Planning to hit the links this summer? If so, it’s important to be aware of Golfer’s Elbow and how it can affect your game. Medically known as medial epicondylitis, Golfer’s Elbow is a condition characterised by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. It is a common overuse injury that affects golfers and individuals involved in activities that involve repetitive wrist and forearm movements.
While it is commonly associated with golf, it can also affect people who engage in other sports or occupations that require repetitive gripping or wrist flexion.
Read on to learn more about Golfer’s Elbow and how shockwave therapy in Twickenham can help keep symptoms under control.
Understanding the Elbow
The anatomy of Golfer’s Elbow involves the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, a bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. The tendons involved include the flexor-pronator tendon group, which is responsible for flexing the wrist and fingers and stabilising the forearm. These tendons can become irritated and inflamed and eventually degenerate (tendinopathy) due to repetitive stress, resulting in Golfer’s Elbow.
Common causes of Golfer’s Elbow
The causes of Golfer’s Elbow can vary, but they often involve repetitive or forceful activities that strain the tendons and muscles of the forearm.
For example, suddenly increasing the amount of work that the muscles and their tendon have to carry out can lead to Golfer’s Elbow. Other common causes include:
Golf swing:
The repetitive motion of the golf swing, especially when using poor technique or excessive force, can lead to Golfer’s Elbow.
Other sports and activities:
Tennis, weightlifting, throwing sports, carpentry, and other activities that involve repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or forceful forearm movements can contribute to Golfer’s Elbow.
Weak forearm muscles:
Insufficient strength or endurance in the muscles of the forearm can lead to increased stress on the tendons, making them more susceptible to injury.
How can Shockwave therapy help?
Shockwave therapy, also known as extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), is a non-invasive treatment option that has shown promise in bringing relief to individuals with Golfer’s Elbow. It involves the delivery of high-energy sound waves to the affected area, promoting healing and reducing pain. Here’s how shockwave therapy can help:
Pain reduction:
Shockwave therapy can help alleviate pain associated with Golfer’s Elbow by targeting the injured tendons and stimulating the release of natural pain-relieving substances in the body.
Enhanced healing:
The mechanical energy delivered through shockwave therapy promotes increased blood flow and metabolic activity in the affected area, which can accelerate the healing process and stimulate tissue regeneration.
Tendon remodelling:
Shockwave therapy can induce controlled microtrauma to the affected tendons, triggering a healing response that promotes remodelling of the damaged tissue and improves its overall strength and resilience.
Your healing journey
It’s important to note that shockwave therapy is typically used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for Golfer’s Elbow. Other conservative treatment methods may also be recommended, such as:
Rest and activity modification:
Avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms and allowing the affected tendons time to heal.
Physical therapy exercises:
Specific stretching and strengthening exercises can help improve flexibility and strengthen the forearm muscles, reducing stress on the affected tendons.
Orthotic devices:
Wearing a brace or forearm strap can help alleviate symptoms by providing support and reducing strain on the injured tendons.
Medications:
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or pain-relieving medications may be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
Corticosteroid injections:
In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be recommended to reduce inflammation and provide short-term pain relief.
Get in Touch
It’s important to consult with an experienced physiotherapist, to accurately diagnose Golfer’s Elbow and determine the most appropriate treatment approach for your individual condition. They can assess your symptoms, provide guidance on self-care measures, and determine if shockwave therapy is a suitable option for you. Please give us a call on 020 8898 1231 to learn more about our expert treatments.