Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Golfer’s elbow can make gripping an object, even as simple as your morning cup of coffee, unexpectedly uncomfortable. Physical therapy for golfer’s elbow focuses on reducing irritation at the inner elbow while gradually rebuilding the strength your arm needs for work, everyday activity, and your morning cup of joe.
At Active Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Group, the treatment process will begin with an evaluation of your elbow and the movements that bring on your symptoms. Most treatment plans begin with physical therapy, and we’ll incorporate chiropractic care or acupuncture if we feel you’d benefit from a complementary approach. We offer all three disciplines through our Midtown Manhattan practice.
What Is Medial Epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis, commonly called golfer’s elbow, affects the tendons that connect the forearm muscles to the inside of the elbow. Repeated use of the wrist and forearm can overload these tissues over time, particularly with frequent gripping or wrist flexion.
With golfer’s elbow, pain typically develops around the bony area on the inner side of the elbow and may extend into the forearm. Some people notice reduced grip strength or discomfort when bending the wrist against resistance.
You don’t need to play golf to develop golfer’s elbow, though it’s one of the most common causes. Medial epicondylitis also affects people whose work or recreational activities repeatedly stress the forearm. Recently, we’re seeing more pickleball players experiencing this issue.
How Does Medial Epicondylitis Physical Therapy Work?
Medial epicondylitis physical therapy treatment begins with an evaluation, during which a member of the physical therapy team will observe you and identify which movements are irritating your tendon. They might also assess your grip strength and wrist motion before looking at how the elbow functions during various activities. If shoulder or upper-body mechanics are placing additional strain on your arm, they will evaluate that, too.
Early treatment usually includes modifying aggravating activities and using hands-on techniques, especially when limited movement contributes to your discomfort. Your physical therapist will add additional exercises as your tendon begins to tolerate more load. Ultimately, the goal is to gradually restore strength so you can continue to use your arm.
Your therapist can also help you adjust how you grip or lift during work and exercise with a personalized home program that will help you continue your progress between appointments.
Which Golfer’s Elbow Exercises Can Help?
Golfer’s elbow exercises during physical therapy are intended to gradually challenge the forearm without causing sharp pain.
Depending on your evaluation, your physical therapist may recommend:
- Gentle wrist flexor stretches within a comfortable range
- Isometric wrist-flexion exercises during more irritable stages
- Progressive wrist-flexion strengthening with light resistance
- Forearm rotation exercises
- Grip work as strength and tolerance improve
Although you may start with simple exercises, expect your therapist to gradually increase the resistance as your symptoms allow.
Can a Chiropractor Help With Golfer’s Elbow?
Yes, which is why Active PTC Group incorporates manual therapy and joint-focused treatment within its chiropractic services.
Chiropractic treatment should complement the progressive strengthening needed for tendon rehabilitation rather than replacing it. Coordinated care can help you use your arm more comfortably as strength returns.
During treatment, a chiropractor for golfer’s elbow may assess movement at the elbow and wrist, then examine nearby joints. Care can include manual techniques, but will ultimately depend on what the evaluation reveals.
Can Acupuncture for Golfer’s Elbow Help?
Acupuncture for medial epicondylitis does not replace the gradual loading work used to rebuild tendon capacity. Instead, it can serve as a complementary approach, especially when you need help managing discomfort to fully participate in your rehabilitation. Thus, acupuncture for golfer’s elbow may be incorporated into your treatment as a complementary option for pain management.
During acupuncture, a licensed practitioner places thin needles at selected points based on the treatment plan. We offer acupuncture alongside our physical therapy and chiropractic services as part of our individualized approach to care.
Start Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow in Midtown Manhattan
Active PTC Group brings physical therapists together with chiropractors and licensed acupuncture providers in one Midtown Manhattan practice. Your care may rely mainly on physical therapy or incorporate other services based on your evaluation and response to treatment.
If inner-elbow pain is interfering with work or exercise, schedule an evaluation with our team. We can identify the movements placing stress on the area and develop a focused plan to help you resume using your arm with greater comfort and confidence.