Contrary to the name’s implication, golfer’s elbow doesn’t only affect golfers. The injury is common among many who participate in the repetitive motions of clenching their fingers or activating the wrist’s joint and soft tissues.
Chiropractors are educated and knowledgeable regarding proper joint and tissue (musculoskeletal) function and performance. They can utilize numerous safe, non-invasive, natural solutions to effectively treat golfer’s elbow, offering comfort and unrestricted movement patterns.
This article discusses:
What golfer’s elbow is
Who gets golfer’s elbow
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow
Natural, at-home solutions to relieve golfer’s elbow discomfort
Chiropractic solutions to treat golfer’s elbow
Let’s jump straight in…
What is Golfer’s Elbow and Do I Have It?
Golfer's elbow, also referred to as medial epicondylitis, happens when the tendons of the elbow tear, and damage is done to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. It’s generally due to the overuse of the forearm muscles and other soft tissues or habitual improper movement patterns during repetitive physical activity.
In most cases, the activity that leads to the injury is repeated for at least an hour a day over several days at a time.
Activities that may cause golfer’s elbow include:
Golf
Racquet sports
Weightlifting
Baseball
Throwing sports or exercises
Other causes of golfer’s elbow include:
Improper lifting practices
Not warming up prior to sport, exercise, or other physical activity
Poor conditioning or training practices
Forceful and constant occupational movement, such as with painting or carpentry
Symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
Pain on the inner side of the elbow
Worsening pain during the repetitive motion that caused the condition
Radiating pain from the inner elbow into the inner forearm
Wrist pain
Tenderness
Elbow stiffness
Weakness in the hands or wrists
Numbness in the fingers
Tingling in the fingers
Golfer’s elbow is related to excess and repeated stress placed upon the same soft tissue group, typically due to a sport or job, making discontinuation difficult or impossible.
How to Naturally Alleviate Golfer’s Elbow Pain At Home
Golfer’s elbow can be incredibly disruptive, but there are safe, helpful solutions you can administer at home.
Rest
Take a break from the action that’s causing your condition. Rest is essential to healing, removing pressures and tension placed upon the body as relaxation is enhanced. It’s important to listen when your body tells you something is wrong; pushing through can cause further damage.
Using a brace to help support proper movement and reduce tension can contribute to the healing process and give your arm the rest it needs if you can’t stop your performance altogether.
Ice
Apply ice to your elbow for up to 20 minutes per session, three to four times daily, for as long as necessary. Ice reduces inflammation which can be very painful and diminish function and flexibility.
Stretch
Gentle stretching can help recovery by strengthening the tissues, encouraging flexibility, and reducing stiffness. Stretching also promotes the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to the affected area for faster healing.
Of course, the best course of action is preventative care to help avoid injuries. While this approach isn’t foolproof, there are some actions you can take to help reduce the likelihood of getting golfer’s elbow.
Ways to help prevent golfer’s elbow include:
Exercises to strengthen the forearms
Stretching before physical activities
Ensure you use proper form at all times throughout all activities
Adhere to correct lifting techniques
Take breaks as needed
Chiropractic Care to Help Heal Golfer’s Elbow in West Chester
Chiropractic services have been proven effective at healing gofer’s elbow. Enabling the body to self-heal is a responsible treatment that nurtures a safe, holistic, and fast recovery so you can return to your active lifestyle.
Our West Chester chiropractic clinic uses an array of services that meet the patient’s needs, including:
Let our chiropractic team find your injury and implement a working wellness plan based on you and your needs. Your pain doesn’t have to keep you from doing the things you love. With our help, we can get you the safe, natural results your body deserves.
Schedule your appointment with our golfer’s elbow chiropractor today.
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