Posted July 3, 2024

Summer has arrived in Oregon, meaning more time outside doing the things you love. If golf is one of those things, having “golfer’s elbow” is not how you want to spend these precious days on the green. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid this painful condition or reduce the symptoms to stay in the swing of things.

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. The pain is caused by damage to the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle, a bony bump on the inside of the elbow.

You might not even be a golfer to experience these symptoms of a golfer’s elbow:

• Pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow.
• Stiffness in the elbow.
• Weakness in the hands and wrists.
• Numbness or tingling, often radiating to the ring and little fingers.

Golfer’s elbow pain can worsen with repetitive movement in sports like golf, tennis, or baseball. Even repetitive activities like lifting weights, typing, painting, or using hand tools can cause medial epicondylitis symptoms.

Some common-sense approaches to these activities can help to prevent golfer’s elbow. They include:

• Warm up and stretch before activities.
• Use proper technique and equipment for sports and occupational tasks.
• Strengthen the forearm muscles with targeted exercises.
• Take regular breaks to avoid repetitive stress on the elbow.

If you’re already experiencing the symptoms of golfer’s elbow, continue with the preventative recommendations, but also consider these options to reduce pain:

Home treatments:

• Rest: Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the affected area to reduce inflammation.
• Pain relievers: Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help manage pain but are not a long-term solution.
• Ergonomic adjustments: Adjust your workspace or sports technique to reduce strain on your elbow.
• Brace or splint: Wearing a counterforce brace on your forearm can help reduce strain on the tendons.

Physical therapy for golfers elbow
A trained physical therapist can recommend stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm muscles. They may include moves like forearm Pronation/Supination, Wrist Extensor Stretch, Wrist Flexor Stretch, and Wrist Flexor Strengthening.

Chiropractic care for golfer’s elbow

Chiropractic care can also offer a non-invasive, holistic approach to managing a golfer’s elbow. By addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, chiropractors can help relieve symptoms, promote healing, and prevent recurrence. If you are considering chiropractic care, consult a licensed chiropractor to develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs and condition.

Remember, if your symptoms persist or worsen despite these measures, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and personalized treatment plan.

Fore!