Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a common condition that affects many people, including golfers and athletes, who frequently use their arms and wrists. It causes pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow, which can radiate to the forearm and wrist. At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, we offer a range of effective physical therapy treatments to help patients recover from golfer’s elbow and improve their overall function.
Causes of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is caused by repetitive strain on the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of the elbow. This repetitive strain can cause micro-tears in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. While the condition is commonly associated with golfing, it can also be caused by a variety of other activities, including:
- Throwing a ball
- Pitching in baseball
- Tennis
- Racquetball
- Weightlifting
- Carrying heavy bags
- Repetitive computer use
- Using hand tools
Treatment Techniques for Golfer’s Elbow
- Manual Therapy – Involves hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching to help reduce pain, improve flexibility, and promote healing.
- Therapeutic Exercises – Help to strengthen the muscles and tendons around the elbow and improve flexibility and enhance function
- Ultrasound and Electrical Stimulation – Help to help reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing.
- Kinesiology Taping – Involves applying a special tape to the skin to support the elbow, reduce pain, and improve overall function.
- Activity Modification – Your physical therapist may recommend modifications to your daily activities to reduce the strain on the forearm muscles and tendons.
Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow Treatment
- Eccentric Exercises – Hold a weight with the affected hand and stand with your arm extended. Slowly lower the weight down to your side, keeping the wrist extended. Lift the weight back up using your other hand. Repeat for 3 sets of 10 daily.
- Wrist Flexor and Extensor Stretching – Extend your arm in front of you with the palm facing down. Use your other hand to gently pull your fingers down towards the floor until you feel a stretch in your wrist extensors. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then release. Next, turn your palm up and use your other hand to gently pull your fingers towards your wrist until you feel a stretch in your wrist flexors. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat each stretch 3-4 times daily.
- Grip Strengthening – Hold a lightweight dumbbell in your affected hand and sit with your forearm resting on a table. Slowly curl your wrist up towards your body, then lower it back down. Repeat for 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions daily. Next, flip your hand over so that the back of your hand is resting on the table. Slowly lift your wrist up towards the ceiling, then lower it back down.
- Range of Motion Exercises – Sit in a chair with your forearm resting on a table. Slowly bend your elbow and bring your hand towards your shoulder, then straighten your arm and lower your hand back down to the table. Repeat for 3 sets of 10 repetitions daily. Next, hold your arm out in front of you with your palm facing up. Slowly bend your wrist up towards your body, then straighten it back out. Repeat for 3 sets of 10 repetitions daily.
Start Your Recovery Today!
At Twin Boro Physical Therapy, our skilled therapists understand the difficulties and annoyances of dealing with golfer’s elbow and are dedicated to helping you attain long-lasting relief from the pain with a personalized physical therapy plan. Don’t hesitate to contact us at 732.554.0775 or online at https://twinboro.com/schedule-appointment.html.
