Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition characterized by pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow. Despite its name, this condition can affect not only golfers but also individuals who engage in repetitive gripping activities or sports involving repetitive wrist and forearm movements, such as tennis, baseball, and weightlifting.
The primary cause of golfer’s elbow is overuse or repetitive stress on the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle, a bony prominence on the inner side of the elbow. This repetitive strain can lead to microtears and degeneration of the tendons, resulting in pain, tenderness, and stiffness in the affected area. Symptoms may also include weakness in the wrist and hand, difficulty gripping objects, and pain that radiates down the forearm.
Pain Relief: Physical therapists employ various techniques to alleviate pain, such as manual therapy, soft tissue mobilization, and modalities like ultrasound or electrical stimulation. These interventions can help reduce pain and inflammation, allowing the individual to regain function and mobility.
Stretching and Strengthening: Physical therapy programs for golfer’s elbow often include stretching exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the muscles surrounding the elbow and forearm. Strengthening exercises help to restore muscle balance and stability, reducing strain on the affected tendons.
Technique Modification and Ergonomic Education: Physical therapists assess the individual’s movements and mechanics related to their sport or daily activities. They provide guidance on proper technique and ergonomics to minimize stress on the elbow joint and prevent further injury or recurrence of symptoms.
Functional Rehabilitation: Physical therapy aims to restore the individual’s ability to perform activities of daily living, work, or sports without pain or limitations. Therapists may incorporate functional exercises and activity-specific training to address the individual’s specific needs and goals.
Prevention of Recurrence: Physical therapists not only focus on treating the current symptoms but also work on preventing future occurrences. They educate individuals on proper warm-up exercises, stretching routines, and injury prevention strategies to minimize the risk of reinjury.
Length of Treatment: 60 minutes to 120 minutes
Cohen S, Bradley J. Elbow tendinopathies. In: DeLee J, Drez D Jr, Miller M, eds. DeLee and Drez’s Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014: chap 19.
Taylor SA, Hannafin JA. Evaluation and management of elbow tendinopathy. Sports Health. 2012;4(5):384-393. doi:10.1177/1941738112453296
Binder AI, Bulgen DY, Hazleman BL, Roberts S. Tennis elbow–a clinicopathological study of 22 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 1984;66(5):701-705. doi:10.1302/0301-620x.66b5.6508236
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