07 Jul What is Golfer’s Elbow? We Explain What It Is & How We Can Help
By: Todd Rech, PT, MPT
Golfer’s elbow, or medically known as Medial Epicondylitis, is a condition that results in pain on the inside of the elbow. Typically you’ll feel it where the forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the elbow, and sometimes the pain can progress into the forearm.
The cause is typically due to overuse of the forearm flexor muscles. Since a golf swing is a repeated movement that stresses this area, it ends up being a common overuse injury for golfers. Unfortunately, other sports can also get in on the “fun”: this injury can also be seen in racket sports, throwing sports, weight lifting, or professions requiring frequent gripping.
Symptoms can include:
- Pain and tenderness
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Tingling or numbness
The good news is that Physical Therapists are well equipped to treat these symptoms and get you back in the game!
Treatment includes reducing pain and inflammation by:
- Activity modification
- Icing
- Rest
- Bracing when indicated to reduce stress on the tendons
- Other available treatment as recommended by your PT
Once your pain improves, it is important to restore your flexibility and strength to help reduce the likelihood of recurrence. Physical therapy is the ideal resource for ensuring both proper healing as well as preventing another round of golfer’s elbow – this is one round you’d like to skip!
If you are experiencing elbow pain that is affecting your daily life, consider an evaluation at Body One Physical Therapy, and get back in the game! We’re locally-owned and operated, with three locations serving Central Indianapolis: North Indianapolis/Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville. Don’t put up with golfer’s elbow or other pain that’s limiting your life, call Body One today!
