Is Your Elbow Pain Golfer’s Elbow (near Andover, MN)?

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Your doctor may have given you a diagnosis of
“Epicondylitis” which sounds worse than it really is. Epicondylitis simply means inflammation of the elbow.

 

• “Epicondyle” means round bony knob above a “Condyle.”
• A “Condyle” means round part sticking out at the end of a bone or Elbow.
• “Itis” just means inflammation.

Chronic Golfer’s Elbow

Chronic Golfer’s Elbow is caused by degeneration of the muscle tissue, not inflammation.

Watch the Military using Acupuncture to Treat Pain

What’s The Difference Between Golfer’s Elbow vs Tennis Elbow?

The way to tell the difference between Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow is where the pain is felt. Obviously this is due to the different swing mechanics of each sport.

Golfer’s Elbow

Pain on the medial (inside) of the elbow with Golfer’s Elbow. This is because the inside elbow tendon is inflamed.

Tennis Elbow

Pain on the  lateral (outside) of the elbow. This is because the outer elbow tendon is inflamed.

Golfer’s Elbow Symptoms

• Pain at inside of elbow
• Pain radiates to forearm
• Pain radiates to wrist

Golfer’s Elbow may include pain in trigger points of the wrist flexor muscles.

Acupuncture in Anoka treats Golfer’s Elbow and may include acupuncture on trigger points (many trigger points are actual acupuncture points).

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Golfer’s Elbow is usually determined in a doctor visit based on patient signs/ symptoms, history and clinical tests. This can be further confirmed using imaging.

 

Tests

• MRI
• Ultrasound

Imaging may reveal inflammation or tendon tear.

Who Gets Golfer’s Elbow?

Overuse injury from too much gripping, rotating arm and flexing wrist.

Gofer’s Elbow is not just for golfers!

• Ages 35-50
• Overuse-Wrist gripping
• Overuse-Arm rotation
• Overuse-Wrist flexion

Healing Time

Healing time will take longer if Tennis Elbow involves Tendonosis as this is more chronic (long-term) issue than Epicondylitis.

Tips

• Opt for modern golf clubs made of graphite (lighter material)
• Try tennis racquet with smaller handle grip or lighter head
• Be sure to always lift properly
• Stretch before activity
• Do not overwork yourself; Rest if needed.

Stretching Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow

Any exercises practiced during rehabilitative efforts should be approved by your medical provider.

 

1. Wrist Flexion/ Extension (Improves R.O.M.)-Bend wrist forward/ back
2. Wrist Stretch– push back on fingers using opposite palm
   • -fingers point toward ceiling
   • – fingers point toward floor
3. Forearm Supination & Pronation (Wrist flip)
   • Supination- with elbow at your side and arm out in front of you (wrist should be level with elbow) with palm facing up (Think of Supination as holding “Soup” up). Flip wrist down to Pronation position.
   • Pronation- Same as Supination except palm faces down (Think of Pronation as “Prone” to drown when facing down)
4. Eccentric Wrist Flexion– From supinated position, while holding rolled-up wash cloth or small towel, bend hand toward you using opposite hand to gently bend the problem arm.
5. Grip Strengthening– Squeeze hand using something like a tennis ball
6. Forearm Supination/ Pronation with Strengthening-Holding onto something like the handle of a hammer, you do the same as beforementioned Forearm Supination/ Pronation exercise while adding some weight in order to strengthen the muscle/tendon.
7. Resisted Elbow Flexion/ Extension

Any exercises practiced during rehabilitative efforts should be approved by your medical provider.

Acupuncture is a great alternative medical treatment to try for Golfer’s Elbow.

Thanks for Reading!

Written by A Ackerman, LAc

 

Mike has treated many other health issues, including Neuropathy, Chronic pain and other issues.

Contact us today to make an appointment to treat Plantar fasciitis with Mike Ackerman at Ackerman Acupuncture near Han Lake, MN.

Visit Ackerman Acupuncture for Pain Relief & Wellness. Ackerman Acupuncture is easily accessible from Bunker Lake Boulevard near Andover, MN

See more blog posts like this

Like us on Facebook to follow us and keep up-to-date on events.

Visit the website

DISCLAIMER

This article is not intended to replace any health care.

No information on this site should be relied on to determine medical diagnosis or treatment for a medical condition. As with any health concerns, always be sure to consult your health care provider with any health concerns.

Licensed Acupuncturists Serving Andover, Anoka, Big Lake, Blaine, Champlin, Coon Rapids, Dayton, East Bethel, Elk River, Forest Lake, Fridley, Ham Lake, Isanti, Minneapolis, Now Then, Oak Grove, Maple Grove, Osseo, Saint Francis, Saint Paul, Spring Lake Park and Ramsey, MN 55303.

Zip codes we treat: 55304, 55303, 55309, 55014, 55025, 55434, 55449, 55316, 55433, 55448, 55327, 55330, 55432, 55040, 55401, 55402, 55403, 55404, 55406, 55407, 55408, 55409, 55410, 55411, 55412, 55413, 55416, 55418, 55419, 55421, 55422, 55011, 55311, 55369, 55102, 55103, 55104, 55105, 55106, 55107, 55108, 55101, 55109, 55110, 55111, 55113, 55114, 55116, 55117, 55120, 55124, 55125, 55115, 55118, 55119, 55121, 55122, 55123, 55126, 55129, 55130, 55146, 55127, 55128, 55133, 55144, 55145, 55155, 55164, 55165, 55166, 55166, 55168, 55170, 55175, 55187, 55188, 55171, 55172, 55014, 55025, 55371, 55398, 55308, 55960

Serving Anoka County, the north metro and Minneapolis area. We are located on Main Street, Anoka and easily accessible from Highway 10.