Tennis Elbow; 7 Effective Management & Treatment Strategies

Introduction

Introduction: As a seasoned physiotherapist with a specialised focus on treating golf-related injuries, I’ve encountered numerous cases of lateral epicondylitis, commonly known as tennis elbow, among golfers. Despite its name, this condition isn’t exclusive to tennis players; golfers are equally susceptible due to the repetitive motions involved in swinging a club. In this blog post, I’ll delve into the intricacies of lateral epicondylitis, its impact on golfers, and effective strategies for managing and treating this prevalent ailment.

Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis (Tennis Elbow)

Lateral epicondylitis refers to pain in an area outside the elbow where the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the bone become dysfunctional.

In golfers, this condition typically arises from the repetitive and forceful contractions of the forearm muscles during the swing.

The excessive strain placed on these tendons can lead to microtears, pain, and diminished performance on the golf course.

The Impact on Golfers

The onset of lateral epicondylitis can be debilitating for golfers.

The pain and stiffness in the elbow can severely hamper their ability to swing the club with precision and power.

Furthermore, untreated or poorly managed tennis elbow can progress to chronicity, potentially sidelining golfers for an extended period and impacting their overall enjoyment of the sport.

7 Effective Management and Treatment Strategies

As with any injury, early intervention is key to preventing the escalation of symptoms and facilitating a speedy recovery. Here are seven effective strategies for managing and treating lateral epicondylitis in golfers:

1. Rest and Modification of Activities:
   You may need to temporarily refrain from activities that exacerbate the symptoms, such as swinging a club. Modifying their swing technique or equipment may also be necessary to alleviate strain on the affected elbow. For example, a thicker grip may help to reduce the pain when playing.
2. Ice Therapy:
   Applying ice packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain. If this helps you, it is best to ice the elbow for a maximum of 15-20 minutes several times a day, especially after playing or practicing.
3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises:
   A tailored exercise regimen focused on stretching and strengthening the forearm muscles as well as ensuring good mechanics of the arm generally will help to improve the pain. Eccentric exercises, such as wrist curls with a lightweight, can be particularly beneficial in rehabilitating tennis elbow.
4. Manual Therapy:
   Hands-on techniques such as massage, myofascial release, and joint mobilisations to alleviate muscle tension, improve circulation, and promote healing in the affected area can be beneficial.
5. Bracing and Support:
   The use of an elbow brace or strap to provide external support and offload the strain on the tendons during activities that aggravate symptoms can help to reduce the exacerbation of pain.
6. Gradual Return to Golf:
   When getting back to playing a gradual return-to-play protocol is best with emphasis on a proper warm-up, technique refinement, and monitoring for any signs of recurrence or exacerbation of symptoms.
7. Professional Guidance:
   Collaboration with other healthcare professionals, such as orthopaedic specialists or sports physicians, may be necessary in severe or unresponsive cases to explore additional treatment options like corticosteroid injections or surgical intervention.

Seek Professional Help

As a physiotherapist specialising in golf-related injuries, my goal is to empower golfers with the knowledge and tools they need to effectively manage and prevent lateral epicondylitis, allowing them to continue pursuing their passion for the sport pain-free. Remember, early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan are essential components of successful rehabilitation. 

Conclusion

Lateral epicondylitis, or tennis elbow, can pose significant challenges for golfers, impacting their performance and enjoyment of the game. However, with the right approach to management and treatment, most golfers can overcome this condition and return to the fairways stronger and more resilient than before.