Golfer’s Elbow Prevention and Management: Tips for Pain Relief and Recovery
Golfer’s elbow – a nagging torment that can hinder your daily routines, whether it involves a golf club or not. Are you battling the debilitating effects of this condition, with a consistent pain that doesn’t seem to recede? Do you find this discomfort compromising your efficiency in your everyday chores or even during your work hours? At Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab, our team of expert occupational therapists will give you the tools for golfer’s elbow prevention and tips to manage golfer’s elbow that truly work!
When it comes to preventing and managing golfer’s elbow, the issues aren’t confined to just golfers. Medial epicondylitis, as it is medically known, can turn even the most straightforward tasks into a challenge. Activities such as carrying shopping bags, unscrewing a jar lid, or extending a handshake can become demanding.
Fortunately, our dedicated team of occupational therapists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab is equipped to identify every factor contributing to your discomfort. They will work until you can get back to those activities you’ve been steering clear of due to the pain.
Addressing minor issues early on can pave the way to a quicker recovery. Book an appointment today with our highly skilled specialists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab. Let us guide you toward relief and recovery through proven techniques!
Understanding Golfer’s Elbow: Causes and Symptoms
Medial epicondylitis, or golfer’s elbow as it’s more commonly known, is typically a result of overuse or overload injury to the tendons that attach to the inner side of your elbow. This excessive strain often leads to a degenerative tearing of the tendons, triggering pain and, in some cases, inflammation.
Although this condition can start from a single traumatic event, like lifting or pulling something forcefully, causing a sudden overload of the tendons at the elbow, more commonly, it’s an accumulation of repeated microtraumas over days or weeks that often lead to persistent pain in the inner aspect of the elbow, even with the most basic daily activities.
No matter the cause of your discomfort, our team of occupational therapists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab is prepared to dig deep to uncover the source of your problems. We’re ready to help you overcome injuries to your upper extremities, including golfer’s elbow prevention strategies, ensuring you’re ready to get back out there doing what you love!
Understand Golfer’s Elbow: The First Step in Preventing and Managing It
Often, people may delay addressing a problem when it is relatively minor or resort to strategies that unintentionally inhibit the healing process. For example, resting a tendon might seem reasonable, but resting can actually delay healing.
Tendons are built to withstand significant forces, and giving them a complete rest can further weaken them and increase the risk of re-injury. That’s where the expertise of an occupational therapist can come to the rescue!
Knowing what it is and how it happens is essential to deal with a golfer’s elbow effectively. Golfer’s elbow involves pain and, in some cases, inflammation in the tendons connecting your forearm to your elbow. The pain might even spread into your forearm and wrist.
Fortunately, there are effective ways to take a proactive step for golfer’s elbow prevention, including the following:
- Break it up: Taking breaks during any repetitive activities can reduce strain on your elbow.
- Use the right equipment: Making sure your equipment is the correct size and fit for the job can make a difference.
- Strength training: Regular exercises to strengthen your forearm muscles can prevent the golfer’s elbow by reducing stress on your elbow.
- Mobility exercises: Regularly stretching and warming up before physical activities can help reduce your risk of these types of injuries. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your physical activities.
Golfer’s elbow doesn’t have to disrupt your life. Here are tips to help manage your symptoms:
- Activity modification: Avoid activities that provoke your pain. Tendons must be used to keep them healthy, so do everything that doesn’t hurt. Complete rest is not advised in the vast majority of cases!
- Wear a brace: An elbow strap can protect your tender elbow and forearm, reducing strain during daily activities.
- Exercises: Specific exercises can be beneficial in relieving pain and strengthening your forearm muscles. Always consult our specialists before starting any new exercise routine to ensure you address your unique needs.
At Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab, our expert team can provide you with a personalized plan designed to alleviate your current pain and prevent future incidents of golfer’s elbow.
What to Expect at Your Occupational Therapy Sessions
You can expect a thorough evaluation when you walk through the doors of Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab. We aim to understand the duration and the type of your injury (i.e., whether it’s traumatic or overuse/chronic). This information helps us gauge the extent of your injury. It enables us to tailor a recovery program to meet your specific needs.
At the outset, our team uses a blend of therapeutic modalities and manual therapy techniques to ease your discomfort. Our focus during the early stages is restoring mobility and increasing blood flow to promote healing. As the condition improves, our expert therapists will guide you on safely strengthening your tendon while it recovers.
Furthermore, we’ll work with you to ensure the rest of your body stays healthy, enabling you to resume your normal activities with confidence again. Our dedicated team at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab will help you gradually progress in your exercises, thereby challenging the tendon without irritating it further. Our goal is to equip you with the knowledge to manage your golfer’s elbow and give you the tools for golfer’s elbow prevention to ensure it stays away for good!
Make Your Move Today: Book an Appointment at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab
Regardless of the type of pain or injury you’re grappling with, our committed team of occupational therapists at Cascade Hand & Orthopedic Rehab has a proven track record of success in resolving such problems.
Don’t let your discomfort escalate. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. Let’s take the first step on your road to recovery together. Our team is eager to guide you through this journey, helping you reclaim your life from the clutches of golfer’s elbow!