SOMA Living July 2022

FROM THE DOCTOR As the weather gets warmer people are hitting the golf course. Many injuries including Golfers Elbow or medial epicondylitis. Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. Golfer’s elbow, is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. The damage is typically related to excess or repeated stress especially forceful wrist and finger motions. Improper lifting, throwing or hitting, as well as too little warmup or poor conditioning, also can contribute to golfer’s elbow. The pain might spread into your forearm and wrist. Symptoms include pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow, extending along the inner side of your forearm. Pain typically worsens with certain movements, Stiffness, Weakness and numbness or tingling. The numbness and tingling sensations might radiate into one or more fingers but most likely the ring and little fingers. Golfers elbow can happen to patients who play. Racket sports, baseball, softball, football, archery, weight lifting and javelin throwing also can cause golfer’s elbow. Occupational “golfer’s elbow” can occur in fields such as construction, plumbing and carpentry. There are several risk factors that can make the injury more prevalent such as smoking, obesity, overuse and (40+). In order to prevent this injury patients can strengthen their forearm muscles by using light weights or squeezing a tennis ball. This prevents overloading the muscles. Use the right equipment. Lift properly. When lifting anything keep your wrist rigid and stable to reduce the force to your elbow. At the first sign of elbow pain, take a break. In order to diagnose the injury an MD can take an x-ray or MRI to see if there is any tissue damage. There is usually a palpation exam to find where there is the most tenderness. There are options for treatment. Rest and stop repetitive activities until the pain is gone. If you return to activity too soon, you can worsen your condition. Apply ice packs to your elbow for 15 to 20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day for several days. This will help the inflammation. It might help to massage your inner elbow with ice for five minutes at a time, two to three times a day. Sometimes a doctor might recommend that you wear a counterforce brace on your affected arm, to reduce strain. Stretch and strengthen the affected area. Your Physical Therapist will suggest exercises to help build up the weak muscles. Modalities such as cold laser and ultrasound can further help to reduce the inflammation. Gradually return to your usual activities. When your pain is gone, practice the arm motions of your sport or activity. Review your golf or tennis swing with an instructor to ensure that your technique is correct and make adjustments if needed. Any questions, feel free to reach out to one of the Therapists at South Orange Rehab and Wellness or visit us at www.southorangerehab.com. Golfers Elbow

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

Dr. Daniel Roig South Orange Rehab Wellness SouthOrangeRehab.com 973-761-0077

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