What is Medial Epicondylitis / Golfer’s Elbow?
Many people in San Diego are suffering from Medial epicondylitis a condition more commonly known as golfer’s elbow. Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is an overuse of tendons that can be associated with racquet sports, golfing and throwing sports all favorite pass times in sunny San Diego. However, it is also common in repetitive manual activities where gripping is involved especially if there is a twisting motion of the arm or wrist such as in gardening or painting. At its root Medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) is an inflammatory condition affecting the common origin of the flexor tendons of the forearm which is characterized by pain and tenderness on the inside (ulnar side) of the elbow at the medial epicondyle of the humerus. It is similar to the more common lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) in many respects just on the inside of the elbow instead of the outside. (add link to tennis Elbow)
What are the symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis / Golfer’s Elbow?
How do we get Medial Epicondylitis / Golfer’s Elbow?
Muscles are attached to a bone by a tendon. Some of the muscles in the forearm are attached to the bone on the inside of your elbow. When these muscles are used over and over again, small tears develop in the tendons. Over time, this leads to irritation and pain where the tendon is attached to the bone. Common causes are;
Training errors – improper duration and intensity of activity without having adequate warm up.
Improper technique in moving the arms
Equipment misuse
Functional risk factors – weakness, poor endurance and poor flexibility of the forearm may increase the risk. Increasing weight or training time before the body is strong enough to handle it.
How to diagnose Medial Epicondylitis / Golfer’s Elbow?
To test for Medial Epicodylits (golfers elbow) your massage therapist may rest your arm on a table, palm side up, and ask you to raise your hand by bending the wrist against resistance. If a you have medial epicondylitis, pain is usually felt in the inner aspect of the elbow.
Is Medial epicondylitis treatable?
Yes, it is. Rest is very important to relieve the pain due to medial epicondylitis. It will usually respond well to rest combined, massage and gentle rehabilitation exercises.
How can massage therapy improve Medial epicondylitis / Golfer’s Elbow
If you live in San Diego one of our skilled massage therapist will assess your condition and use a combination of massage therapy techniques to help relax the surrounding muscles. Massaging the surrounding muscles decreases the tension on the inflamed tendons and helps break down any scar tissue that has formed around the tendons. Then the therapist will massage the upper arm and forearm to maximize blood circulation to the tendon. This massage process often involves ischemic compressions to trigger points which are referring to the lesion site and increasing the pain felt from Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow).
Applying massage to the muscles of the forearm and reducing tension in the muscles improves their function which long-term should help reduce the strain on the tendon at the elbow. Massage therapy can bring about a huge impact on improving medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow) if you seek the correct massage therapist at the correct time. When you first notice discomfort in the elbow is the best time!!