Golfers Elbow (or to use its medical term, ‘Medial Epicondylitis’) is very similar to Tennis Elbow. A result of overuse, Tennis Elbow causes pain to the outside of the arm. Golfers Elbow, meanwhile, causes pain to the inside of the elbow.
At Anderson Peak Performance, we explain the symptoms, causes and treatment that our practice can provide, allowing you to return to your full fitness in the shortest possible time.
SYMPTONS OF GOLFERS ELBOW
The main symptom of Golfers Elbow is pain and tenderness to the joint on the inside of the elbow. This is a bony part called the ‘Medial Epicondyle’. Generally, you will experience a general weakness in the wrist. Such pain will be continuously reproduced when you bend your wrist downwards against resistance.
‘Medial Epicondylitis’ is a gradual process. It often starts with an uncomfortable niggle with recurrent stiffness. Left untreated, this niggle will develop into a very painful injury, resulting in a loss of function.
THE CAUSES OF GOLFER’S ELBOW
Golfers Elbow is caused by repeated bending of the wrist or wrist flexion against resistance. This is often more pronounced when playing golf and holding a golf club, hence the name Golfers Elbow. However, it isn’t specific to golf. Golfers Elbow can also occur in athletes who participate a lot in throwing actions, as well as occupations that require repetitive computer work. Medial Epicondylitis usually tends to occur after a sustained period of repeated overuse.
Pain occurs from the tendon of the wrist flexor muscles. This is a result of their attachment point becoming inflamed and painful on the inside of the elbow.
TREATMENT OF GOLFERS ELBOW
As with all painful and inflamed injuries, these simple and effective treatments are always recommended:
► Rest ► Ice ► Compression ► Elevation
Apply a cold compress (e.g. ice wrapped in a towel) and apply to the injured area for 10 – 15 minutes every hour. Following the first few hours of compress, this can be reduced to 3 to 4 times a day or as the pain requires. When visiting the Anderson Peak Performance rehabilitation program, depending on the chronic pain of the injury, applying heat to the area may be more beneficial.
With most muscle injuries, Golfers Elbow can only heal if it is allowed to rest. Repeated usage will only inflame the joint more. Continued usage of the wrist can result in the injury becoming a chronic pain, which is far more difficult to treat.
After 3 days of the cold compress treatment, apply some heat to the joint and invest in using an elbow support. If the pain becomes chronic then look to invest in an actual elbow brace. This helps by taking the strain off the tendon by applying pressure across the muscles, changing the angle of pull on the tendon and relieving tension around the painful part of the tendon.
ANDERSON PEAK PERFORMANCE TREATMENT
When you come and see us for treatment at Anderson Peak Performance, we apply Sports Massage treatment techniques to both the tendon and the connecting muscles. If you are suffering from chronic pain in both the wrist and elbow, we apply what is called a cross friction massage. We apply this technique if the injury has not responded to initial rest and the cold compress treatment. When applying the sports massage, we work on the forearm helping to reduce the tension in the muscles. In turn, this will improve their function and ultimately help reduce the strain on the elbow tendon. Cross friction massage helps to increase the blood flow to the areas of injury, so will assist in healing the joint faster.
If you are experiencing chronic pain in your wrist and elbow, please call us on 212-581-5776. Alternatively, you can book your initial consultation online via our booking form.
