How Chiropractic Care Can Alleviate Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a painful condition that affects the tendons connecting the forearm to the inner elbow. It results from repetitive wrist and arm motions while playing golf and many other sports, as well as from activities like manual labor and typing.
If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can lead to chronic pain and reduced mobility. Chiropractic care offers an effective, noninvasive approach to alleviating golfer’s elbow pain, promoting healing, and preventing future flare-ups.
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow occurs due to repeated stress and strain on the tendons and muscles in the forearm, leading to inflammation and small tears.
Symptoms of the condition often include:
Pain
Tenderness on the inside of the elbow (if it’s on the outside of the elbow, you may have tennis elbow)
Stiffness
Weakness in the hands and wrists
A burning sensation in the forearm
Chiropractic treatment can help address the condition's root cause while improving overall arm function, safely getting you back in action.
Alleviating Golfer’s Elbow with Chiropractic Care & Guidance
Working with your chiropractor to relieve golfer’s elbow offers a two-fold solution.
1: Chiropractic Treatments for Golfer’s Elbow
Your local sports chiropractic team will use various techniques to alleviate golfer’s elbow, focusing on reducing pain, improving mobility, and enhancing healing.
Below are some of the most effective chiropractic treatments for the injury.
Chiropractic adjustments or manipulations
Chiropractic manipulation, particularly in the elbow, wrist, and shoulder, helps restore proper joint placement and function. Adjustments can reduce strain on the tendons and muscles by ensuring optimal joint movement, alleviating pain, and promoting healing.
Active Release Therapy (ART)
Active Release Therapy (ART) targets the muscles and tendons involved in golfer’s elbow. It helps break up adhesions and scar tissue, increasing blood flow and flexibility in the affected area.
Manual muscle therapies
Manual muscle therapies work to relieve tension and tightness in the forearm muscles. These soft tissue techniques enhance circulation, reduce pain, and improve mobility, facilitating a faster recovery.
Rehabilitation exercises
A chiropractor will recommend targeted rehabilitation stretching and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and prevent future injuries. Strengthening the forearm and wrist muscles reduces the risk of recurring tendon strain.
2: Take-Home Guidance & Tips
In addition to in-office treatments, incorporating self-care strategies at home is crucial for long-term golfer’s elbow relief and prevention. Below are some essential chiropracic tips.
Rest & activity modification
Avoid activities aggravating the pain, and give your tendons time to heal. If you must continue using your arm, modify your grip and technique to reduce strain.
Ice therapy
Applying ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times daily can help reduce inflammation and numb pain.
Gentle stretching
To improve flexibility and prevent stiffness, incorporate gentle wrist flexor and extensor stretches. Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds and repeat a few times daily.
Strengthening exercises
To strengthen the forearm muscles, perform wrist curls, reverse wrist curls, and grip exercises using light weights or resistance bands.
Ergonomic adjustments
If your job or hobbies require repetitive hand and arm movements, ensure that your workstation and equipment are ergonomically designed to reduce strain.
Proper warm-up & technique
Before engaging in sports or physical activities, always warm up your muscles with gentle movements and stretches. Also, ensure proper technique and grip to minimize stress on the elbow.
Use supportive braces or straps
A brace or forearm strap can help alleviate stress on the affected tendons, reducing pain and preventing further injury.
Maintain hydration & nutrition
Staying hydrated and consuming a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, nuts, and omega-3-rich fish can support muscle and tendon health.
Visit Our Denver Sports Chiropractor for Lasting Golfer’s Elbow Relief
Golfer’s elbow can be frustrating and debilitating, but our chiropractic care offers a highly effective, drug-free solution to manage pain and support healing.
By combining chiropractic treatments with proper self-care and preventative measures, you can recover quickly and reduce the risk of re-injury.
We can also help with the following:
If you're struggling with golfer’s elbow, let us provide a comprehensive exam and develop a personalized treatment plan so you can get back to enjoying your favorite activities pain-free.
Let’s get you scheduled! Book your appointment today.