Golfers elbow | What’s the best treatment?
Golfers elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, is a common condition that can affect anyone, not just golf enthusiasts! While the name might suggest it’s exclusive to golfers, this condition can affect anyone who engages in repetitive arm, wrist, or hand movements. Characterised by pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow, golfer’s elbow can make simple tasks like gripping objects or turning doorknobs uncomfortable. This blog will explore the treatment options available and help you to understand and address golfers elbow. See our previous blog for more information on what golfers elbow is and what causes it.
Step 1- Load Management
Golfers elbow by nature is an ‘overuse’ injury, therefore reducing the amount of work placed on the affected tendon is crucial for recovery. In the physiotherapy world, we use the term ‘load management’ when referring to this careful balancing act. Effective load management involves initially reducing or modifying aggravating activities to allow the tendon to heal, followed by a graded return to all normal activity. This process is typically accompanied with progressive strengthening exercises. These exercises aim to rebuild tendon strength and capacity without overloading it, ensuring long-term recovery and prevention of recurrence.
Step 2- Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate blood circulation, cellular regeneration, and tissue repair in the affected area, leading to reduced inflammation and improved mobility. By targeting the root cause of the condition, shockwave therapy can alleviate symptoms and also accelerates the healing process, allowing you to recover faster and return to normal activities with less discomfort. As previously discussed, the tendon affected in golfers elbow, often falls into a state of disrepair and degeneration, which results in scar tissue formation. Shockwave therapy aims to agitate or ‘shock’ the injury back to its acute phase of healing using acoustic energy. Think of it as pressing the reset button.
Step 3- Strengthen
By strengthening the muscles of the wrist and forearm, the affected tendon becomes more robust. This allows the elbow to better withstand the repetitive motions and stresses that typically cause golfers elbow. Consistent strengthening not only aids in the healing process but also helps prevent future occurrences by preparing the muscles and tendons to handle increased loads without causing pain or injury.
Injections for golfers elbow
Injection therapy can be considered if symptoms fail to respond to the above steps. In relation to golfers elbow, there are two options:
Steroid injections
Corticosteroid injections can offer significant short-term pain relief and improved function. However, while effective for immediate symptom management, the long-term benefits remain controversial. You can read more detail about the pros and cons of steroid injections here.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is a form of regenerative medicine. It involves injecting the affected tendon with platelets harvested from a patient’s own blood sample. This gives a ‘biological boost’ to the natural healing process. Because of this, it bypasses the potential risks associated with corticosteroids. A detailed overview of PRP can be found here.
Which option is best for you?
The option that is best for you will depend on several factors such as: how long you have had symptoms for, how severe the pain is and what activities you need to be able to do on a daily basis.
Our experienced physiotherapists can provide a thorough assessment and will recommend a treatment plan based on your unique history and needs. Whichever treatment route you take, unfortunately there’s no quick fix for golfers elbow. That said, with several treatment options available, outcomes in the long term are generally favourable.
If you would like to book an appointment with one of our clinicians click here. Alternatively give our friendly reception team a call on 0114 267 8181.
