GOLFER'S (TENNIS) ELBOW - MEDIAL EPICONDYLITIS - SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT

Medial Epicondylitis

The medical term for tennis elbow or golfer's elbow is medial epicondylitis. Medial epicondylitis affects the tendons of the forearm muscles. These tendons connect the muscles of the wrist to a part of the bone on the inner side of the elbow called the medial epicondyle. When these tendons are subjected to constant repetitive motions, small injuries occur at the site of tendon attachment.

As mentioned, golfer's or tennis elbow is not limited to professional golfers and tennis players. This injury can affect anyone whose occupation involves constant repetitive elbow movements, including individuals who handle vibrating tools. The condition affects the mobility of the arm and causes pain. In our Fizionova centre, we frequently encounter this injury and have treatment protocols that effectively alleviate pain and restore mobility and functionality to the affected arm.

Medial elbow pain is initially treated with a combination of cryotherapy and rest. Additionally, the patient may receive anti-inflammatory medications, and as a last resort, corticosteroid injections if the pain and swelling persist.

To regain full strength and range of motion in the injured elbow, physical therapy involving stretching and strengthening exercises is necessary. Shockwave therapy (FSWT - Focused Shockwave Therapy) has proven to be highly effective in regenerating tissue and collagen in the affected area. This therapy is also beneficial in reducing pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity.

Treatment of Golfer's Elbow at Fizionova Center

During your initial assessment at Fizionova Center, your medical history will be taken, and it is essential to provide a detailed account of your problem and the symptoms you are experiencing. For this evaluation, please dress comfortably and bring any previous test results if available.

If no additional diagnostics are required, our therapists will immediately guide you through the treatment protocols for your issue. In the case of a golfer's elbow, protocols include a combination of physical therapy, ultrasound therapy, massage, and manipulative techniques along with therapeutic exercises.

FSWT - Focused Shockwave Therapy as an Effective Treatment for Tennis Elbow

To expedite the recovery process, Focused Shockwave Therapy (FSWT) has proven to be highly effective in treating tennis elbow. The main goal of this therapy is to stimulate tissue regeneration and create new collagen fibres to facilitate tendon recovery. Shockwave therapy is also effective in reducing pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity.

This therapy is performed using a device that produces low-intensity waves focused on the painful area. Fizionova Center is the only centre in Southeastern Europe that owns and applies this device in the treatment of various conditions, including tennis elbow.

If you have a confirmed diagnosis of golfer's elbow or any issues related to restricted movement, our therapists will develop the best solution for your problem. Call us and schedule your examination today: 011/21 00 588.

Symptoms of Golfer's Elbow

Common symptoms of golfer's elbow include:

• Pain and sensitivity on the inner side of the elbow that gradually becomes more intense (pain can develop gradually or occur suddenly).
• Pain when twisting the arm (e.g., when trying to open a jar).
• Pain when bending the wrist.
• Pain when gripping objects or shaking hands.
• Stiffness in the elbow.
• Weakness in the hands and joints.
• Numbness and tingling.

Risk Factors

As previously mentioned, this condition affects not only professional golfers but a wide range of people. Various causes can lead to medial epicondylitis. Since this condition can result from excessive force when bending the wrist toward the palm or from constant bending and twisting of the wrist, professional athletes (golfers, tennis players, javelin throwers) are at the greatest risk. Additionally, individuals over 40 who perform repetitive activities for at least two hours several times a day are at increased risk. Furthermore, smokers and individuals with excess weight are also more likely to develop golfer's elbow.

Causes

Possible causes of tennis elbow may include:

• Weak wrist and shoulder muscles
• Serving with great force
• Improper lifting and heavy lifting
• Javelin throwing
• Operating a chainsaw
• Splitting wood with an axe
• Using handheld vibrating tools for work
• Inadequate training equipment (e.g., a tennis racket that is too heavy, too short, or too stiff can be the cause of golfer's/tennis elbow)

When to Consult a Specialist?

Every unexplained pain, especially persistent pain, should prompt you to consult a specialist who can identify the cause of the pain. If you can identify the activity causing the pain, discontinuing that activity can lead to quick results.

However, for professional athletes and specific professions, complete discontinuation of activity is not always possible. Therefore, in collaboration with a specialist, it is important to create a therapy plan that allows you to maintain your form while also treating the condition for which you initially sought help. It is essential to adhere to the specialist's recommendations, as failure to rest or treat the condition on time can lead to a chronic injury.