Golfer’s Elbow Pain?

Even more painful than watching Bubba Watson miss his putt at the recent world golf championships, is watching your nagging golfer’s elbow keep you away from the game you love.  Golfer’s elbow is a common elbow problem and plagues both golfers and non-golfers alike. 

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is actually a condition called medial epicondylitis.  The pain is caused by the inflammation of the gristle-like tissue (common flexor origin) from your forearm that attaches onto the bony bump on the inside of the elbow near the funny bone.  Repetitive stresses or strains can cause micro-tears in the elbow common flexors.  These tears become much larger with continual aggravation.

Due to the location of the tears, repetitive swings with a golf club, mishitting the ground and chunking out a divot, twisting a wrench or pliers, or gripping a soft-ball, can re-aggravate the problem.  And even everyday household chores and activities may also interfere with the rest needed for normal healing.

How Do I Know I have Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow may appear suddenly or gradually.  Some common signs of Golfer’s Elbow are:

• Pain and tenderness over the inside of your elbow.
• Elbow stiffness or weakness.  Your elbow can also feel stiff and your grip could feel weak.
• Worsened by making a fist or picking up something with your palm down
• Worsened by swinging a golf club or turning a door knob

When to see my Physio?

With the appropriate intervention, you can get back into the swing of things. If ice, rest and over-the-counter anti-inflammatories don’t ease your elbow pain and tenderness, it’s time to visit Capilano at your earliest convenience.

What are some Capilano Treatment Approaches?

Acute Phase.  Capilano physiotherapists will use a combination of ice, ultrasound, and other state of the art physical modalities.  Also, flexibility and strengthening exercises are typically incorporated and a forearm strap may be recommended.

Sub-Acute Phase.  Graston Technique™ is often incorporated if the problem has been around for more than a few weeks.  This technique is able to address any adhesions that may have developed.

Chronic Phase.  Capilano offers Shockwave Treatments for chronic golfer’s elbow.  If you have had chronic pain for over 3 months, and other interventions have failed, Shockwave may be your best option.

Remember, the pain of golfer’s elbow doesn’t have to keep you off the golf course or away from your favorite activities!  Call Capilano now at (780)-466-1104 to schedule your exam as soon as possible. Let Capilano help you wake up and swing to pain free living!

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