Golfer’s Elbow
Have you had pain at the inside/medial portion of your elbow? Are you a golfer with elbow pain? A “yes” to either of these questions means that this blog is just for you.
The elbow consists three bones: the distal humerus, the proximal radius, and the proximal ulna. Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that arises from inflammation to the medial condyle of the humerus and the muscles (sometimes called the flexor wad) that originate from it. These muscles are (from lateral to medial) pronator trees, flexor carpi radialis, palmaris longs, and flexor carpi ulnaris. When these muscles are under worked, over worked, over stretched, or under stretched, they can cause Golfer’s elbow.
Here are 4 things (in proper order) you can do to help treat and prevent this condition:
1) Self massage to flexor wad before exercise: Using lotion/lather, gently massage the flexor wad for about 5 minutes. Mild redness is normal so don’t be alarmed. See video below at 1:56-2:58
2) Pronation/supination active range of motion: Weight is optional. See video below at 2:58-4:02
3) Ball squeeze: Use something like a tennis ball, or stress ball. See video below at 4:04-4:55
4) Ice cup massage to flexor wad: See video below at 4:56-6:00
Please refer to our pain blog for motivation and don’t forget to live, laugh and love.
Written by Kenneth G Kells III, DPT