What are the symptoms of golfer’s elbow?

Do you have ongoing pain on the inside of your elbow that is spreading into your forearm and wrist? You may have what is known as golfer’s elbow. Now, we know what you might be thinking: “I don’t golf!” Well, that may be true, but golfer’s elbow can affect many people who don’t golf. It’s only called golfer’s elbow because of its common occurrence among golfers. 

Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendinitis. This is a chronic injury that develops from repetitive stress on the muscles and tendons in your elbow. Golfer’s elbow in particular affects the tendon connecting your wrist muscles to the inside of your elbow. Activities that involve a lot of forceful movement of the forearm, such as swinging a golf club or tennis racket or throwing a baseball, can lead to golfer’s elbow.

Golfer’s elbow symptoms

Common symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow that spreads into your wrist or forearm.
• Stiffness in the elbow.
• Numbness and tingling.
• Weak forearm and wrist strength.

If you notice any of these symptoms, please visit your primary care provider or your physical therapist for an evaluation and treatment.

Treating golfer’s elbow with physical therapy

Treatments for golfer’s elbow vary depending on its severity and your age and medical history. However, many people who suffer from golfer’s elbow are able to find the treatment they need in physical therapy.

Physical therapists specialize in a wide range of treatments that help manage the pain in the elbow and improve your range of motion. Physical therapy treatments for golfer’s elbow often include:

• Stretches and exercises to improve the strength and flexibility of your muscles and tendons. This helps reduce stress on the inflamed tendon.
• Hands-on therapy to help reduce pain and improve your range of motion. 
• Posture guidance to help you reduce strain on your elbow when performing activities like swinging a golf club.

Visit SSOR today for golfer’s elbow treatment

Do you have pain on the inside of your elbow that makes it difficult to use your arm? Our team can work with you to identify and treat the symptoms of golfer’s elbow. We can help you manage the pain and improve the use of your elbow and forearm. Contact our team today for more information about physical therapy for golfer’s elbow or to schedule an initial appointment.