The PGA staff in the PGA Performance facility at each PGA TOUR event frequently sees injuries to the elbow. Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a common condition in golfers and usually involves the inside elbow of the trail arm in the golf swing. Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) is also an overuse injury causing pain on the outside of the elbow from repetitive forearm and wrist movements leading to tiny tears in the extensor tendon. Lateral epicondylitis usually occurs in the lead forearm in golfers.
Specifically LATERAL EPICONDYLITIS is due to damage of the Extensor Carpi Radialitis Brevis muscle. The ECRB assists to stabilize the wrist when the elbow is straight. With overuse the ECRB weakens as microscopic tears form where the muscle attaches to the lateral epicondyle. This will cause pain in the lateral (outer side) of the elbow. Bony prominences around the elbow joint can also cause ECRB tendon irritation. As the elbow flexes and extends the muscle can rub against these bony prominences creating an inflammatory reaction.
In the PGA Performance facilities most of these cases are treated effectively with conservative care. Localized advanced soft tissue procedures like Active Release Technique, deep friction massage, Dry Needling, Joint manipulation-mobilization, and concentric-eccentric stretching and strengthening procedures are very effective in reducing the symptoms and correcting the condition.
It is important to note to include treatment of the BRACHIORADIALIS muscle with this condition. It assists with elbow stabilization and is involved with pronation and supination of the forearm. Utilizing the same conservative procedures will enhance your treatment effectiveness.
Other areas of involvement that may influence the area and must be evaluated are the lower cervical spine and shoulder. if these are stable then assessing the body's entire kinetic chain of movement with the golf swing is advised.
