Golfer’s Elbow – also known as medial epicondyle tendinopathy or epicondylalgia – is an overload to the tendons connecting the elbow and forearm, causing pain.
At Vitalis Physiotherapy, our treatment of Golfer’s Elbow aims to:
Golfer’s Elbow Treatment
What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow is a form of tendinopathy, where micro-tears form on the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. Tendinopathy refers to a failed healing process within the tendon, leading to a haphazard proliferation of cells within the tendon, weakening it.
Specifically, pain is usually felt near the bony bump on the inside of the elbow joint – this is where the medical name, medial epicondyle tendinopathy is derived (‘medial’ meaning towards the inside). The pain is then usually felt along the forearm to the wrist, limiting movement. Despite the term ‘Golfer’s’ in the name, any form of elbow overuse or injury can trigger pain and cause tiny tears in the tendon, worsening the condition. If left untreated, Golfer’s Elbow can lead to permanent damage which restricts full movement, weakens grip and causes chronic pain.
What are the causes?
Golfer’s elbow is triggered and worsened by movements which strain or overload the tendons, causing damage and pain. Some common factors which influence diagnosis include:
- Repetitive or strenuous movement
- Forceful wrist or finger motions
- Heavy lifting
- Poor muscle warmup/conditioning before activity
- Sports – golf, as well as:
- Racquet & throwing sports
- Weight lifting/training
- Overuse of elbow/arm/tendons – e.g. typing for extended periods
It typically affects men and women between the ages of 45-64, and up to 90% of cases develop the condition due to something else other than golf.
What are the symptoms?
- Pain – mild to severe/aching; inner elbow, forearm, wrist
- Pain with resisted wrist flexion
- Discomfort when forming a fist
- Decreased arm and grip strength
- Stiffness/inability to move the elbow joint
- Reduced range of movement
- Muscle weakness/tension/tenderness
- Tingling/numbness in the fingers
- Feeling feverish – elbow also feels hot/inflamed
Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
If you suspect you have Golfer’s Elbow and/or related symptoms, it is important to see a physiotherapist or medical professional. You may also be referred for imaging tests to determine the location and extent of the condition, or to rule out a differential diagnosis.
While often rest is the first bit of advice that you will be given, underloading a tendon can be just as damaging as overloading a tendon. Thus, physical therapy is highly beneficial in improving strength and reducing pain. At Vitalis Physiotherapy, we tailor a unique treatment plan to aid in your recovery through:
- Stretching, strengthening and/or conditioning exercises
- Restoring range of movement
- Postural improvement
- Soft tissue mobilisations (massage)
- Shockwave Therapy
- Dry needling
- Taping
- Education in load management
- A unique home exercise program
- Graded Exposure to load program
If the pain and reduced movement is severe, strenuous activity should be avoided. Your physiotherapist may also advise heat or ice application, rest and if necessary, pain medication. Additionally, they might recommend for you to use supportive braces or straps.
How to book an appointment?
If you have Golfer’s Elbow, or you’re looking for a ‘physiotherapist near me’, our physios at Vitalis Physiotherapy can assess your condition to tailor a unique rehabilitation plan to aid in your pain relief and recovery.
All you need to do is just give us a call on 0410 559 856 and request an initial appointment. Please let our friendly reception staff know the background and severity of your condition.
You can visit our FAQs for more information about appointments at Vitalis Physiotherapy.
Need Help?
Are you in pain caused by Golfer’s Elbow? Contact Vitalis Physiotherapy now to book in your treatment.
Call our friendly team on 0410 559 856. We’d love to help.
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