Golfer's Elbow

GOLFER’S ELBOW: TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

The athletes on the green have probably had their fair share of visits to the Physio and Chiro and my bet would be that at the top of their injury list is the good ol’ golfer’s elbow. We treat a number of golfers here at Peak Health Centre and its not only golfers who get Golfers elbow!.

“What is it?” you ask? Well in short, it’s inflammation or irritation of the tendon in your elbow. When it’s overused (like constantly swinging a golf club) or gets injured, small tears appear in the tendon, and can cause swelling and pain.

It isn’t just golfers that get golfer’s elbow though – tennis players, weight lifters, baseballers, rowers, butchers, plumbers, construction workers, regular computer users, cooks and painters are also at risk (just to name a few).

And as you can imagine, when you have one injury, your body starts to compensate, so we need to look further to understand whether you have weakness elsewhere. Whether it’s cause or affect, you might have an injury or imbalance in your shoulders, back, or maybe it’s your swing? That’s why it’s important not to leave your injury – see a physio or chiro the earliest you can!

Symptoms

·         Pain when flexing the wrist toward the elbow

·         Pain or tingling running from the inside of the elbow to the little or ring finger

·         Weakness in your grip or a weak wrist

·         Pain when shaking hands

·         Stiffness of, or difficulty moving, the elbow

Treatment

Firstly, see your physio or chiro to get a diagnosis and treatment plan, but common treatment might include:

·         Rest

·         Ice

·         Soft-tissue massage

·         Strengthening exercises

·         Stretching the forearm

·         Anti-inflammatory and/or pain medication

·         A brace or taping if appropriate

·         Gradual return to activity

These are examples of treatment, and not every case will require all types. Make sure you talk to a professional to understand your injury and the best treatment plan for it.

Prevention

The best thing you can do to prevent golfer’s elbow is have proper form and posture. If you’re not sure what that is, ask an expert. Also make sure you stretch before and after activity, or at regular times throughout the day if you’re at work. If you start to get pain, stop, and see your physio/chiro/osteo.

Golfer’s elbow is common across many types of sports and jobs. If you ever have any questions or want an assessment, please come and see us – see you on the Fairway (err… I mean in the clinic)!

References:

1. Mayo clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/golfers-elbow/symptoms-causes/syc-20372868

2. Medical News today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320949.php