How to Care for Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow
By Dr. Richard Bernier, P.T.
What is Tennis Elbow and Golfers Elbow?
What exactly is tennis elbow and golfers elbow? They occur when the muscles and tendons on each side of the forearm become inflamed as they attach at the elbow. Basically, tennis elbow is pain and inflammation to the tissues on the outside of the elbow and golfers elbow is on the inside.
What Causes Tennis Elbow?
Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is caused by playing tennis. It may also be caused by any activity that stresses the muscles on the top of the forearm, which raise the wrist and open the fingers. Such activities may include heavy lifting or repetitive motions. The pain may range from minor and short lasting to chronic and severe.
How to Treat Tennis Elbow
Deep tissue mobilization techniques designed to reduce tightness and increase blood flow are often performed by the physical therapist. This treatment is usually followed by stretching. To stretch the forearm muscle group, the arm is held out straight and the wrist is bent downward. The stretch will be felt on the top of the forearm into the outside of the elbow.
What Causes Golfers Elbow?
Golfers elbow is the opposite of tennis elbow. This condition, medial epicondylitis, is a stress to the muscles and tendons on the underside of the forearm as they insert on the inside of the elbow. These muscles are responsible for making a fist and bringing the wrist downward. Heavy gripping and squeezing activities may prompt an onset of this condition.
How to Treat Golfers Elbow
As with tennis elbow, deep tissue mobilization techniques performed by the physical therapist help promote scar tissue reduction and increase blood flow. Also, a cold pack applied for ten to fifteen minutes to the painful area around the elbow once or twice a day would bring blood and nutrients to the area for healing.
How to Avoid Tennis and Golfers Elbow
The onset of both Tennis and Golfers Elbow is caused by repetitive motion. Those that spend most of the day performing the same activity such as typing, swinging a hammer or performing the same task on an assembly line, are at risk for developing these conditions. To reduce the risk of these conditions, take frequent breaks, stretch and perform strengthening activities, and try self-massage. Addressing the pain early on will also help minimize the pain and longevity of the condition. Ice and over the counter ant-inflammatory medication can also help. If not, seek medical advice for possible cortisone injections and prescription medications.
If physical therapy is prescribed, the physical therapists at Bernier Physical Therapy Assoc., Inc. are well qualified to assist you in resolving your pain and getting you back to the top of your golf and tennis games. Call us for a free 15-minute consultation, by appointment, over the phone or in person. Call our office at 978-465-2862 in Newburyport, Massachusetts.
(Dr. Richard Bernier, PT has more than thirty-one years of experience dealing with musculoskeletal disorders. Dr. Bernier, PT incorporates many different techniques appropriately tailored to each individual's needs.)
Additional Resources and Articles
How Posture Can Cause Neck Pain While Sitting at the Computer
The Pain in Your Foot Could be Plantar Fascitis—How to Treat It
