Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a type of repetitive strain injury that occurs when the tendons in the inner elbow become inflamed. The primary cause of Golfer’s Elbow is overuse or repetitive stress on these muscles. This injury is not exclusive to golfers and can occur in individuals who perform repetitive elbow and wrist movements including painting, gardening, and playing musical instruments. This condition causes pain, stiffness, and weakness in the affected arm, making simple tasks like lifting objects or shaking hands difficult.

typical causes:

The pain and discomfort experienced in the inner part of the elbow can significantly impact performance, making it important to understand the reasons behind its occurrence. Typically, Golfer’s Elbow is caused by an overuse of the forearm muscles, which can lead to tiny tears in the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the elbow. This overuse can result from a variety of activities, ranging from playing golf to excessive typing or lifting weights.

how physical therapy can help:

Fortunately, physical therapy can provide relief to those suffering from Golfer’s Elbow. A physical therapist will develop strategies to reduce symptoms and restore the integrity of the injured tissue. By using a combination of manual therapy techniques, strengthening exercises, and stretching, a physical therapist is able to help individuals reduce pain in the affected area. Physical therapy will also identify root causes that led to the onset of symptoms to reduce the likelihood of future injury. Whether you’re an avid golfer or just trying to get back to your daily routine, physical therapy can be a valuable tool in overcoming Golfer’s Elbow.

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatments

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exercises that may help reduce pain:

If you experience increased pain with these exercises, hold off from that particular movement.

Wrist Flexor Stretch – To perform this stretch, stand or sit with your arm extended straight in front of you with your palm facing the ceiling. Using your opposite hand, gently pull your hand and fingers down towards the floor until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold this stretch for 2 minutes and perform this exercise 2-3 times per day. This stretch can be performed before or after working out or during your workday.

Wrist Extension Stretch – Start with your arm straight in front of you with your palm facing the floor. Using your opposite hand, bend your hand towards the floor until you feel a gentle stretch in the forearm. Hold this stretch for 2 minutes and repeat 2-3 times a day.

Wrist Flexor Eccentric Loading –Start by resting your forearm on a table with your palm facing the ceiling and your hand off the edge. With a weight in your hand, move the wrist in an upward position. From here, slowly lower your wrist all the way down. This part of the exercise is key and should take 3-5 seconds to do. Start with 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions. Lower the weight if you experience pain greater than 4/10.

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