Golfer's elbow

Golfer's elbow refers to pain located on the inside of the elbow joint and is usually as a result of an overuse injury. Golfer's elbow can also known as thrower's elbow as many throwers suffer with pain in this area.

Golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the joint. In most cases the tendon dysfunction is classified as a "tendinopathy". Everyday our muscles, tendons and ligaments are constantly being stretched and eventually can become slightly damaged. As a result, this damaging stimulates the body's healing response and heals the damaged structure. This all happens without us realising because the pain suffered is so minimal. The term "tendinopathy" implies that the tendon has suffered many episodes of tiny trauma and the body's healing mechanism has failed to kick in. As a result pain occurs.

Symptoms of Golfer's elbow

- Tenderness on the bone on the inside of the elbow joint
- Weakness in the wrist
- Pain on the inside of the elbow when gripping
- Pain when wrist flexion (bending the wrist palm downwards)
- Pain on resisted wrist pronation - rotating inwards (thumb downwards).

Treatment

Treatment of any tendinopathy usually involves strengthening of the tendon, deep tissue massage, advanced mobilisation techniques and correction of any underlying factors that may have led to the condition. Many patients only seek advice when the pain becomes too much which means the rehabilitation will likely take longer as more damage will have been done. A tendinopathy is a classic example of the sooner it's treated the better. There is always a reason why tendinopathies occur and the key is finding out that reason. Treating just the symptoms or just resting from activity will most probably result in further episodes of pain.

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email