ROM With Golfer’s Elbow: How To Improve Range Of Motion After Medial Epicondylitis

Is Elbow Pain Disrupting Your Golf Swing?

Both professional and everyday golfers can experience pain that restricts their golf swing. Golfer’s elbow, known as tennis elbow or medial epicondylitis, is a common condition that limits elbow movement. Medial epicondylitis is common in golfers and tennis players, but anyone can develop the injury. The problem affects the inside of the elbow, near the bony bump. This pain is caused by inflammation or irritation of the inner forearm tendons that attach to this bone. When a golfer tries a swing, the resulting pain is unbearable.

Have you noticed these symptoms?

Anyone can develop golfer’s elbow. The condition is an overuse injury that causes the tendons attached to the medial epicondyle to become inflamed. Certain athletes are particularly at risk as constant swinging or throwing will develop inflammation. Other risk factors include construction work, age, and obesity. The area becomes painful to the touch and may have some swelling or tenderness. Since those tendons run down to the wrist and hand, making a fist can also cause pain. Over time, golfer’s elbow patients can feel weakness, numbness, and tingling in the elbow and hand.

Restoring range of motion

One of the most significant factors in medial epicondylitis is reduced range of motion (ROM). In the initial stages of the injury, patients have difficulty extending their arms and lifting objects. This reduced ROM restricts sports and, eventually, daily activities. This symptom can lead patients to the doctor’s office for help. Treatment to restore ROM involves rest, exercises, and pain management.

Stretching and strengthening

As the body begins to repair the tendons, ROM can reduce further. Doctors will recommend stretching, then strengthening the arm through physical therapy. Stretching lengthens the tendon fibers that may develop scar tissue after healing. Simple exercises include wrist flexor stretching and forearm extensions. Physical therapists will also prescribe exercises to restore muscle strength without irritating the tendon. Slow wrist curls and extensions with light weight can help. Over time, patients should gradually increase the weight and repetitions. Both stretching and strengthening exercises can reduce pain and restore motion over several months.

Additional treatment options

If physical therapy does not restore ROM, medication, bracing, and steroid injections. Medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and steroid injections can manage pain in conjunction with physical therapy. Some patients also benefit from elbow braces and temperature therapy. If these treatment options fail, usually over several months, surgery can help. Minimally invasive techniques can remove any tissue that affects the range of motion.

Back into the swing of things

The pain and stiffness that comes with golfer’s elbow can be chronic and distressing. Patients are unable to perform daily activities comfortably or enjoy sports. Identifying the symptoms and performing exercises can help improve ROM. Both pain decreases and flexibility increases over several months. If physical therapy fails, surgical techniques can help restore quality of life.