What is the condition?
This is a less common condition tennis elbow but presents very similarly. Except, your pain is in the inner part of your elbow instead of the outer part. So this condition is an inflammation of the tendon attachment at the inner part of your elbow.
How do you get it?
Traditionally, this is a condition that you get because of your golf swing. Either an improper technique or equipment can put additional strain to the inner part of your dominant arm’s elbow. That additional strain causes inflammation in the muscle tendons that attach to the area, your finger flexors. This inflammation is golfer’s elbow. Just like tennis elbow, this condition can occur without you playing golf. Any repeated stress on the inner elbow area can cause this issue.
What problems does it cause?
In most cases, the pain begins as mild and slowly worsens over weeks and months.
Common signs and symptoms of golfer’s elbow include:
- Pain or burning on the inner part of your elbow
- Weak grip strength
The symptoms are often worsened with forearm activity, such as holding a controller, lifting a cup, and flexing with your wrist or fingers. Your dominant arm is most often affected; however, both arms can be affected.
What is the treatment?
As a treatment that is most effective for tendon inflammation, shockwave therapy is often remarkably successful in treating the condition. In combination with manual therapy and exercise therapy, we get good results with our patients presenting with golfer’s elbow.
How does it work?
The treatment is aimed at increasing blood flow to the injured area. Because tendons inherently do not possess a lot of blood supply, healing does not happen readily. Increasing blood flow to the injured area helps to reduce the inflammation and allow for healing to happen.
What is the process of getting this treatment like?
If you are a suitable candidate, your therapist will recommend shockwave therapy for your treatment. During shockwave therapy, you will feel a strong rapid tapping sensation in the area that is being treated. If the area treated is particularly bony, then it may be a little painful. Most patients tolerate it very well.
Any post-procedure pain or downtime? What is the aftercare like?
There are no downtimes. You can resume your routine activities immediately. Though rare, there may be some bruising and discomfort after the treatment. You can ice the area if this is the case.
What results to expect
While some patients report improvements immediately after 1 session, up to 6 weekly sessions are required for the full benefits and healing effects of the treatment.