Golfers Elbow (medial epicondylitis)

What is a Golfers Elbow?

Golfers elbow is normally identified with pain on the inside of the elbow whereas tennis elbow is often pain on the outside of the elbow.

This condition happens when the muscles are overused and is usually caused by repeated stress on the elbow joint.

Although the common name is golfers elbow and it could be caused by golf, it is more often associated with other activities that places stress on the arm and specifically the elbow joint. Activities might include, sports that involve the hands gripping things such as a weights or clubs/rackets and also manual handling perhaps plumbers, builders or construction workers.

How does a Golfers Elbow feel and who may be affected?

• Initially you might feel pain on the inside of your elbow
• You may also feel pain that extends from the elbow down the inside of the forearm
• Your elbow could become stiff
• You may feel pain when you are gripping things such as a golf club
• It could be that you have weakness in your wrist and hands
• You may also have ‘pins & needles’ or numbness in your fingers

It is most commonly seen, equally in men and women, who are over 40 years old. Individuals who are putting a strain on their elbows for 2 plus hours per day. Smoking and obesity can also cause a higher risk of developing this condition

What treatments are available for golfers elbow?

There are a number of treatment options from manipulation and or exercises to injections and even surgery. One of the newest treatments available is shockwave therapy.

It is clinically proven that pressure waves, when applied to injured tissues, stimulate metabolic reactions, in less technical terms it encourages the body to heal itself. These reactions include: –

• Reduction of pain felt by nerve fibers
• Increased blood circulation in surrounding soft tissues
• Beginning of healing process triggered by stem cells activation

Who can help me?

If you are having elbow/arm pain – call us – we offer a free 15-minute consultation in person or via phone – our receptionists can make you an appointment to talk to one of our senior therapists. More information is available via this link https://www.thealewellbeingcentre.co.uk/our-therapies/ems-shockwave-therapy/