Golfer's Elbow

What Is Golfer's Elbow?

Golfer's elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a condition that affects the tendons attached to the inside of the elbow. It develops when repetitive stress or overuse causes irritation and small tears within these tendons, leading to pain, inflammation, and reduced arm strength.

Despite its name, golfer's elbow isn't limited to golfers. It commonly affects anyone who performs repetitive gripping, lifting, throwing, swinging, or wrist movements. Athletes, weightlifters, mechanics, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, landscapers, healthcare professionals, and office workers can all develop golfer's elbow.

Pain often begins gradually and can eventually interfere with work, sports, hobbies, and everyday tasks like lifting groceries, carrying children, opening doors, or using hand tools.

Since several conditions can produce similar symptoms, Dr. Charles Boley performs a comprehensive evaluation to determine the source of your pain before recommending treatment.

Common Symptoms

Patients with golfer's elbow often experience:

 Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow.

 Pain that radiates into the forearm.

 Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning.

 Weak grip strength.

 Pain when gripping or lifting objects.

 Discomfort during throwing or swinging motions.

 Pain when flexing the wrist.

 Tenderness when touching the inside of the elbow.

 Increased discomfort after repetitive activities.

Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen if repetitive strain continues.

What Causes Golfer's Elbow?

Several factors may contribute to golfer's elbow, including:

 Repetitive gripping or lifting.

 Golf and other swinging sports.

 Baseball, softball, or throwing sports.

 Weightlifting.

 Construction and manual labor.

 Repetitive use of hand tools.

 Computer work and repetitive wrist movements.

 Poor lifting mechanics.

 Muscle imbalances.

 Sudden increases in activity or training.

Because the condition often develops over time, many patients don't remember a specific injury that caused their symptoms.

How StemWave Therapy May Help

StemWave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic wave technology to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Depending on the individual's condition and overall health, this therapy may help improve circulation, support tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions.

For patients with golfer's elbow, StemWave may be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan designed to promote tendon healing, improve function, reduce discomfort, and help patients return to work, sports, and daily activities.

Because every case is unique, Dr. Charles Boley performs a complete evaluation to determine whether StemWave Therapy is an appropriate option based on your symptoms, lifestyle, and recovery goals.