Do you feel pain on the inner side of your elbow and weakness in your hands and wrists? Perhaps making a fist hurts, or you experience numbness or tingling in one or more fingers. These symptoms could be signs of a golfer’s elbow. But don’t worry yet; there’s a way to get back in the game!
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of physical therapy as a treatment for golfer’s elbow.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is one of many sports injuries. It occurs when there is damage in the muscles and tendons controlling the fingers and wrist. It is a form of tendinitis, a condition characterized by inflammation of the tendons.
Excessive and repetitive stress — especially forceful motions to the wrist and fingers — can cause damage to the elbow. Other causes include improper lifting, throwing, or hitting techniques.
Any sport where this stress occurs can cause a golfer’s elbow. As such, a golfer’s elbow is not exclusive to golf players. Sports that put you at risk include:
- Throwing sports like baseball and javelin throwing
- Archery
- Weightlifting
- Racket sports
Reviewing your medical history and physical exam can help your doctor diagnose if you have a golfer’s elbow. An X-ray and other imaging tests can also rule out other causes of pain.
Physical Therapy Near You
Golfer’s elbow typically responds well to non-surgical treatments. However, recovery could take several months. At present, physical therapy is the primary method for addressing a golfer’s elbow. It’s the best treatment to help you return to an active lifestyle.
Your physical therapist will assess your condition and tailor your therapy program to your needs. The program will aim to reduce or eliminate pain and restore your original range of motion.
Physical therapy typically involves strengthening and flexibility exercises, stretches, and massages. In addition to improving your strength and flexibility, your physical therapist will also educate you on proper biomechanics and suggest changes in how you move while playing your preferred sport. You may need to use braces or other assistive devices to ensure your safety.
Golf Performance Program
Are you a golfer seeking treatment from a golfer’s elbow? As you’re recovering, you may want to know how to perform better on the golf course. If this is the case, you could try the Golf Performance Program.
Developed by Dr. Jeff Carroll alongside the physical therapy department of Movement Orthopedics, this program is designed to diagnose and treat physical conditions that may be keeping you from performing at peak levels.
With the Golf Performance program, you can benefit from advanced screening that helps identify and address your injuries. It also provides rehabilitation for both amateur and professional golfers.
The Golf Performance program is a product of 12 years of research on the world’s greatest golfers and how their bodies affect their swing. Therefore, we’ll be looking at the following factors that can influence your body’s mechanics:
- strength
- flexibility
- balance
- endurance
- nutrition
- stability
- power
- vision
- posture
The program allows you to work with a golf instructor to learn a more systemic and stable golf swing. It also helps you conduct a complete evaluation of your body. Try this program out, and you’ll see how you can make permanent and remarkable improvements to your golf game.
Reliable Physical Therapy in Clinton Township, MI
If untreated, a golfer’s elbow could permanently damage your elbow, causing pain, weakened grip, and decreased range of motion. If you have a golfer’s elbow, physical therapy is your best option for treatment.
Visit Movement Orthopedics if you’ve been searching for physical therapy near you Our doctors can help patients of all ages with musculoskeletal injuries and joint dysfunction. Our licensed physical therapists will ensure that your treatment is up to date and tailor-made to your needs.
Want to improve your swing? Our Golf Performance Program has one of Michigan’s most technologically advanced golf evaluation facilities. These facilities focus on pinpointing issues and physical limitations and promoting proper practice.
Let us provide the expert care you deserve. We also offer orthopedic urgent care, joint reconstruction, and robotic knee surgery in Clinton Township, MI.
To know more about our services, you can reach us at (586) 436-3785. We accept walk-ins, but you can request an appointment online. We look forward to serving you!
