How do you know when the pain in your elbow is the result of a golfer's elbow? This condition is often confused with tennis elbow, another common sports injury. However, golfer's elbow is actually the opposite of tennis elbow. Instead of affecting the outside of the elbow, golfer's elbow affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow. This happens due to repetitive stress upon the tendons that connect the muscles of the wrist to the bone on the inside of the elbow.
Despite its name, you do not need to play golf or any other sport to be at risk for developing golfer's elbow. Any repetitive activity that involves using your wrists or clenching your fingers can contribute to golfer's elbow.
What are the symptoms of golfer's elbow?
If you are unsure whether your symptoms point to golfer's elbow, your physical therapist can assess your symptoms and help to determine the source of your elbow pain. Typically, these four symptoms are commonly associated with golfer's elbow:
- Pain and tenderness ” This pain is usually felt on the inner side of your elbow, rather than the outside. It may also extend along the inner side of your forearm, and feels worse when you extend your arm.
- Stiffness ” Your elbow may feel stiff, making it difficult to carry or lift things. You may also have difficulty making a fist.
- Weakness ” Weakness in your hands and wrists is also a common symptom of golfer's elbow. This may make it difficult to grip things, such as when turning a doorknob.
- Numbness or tingling ” You may experience numb sensations in your hands or fingers, similar to symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome.
How can physical therapy help treat golfer's elbow?
Once your physical therapist has diagnosed your golfer's elbow, they can employ a number of methods to help to treat it. Some of these methods may include:
- Soft tissue mobilization.
- Posture training.
- Therapeutic exercises.
- Electrical stimulation therapy.
Alliance PTP is ready to help you find top-notch PT for your golfer's elbow symptoms
At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, we're proudly bringing together physical therapy practices across the country to help people get the high-quality PT they need. Want to see a physical therapist in person? We can put you in touch with an Alliance PTP partner that's close to you and who can help you address any sports-related injuries.
Not keen on in-person PT sessions or not close to an Alliance PTP partner? No worries. We also offer effective and affordable virtual physical therapy through our Agile Virtual Physical Therapy platform.
Contact our team today so we can help you find the most effective physical therapy services for your injury or condition.
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