Thorough assessment of the cause of Golfer's Elbow is essential for developing a treatment plan to achieve optimal outcomes.
Golfer's elbowis the name given to injury of the muscles & tendons that bend the wrist & fingers. Soreness is typically felt on the inside of the elbow around a bony prominence called the medial epicondyle, hence the name Medial Epicondylitis.
Symptoms are usually felt on gripping tasks or where the wrist is required to bend against resistance, as found in golf, tennis and tasks which involves lots of gripping and forceful arm use. Or when the muscles around the inside of the elbow are stretched. Golfer's Elbow most commonly in people between 30-60 years of age and in their dominant hand.
Symptoms can be caused by gripping for long periods or time or repetitive bending and straightening of the wrist. Over loading of the muscles and tendons- where they attach to the bone (medial epicondyle), can cause small micro tears in the muscle and tendon. This area becomes sore and swollen.
We will assess not only the elbow but the shoulder and arm, and also have a good look at nerves which surround the area. In some cases diagnostic ultrasound is used to have a more detailed look inside.
To treat Golfer's elbow we help reduce elbow pain through hands on and self-management techniques. We help the injured tissues to repair, and restore normal movement and glide through surrounding joints and nerves, before rebuilding strength. Sometimes strapping can be useful to help manage symptoms and prevent recurrence. But as every case is individual we cater a program to suit your own needs.
