Here at the clinic “I don’t golf... How did I get Golfers Elbow?“ is a very common question. We also hear the same question about tennis elbow. The terms golfers elbow and tennis elbow are based on the activities that tend to irritate a group of muscles. This means you don’t have to be participating in either activity to develop them. Both Golfers and Tennis elbow are often caused by repetitive movement.
Golfers elbow
Also termed medial epicondylitis is when there is pain on the inside of the elbow and down into the forearm. It is caused by the inflammation/overuse of the flexor tendons (the muscles that let you bend your wrist).
Tennis elbow
Also termed lateral epicondylitis is when there is pain on the outside of the elbow and down into the forearm. It is caused by the inflammation/overuse of the extensor tendons (the muscles that let you extend your wrist).
What are the symptoms?
Both golfers and tennis elbow can cause reduced and painful range of motion, weakness in the forearm (grip strength especially), and occasionally symptoms of numbness and tingling can occur.
So how can we help?
Physiotherapy can help by first assessing your wrist and elbow to determine which muscles/tendons are affected, rule out any other condition that could also be causing these symptoms, then treat what we find! Treatment for these conditions usually includes first reducing pain and inflammation, restoring movement, then restoring strength and preventing future injuries.
Still have questions, feel free to reach out to us. We would love to help!