Stuck with a constant nagging elbow pain that is stopping you from playing golf?
Make sure you try these simple strategies to get you back swinging that club sooner – and maybe even less often!
There is a common misconception about Tennis Elbow injuries – They are actually just as common in golfers! And quite often, they occur more commonly than their opposing partner in crime – Golfers Elbow.
Tennis elbow refers to injury of the forearm muscles which attach to the outer aspect of the elbow. With overuse or repetitive movement, these muscles can become fatigued and weaken, leading to tendon overuse and inadequate healing of the tendon. This then results in pain and tenderness on the outside of the forearm, towards the elbow.
' Tennis Elbow injuries often take 3-6 months to fully heal and respond well to a mixture of osteopathic treatment and a targeted strength program '
Key strategies to reduce pain from a tennis elbow injury include;
- Do not massage directly over the area of pain (a common mistake!)
- Do not stretch an acutely injured tennis elbow injury
- Massage away from the region of maximal pain
- Apply ice (through a tea towel) locally over the area when sore
- Begin strength exercises as soon as pain and discomfort levels permit it
- Seek advice from your Osteopath or physical therapist about which exercises are best for you and when you should start them (see below for some examples)
Credit https://www.aafp.org/afp/2007/0915/p849.html
Credit http://www.physiowarzish.in/eccentric-exercises-for-wrist.html
However, the most important factor that contributes to ongoing pain and injury to these tissues is lack of rest. Yes the “R” word that all golfers hate to hear. But it is crucial to give the injured tissues time to rest and recover before returning to golf. Often Osteopaths can utilize techniques such as taping or recommend devices such as a wrist brace to help you return to sport quicker but it is important to rest the area initially if you do not want this injury coming back with a vengeance later down the track. Feel free to ask our Osteopath a question by posting below. All the best with the recovery!
Credit Blog Image https://www.freepik.com/free-photos-vectors/medical”>Medical photo created by kjpargeter – www.freepik.com
