With golfer’s elbow there are do’s and don’ts to help speed your recovery. At Blackberry Clinic we treat patients with sports injuries like golfer’s elbow. By taking a full history of when the elbow became painful and how, the practitioner builds up a picture of the likely causes and therefore the diagnosis. With an accurate diagnosis the treatment programme can begin.
What is golfer’s elbow? Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendonitis that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons that connect the forearm to the elbow. The pain centers on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow and may radiate into the forearm. It usually gets better with rest. The medical term is medial epicondylitis.
Here are some important do’s and don’ts to keep in mind for a successful recovery:
Do’s:
1️⃣ Rest and modify activities: Give your elbow a break from activities that worsen the pain. Modify your technique or grip to reduce strain on the elbow.
2️⃣ Apply ice or cold therapy: Use ice packs or cold compresses to help reduce pain and inflammation. Apply for short periods several times a day.
3️⃣ Use a brace or support: Consider wearing an elbow brace or forearm strap for support and compression, which can alleviate pain and reduce strain.
4️⃣ Gentle stretching and strengthening: Engage in recommended stretching and strengthening exercises once the acute pain subsides. Consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
5️⃣ Seek professional advice: Consult with a sports medicine specialist or physical therapist for an accurate diagnosis, treatment plan, and proper rehabilitation exercises.
Don’ts:
1️⃣ Avoid excessive or repetitive movements: Steer clear of activities that strain the elbow, such as repetitive gripping or forceful swings.
2️⃣ Don’t ignore pain: Listen to your body. If you feel pain, avoid pushing through it. Continuing aggravating activities can hinder healing.
3️⃣ Avoid sudden or forceful movements: Minimize sudden or forceful motions that stress the tendon, such as rapid twisting or jerking actions.
4️⃣ Steer clear of improper technique: Ensure proper form and technique in activities, especially in sports. Incorrect form can contribute to or worsen golfer’s elbow.
5️⃣ Don’t skip professional guidance: Consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment options for your specific condition.
Remember, everyone’s journey to recovery is unique. These do’s and don’ts provide general guidelines, but professional advice is crucial for a tailored approach to your golfer’s elbow recovery.
At Blackberry Clinic, if conventional treatment such as physiotherapy, exercises, rest, ice and stretching have not been successful, our specialist sport and exercise medicine doctors and musculoskeletal medicine doctors have other treatments to offer. These include steroid injections, PRP and autologous blood injections. Clinics offering these treatments include Milton Keynes, Oxford, Guildford, Croydon, Fareham, and London.
