How Physiotherapy Treats Your Golfer's Elbow

If you are experiencing pain and stiffness in your elbow, you may have the Golfer’s Elbow, a condition caused by inflammation of the muscles and tendons that attach your forearm muscles to your elbow. Physiotherapy is an excellent way to treat Golfer’s elbow. By addressing the underlying causes of the condition, physiotherapy can help to improve flexibility and strength in the muscles and tendons around the elbow, reducing the risk of recurrence. Some common physiotherapy treatments for Golfer’s elbow include:

1. Flexibility exercises – stretching the muscles and tendons around the elbow can help to improve flexibility and reduce the risk of further injury.
2. Strengthening exercises – strengthening the muscles around the elbow can help to protect them from further damage.
3. Shockwave therapy – shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-frequency sound waves to help reduce inflammation and pain.
4. Ice therapy – applying ice to the elbow can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
5. Massage therapy – massage therapy can help to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension and pain.

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is a condition that results from overuse of the muscles and tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow. These muscles and tendons are responsible for bending the wrist and hand forward. Golfer’s elbow is a common condition that affects people who participate in activities that require repetitive use of the forearm muscles, such as golfers, tennis players, painters, and climbers.

If you are suffering from Golfer’s elbow, physiotherapy can help. Your physiotherapist will perform a thorough assessment and ask about your symptoms and activities. He or she will develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. The treatment may include: stretching and strengthening exercises, shockwave therapy, ice and heat therapy, ultrasound, or manual therapy.

Your physiotherapist may also recommend changes to your activity level or equipment to help reduce your risk of developing Golfer’s elbow again.

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow? 

Golfer’s elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow. This condition is most commonly seen in people who participate in activities that require repetitive use of the forearm muscles, such as tennis, golf, and carpentry. The condition can also be seen in people who perform heavy manual labour tasks.

The muscles and tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow are responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers. When these muscles and tendons are overused, they can become inflamed and irritated. This can lead to pain and stiffness around the elbow.

The main symptom of the Golfer’s elbow is pain on the inside of the elbow. This pain may be worse when you:

• Lift or straighten your arm
• Grip something tightly
• Turn your hand palm up or down
• Twist your arm

Other symptoms may include:

• Swelling
• Stiffness
• Weakness
• Burning
• Cramping and spasm

What is Shockwave Therapy? 

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses sound waves to help heal injured tissue. It is also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). Shockwaves are created outside of the body and then delivered to the injured area.

Shockwave therapy works by creating tiny micro-explosions that help to break up scar tissue and stimulate the healing process. This can help to reduce inflammation and pain and can also help to improve mobility and function. This therapy is used to treat a variety of conditions, including:

• Tennis elbow
• Golfer’s elbow
• Muscle pain/Trigger points/Muscle knots
• Tendonitis
• Calcific tendonitis
• Plantar fasciitis
• Achilles tendonitis
• Shin splints

Shockwave Therapy for Golfer’s Elbow

Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment option for Golfer’s elbow. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to help reduce inflammation and pain. It is most commonly used for chronic conditions, such as those that have not responded to other treatments.

Shockwave therapy is usually performed in a physiotherapist’s office. The patient is placed on a treatment table or sitting position, and the affected arm is warmed up with a heating pad and soft tissue manipulation. The physiotherapist uses a hand-held device to deliver the shockwaves to the affected area.

The number of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Most people require 3-5 treatments.
The benefits of shockwave therapy include:

• Reduced inflammation
• Reduced pain
• Improved range of motion
• Quicker return to activity

What Does a Shockwave Treatment Session Involve?

Shockwave therapy is usually a relatively short treatment, lasting between 5 and 10 minutes. The therapist will place the shockwave applicator against the skin and activate it. You will feel a series of short, intense pulses. It is usually painless, but some people may experience a slight tingling or heat sensation. You may be asked to move your arm or leg during the treatment. This helps the therapist target the affected area. After the treatment, you can resume your normal activities. There is no recovery time needed.

Book a Free Consultation at Kefi Wellness Centre to learn more about how physiotherapists in Oakville can help with Golfer’s elbow.