You’ve been hitting the local golf courses for weeks–but the game isn’t what it used to be. Every time you swing your club, pain sparks on the inside of the elbow. You’ve likely developed medial epicondylitis, although it’s more commonly known by another name: golfer’s elbow. Fortunately, physiotherapy for golfer’s elbow can help you find relief!
Golfer’s elbow is a common condition. It’s typically caused by repetitive motions that strain the tendons, such as swinging your golf club, but golfers aren’t the only ones who can develop it. Racquet sports (like tennis), throwing sports (like baseball), and manual labor (like construction or plumbing) all involve movements that can lead to golfer’s elbow.
At South Sherbrook Therapy, we can help assess and manage golfer’s elbow–from determining why you developed in the first place to creating a customized treatment plan focused on addressing those underlying causes.
Do you think you’ll benefit from physiotherapy for golfer’s elbow? Keep reading to learn more, or contact our Winnipeg, MB clinic with any questions!
What is Golfer’s Elbow? Signs and Symptoms
Golfer’s elbow develops due to repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, a bony bump on the inside of the elbow. This repetitive stress causes tiny tears in the tendon’s tissue, leading to symptoms.
Here’s how you can tell if you have it:
Pain and Tenderness
- The primary symptom is pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. This pain may extend along the inner side of the forearm.
Stiffness
- Your elbow may feel stiff, and making a fist can be painful.
Weakness
- You may experience weakness in the hands and wrists, making it difficult to grip objects.
Numbness or Tingling
- These sensations can radiate into one or more fingers, usually the ring and little fingers.
Without proper rehabilitation, golfer’s elbow can progress, leading to chronic pain, reduced functionality, and possibly more severe tendon damage. Additionally, compensating for the pain can lead to new injuries in other parts of the arm or shoulder as the body tries to avoid using the affected elbow.
Who Does Physiotherapy Help Address Golfer’s Elbow?
Tailored physiotherapy programs, like what we offer at South Sherbrook Therapy, can effectively treat golfer’s elbow by reducing pain, enhancing mobility, and preventing recurrence. Your program might include the following:
Manual Therapy
- Techniques such as soft tissue manipulation and elbow mobilization can help alleviate pain and improve blood circulation to the affected area. These hands-on treatments reduce muscle tension and enhance the elbow’s flexibility and range of motion.
Modalities
- Modalities such as ultrasound, cold laser, and ice or heat therapy help manage pain and inflammation, facilitating a quicker and more comfortable recovery.
Targeted Exercises
- We’ll show you exercises that help strengthen the forearm muscles and tendons, reducing strain on the elbow. This soothes pain while enhancing the elbow joint’s overall stability and function.
Injury Prevention
- We don’t just want to help you rehabilitate from golfer’s elbow–we want to help you avoid it in the future! We’ll educate you on proper techniques to avoid re-injury, including ergonomic adjustments, proper body mechanics, and activity modifications.
Say Goodbye to Golfer’s Elbow Today!
Physiotherapy for golfer’s elbow is recommended for managing this common condition. If you’re struggling with pain on the inside of your elbow, schedule an appointment with South Sherbrook Therapy. We’ll get you started on the path to recovery.
