09 Apr Physical Therapy for Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is an injury to the muscles that allow you to flex your wrist and fingers. It causes pain on the inside bump of the elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles are attached. In some cases, the pain may even spread into your forearm and wrist. Golfer’s elbow does not only affect golfers. Because it affects the outside of the elbow, many people who continuously use their wrists or clench their fingers, like painters, plumbers, and tennis players, may develop golfer’s elbow as well. If you’re looking for sports injury rehab in Canandaigua, visit Lake Country Physical Therapy and Sportscare today!
Causes of golfer’s elbow:
Golfer’s elbow is caused by overuse of both the muscles and tendons of the elbow and forearm. Over time, the injury progresses from inflammation to partial thickness tears, and finally, full thickness tears.
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow
- Stiffness in your elbow
- Weakness in your hands and wrists
- Numbness or tingling usually the ring and little fingers
The pain might worsen when you:
- Swing a golf club or racket
- Squeeze or pitch a ball
- Shake hands
- Turn a doorknob
- Lift weights
- Pick up something with your palm down
- Flex your wrist
Treatment
Our staff at Lake Country Physical Therapy are dedicated to getting you recovered right away, which is why it is important to:
- Rest
- If you return to activity too soon, you may make it worse
- Ice the affected area
- Apply ice to your elbow for 15- 20 minutes, three to four times a day for several days. Massaging the inner elbow with ice may also help relieve pain
- Reduce the load on your elbow tendons
- Wrap your elbow with an elastic bandage or use a splint
It is important to wait until you go to your first physical therapy session until you begin stretching the area that’s in the most pain. It is vital to learn the proper technique in order to properly lengthen the tendon of the wrist extensor.
The pain of golfer’s elbow doesn’t have to keep you off the course or away from your favorite activities. Sports injury rehab in Canandaigua can create specialized physical therapy treatments to strengthen and relieve the pain in your elbow.