that uses the hands at a high level are also very susceptible. Mechanics, software engineers, office employees, body builders, powerlifters, rock climbers, swimmers etc. all place a high amounts of load into the forearm muscles and can lead to medial epicondylopathy. Again, development of Golfer’s elbow is usually due to prolonged low grade strain tasks like using a screwdriver. But can also be from a shorter but more forceful strain such as golf swings/weight lifting etc.
Treatment for Medial Epicondylitis
Treatment is multifactorial to help get rid of nagging Golfer’s elbow and conservative management offers lasting results. Graston technique and Active Release Technique are therapies that help ease the pain and loosen up tight restricted muscles that cause Golfer’s elbow. While these offer relief from pain, strengthening area will allow for further resiliency of those tissues. Check out our video, Flexbar Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow, to find a demonstration of a flexbar for Golfer’s Elbow. With ongoing loading of the the tendon, permanent results will occur and patients will be pain free.
If you are dealing with elbow pain, please schedule with one of our sports chiropractors today. Click the “schedule now” tab above or call our office at 619-818-4306. We are conveniently located in Mission Valley, San Diego. We will evaluate, diagnose your elbow pain and get you on a proper treatment plan to help you get rid of Golfer’s elbow.
