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Contents
  • Initial Treatment Strategies
  • Physical Therapy and Strengthening
  • Emerging Treatments

Treating Golf Elbow: What Works and What Doesn't?

Treating Golf Elbow: What Works and What Doesn't?

Why It Matters

Golfer's elbow can be debilitating, but understanding treatment options can ease your pain. Discover effective therapies and avoid those that don't work.
Contents
  • Initial Treatment Strategies
  • Physical Therapy and Strengthening
  • Emerging Treatments

Initial Treatment Strategies

Initial treatment for golfer's elbow involves activity modification and pain management. Reducing activities that trigger pain and using counterforce bracing can help. Pain relievers like NSAIDs may reduce discomfort, but should be used with caution.

Physical Therapy and Strengthening

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment for golfer's elbow. Therapists often use exercises that strengthen the wrist and forearm muscles. Eccentric strengthening exercises, in particular, have shown effectiveness in improving symptoms.
Golfer's elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow, often due to repetitive stress.

Emerging Treatments

New therapies like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and ultrasound-guided tenotomy are being explored. While promising, these treatments need more research to confirm their effectiveness. Patients should discuss all options with their healthcare provider before proceeding.

FAQs

What is the first step in treating golfer's elbow?

The first step is modifying activities to reduce pain.

How effective is physical therapy?

Physical therapy, especially eccentric exercises, is very effective.

Are new treatments like PRP effective?

PRP shows promise but requires more research.

Can NSAIDs cure golfer's elbow?

NSAIDs can reduce pain but are not a cure.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right treatment is crucial for managing golfer's elbow effectively.
Ready to explore treatment options for your elbow pain? Talk to Doctronic for guidance.
Additional References
  1. Smidt N, Assendelft WJ, Arola H, et al. Effectiveness of physiotherapy for lateral epicondylitis: a systematic review. Ann Med 2003; 35:51.
  2. Manias P, Stasinopoulos D. A controlled clinical pilot trial to study the effectiveness of ice as a supplement to the exercise programme for the management of lateral elbow tendinopathy. Br J Sports Med 2006; 40:81.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.