Golfer’s Elbow
Are you experiencing elbow pain or forearm pain?
Individuals with Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylalgia, experience pain throughout the front of the forearm on the inside of the elbow. The pain associated with Golfer’s Elbow increases when the wrist is pulled forcefully down into flexion.
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
The term “Golfer’s Elbow” is slightly misleading, as you do not need to be an athlete (or play golf) to develop this condition. Golfer’s Elbow may occur or develop as a result of overuse or overloading of the wrist flexors. While pain primarily presents in the elbow, it is actually associated with repetitive wrist flexion or wrist flexion against a resistive load. The tendons that pull the wrist down into flexion, insert on the medial elbow – where the pain is most prevalent.
How can I manage my Golfer’s Elbow?
The pain associated with this common diagnosis can greatly impede your ability to not only complete your work-related tasks but also prevent you from partaking in activities that bring you joy – such as playing with the kiddos, working out, cooking, etc.
Don’t lose hope – hand therapy can help!
Our hand therapist has the tools and skillset to get you back to enjoying the activities of your everyday life without pain! Our therapists have been specially trained to perform various hands-on manual techniques to address your musculoskeletal aches and pains. Some of the manual techniques you may experience at ProTailored Physical Therapy include:
- Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization | Known by most as “scraping”
- Dry Needling | Over scar tissue to release tension and decrease hypersensitivity
- Joint Mobilizations and/or Manipulations
- Muscle Energy Techniques
- Active Releases of Musculature
Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow:
Below are a few exercises you can start doing NOW, as you schedule an appointment with our skilled hand therapist:
Wrist Stretch:
Because the wrist flexors can be very inflamed – you will want to progress these stretches as you can tolerate them. Begin with your arm down to your side and your elbow bent at 90 degrees – pull the wrist back GENTLY into extension. When this stretch does not increase pain anymore – progress the stretch by extending the arm out in front of you.
Cross Friction Massage for Golfer’s Elbow:
Push into the tissues about 2 inches below the medial elbow. Move your fingers around until you find the area that is most tender. Begin with applying a gentle force into the tissues and rubbing back and forth (not up and down the arm).
Pro Tip: If you’re not sure if you are in the correct area – flex your fingers into a fist and the muscles under your fingers will contract. If you feel this, you are in the right spot!
Ice massage:
Freeze water in a plastic/dixie cup. Rub the ice over the same area referred to above for 5-10 minutes.
Immobilization:
Utilize a resting hand orthotic throughout the day to decrease the amount of resisted wrist flexion you are unconsciously doing and allow the muscles/tendons to heal.
*If you believe you have Golfer’s Elbow and would benefit from conservative treatments – please give us a call today!