Is pain on the inside of your elbow keeping you off the golf course? You might be dealing with golfer's elbow, and despite its name, this condition affects more than just golfers here in Ankeny.
(Is your pain more on the outside of the elbow? You may be looking for tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis).
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is inflammation of the tendons that connect your forearm muscles to the inside of your elbow. The pain centers on the bony bump on the inside of your elbow and may spread into your forearm.
Unlike tennis elbow, which affects the outside of the elbow, golfer's elbow impacts the inside where forearm muscles that control wrist and finger movement attach to the bone. The condition gets its name because the repetitive wrist motion in a golf swing can trigger it, but many activities can cause this problem.
Common Causes in Ankeny Residents
In our practice, we see golfer's elbow in people who:
- Play golf (especially those hitting from driving range mats or indoor simulators)
- Work in construction or plumbing
- Use computers extensively
- Participate in activities requiring repetitive gripping
Signs You Might Have Golfer's Elbow
Watch for these telltale symptoms:
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of your elbow
- Discomfort that worsens with certain movements
- Weakness in your hands and wrists
- Stiffness in the elbow
- Pain when making a fist or gripping objects
The Conventional Approach vs. Our Comprehensive Method
The traditional approach to treating golfer's elbow often relies heavily on rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. While these can provide temporary relief, they rarely address the underlying causes and can delay healing which makes the problem worse.
At Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness in Ankeny, we take a more comprehensive approach that includes:
1. Class IV Laser Therapy: The Game-Changer
Our advanced laser therapy is particularly effective for tendon issues like golfer's elbow because:
- It dramatically increases blood flow to damaged tendons
- Stimulates cellular energy production to accelerate healing
- Reduces inflammation without medications
- Penetrates deep into the affected area
While many patients experience noticeable improvement after just 2-3 sessions, tendon injuries often take weeks to completely heal. We guide you through the entire process and ultimatley get you back on the course quicker. Golf season in Iowa is short enough as it is!
2. Targeted Rehabilitation Exercises
Research has changed our understanding of tendon healing. We know now that specific exercises are crucial for proper recovery:
Phase 1: Isometric Exercises - These pain-relieving exercises involve holding a static contraction without moving the joint, which can immediately reduce pain and begin rebuilding tendon tolerance.
Phase 2: Eccentric Exercises - Slowly lengthening the muscle-tendon unit under load helps stimulate proper collagen fiber alignment and increase tendon strength.
3. Joint Adjustment Techniques
Improper joint mechanics in your elbow, wrist, or even your neck and shoulder can contribute to golfer's elbow. Our precise adjustments help:
- Restore optimal joint motion
- Reduce stress on irritated tendons
- Improve overall biomechanics
Kinesiology Taping Techniques (K-tape) target the root causes of golfer's elbow to promote healing and allow for a quicker return to the course. Our therapeutic taping helps:
- Decompress irritated tissues around the inside of the elbow
- Support weakened forearm flexor muscles
- Provide sensory feedback to improve movement patterns
Prevention Tips for Ankeny Golfers
For our golfing patients who enjoy rounds at Briarwood or Otter Creek, we recommend:
- Proper warm-up before playing
- Getting a professional to check your swing mechanics
- Using clubs with the right grip size
- Taking breaks between rounds
- Strengthening forearm muscles
- Wearing a counterforce brace during activity
- Stretching before and after your round
Why Choose Our Approach?
Our patients choose Feel Good Chiropractic for golfer's elbow because:
- We address both symptoms AND underlying causes
- Our treatments are drug-free and non-invasive
- We combine proven techniques with innovative technology
- We understand the local Ankeny community and the activities that bring our patients joy
- Our transparent pricing means no surprise bills
Ready to Get Back to Your Game?
If you've read this far, congrats! Now through the end of April 2025 Dr. Isaiah will be offering a FREE TPI Golf-Specific Movement Screen with a New Patient Exam! Complete with results, and stretches based on YOUR movement patterns, this TPI Screen combined with management of a current pain or injury is the best thing you can do for you game to start the year.
Don't let golfer's elbow keep you from enjoying the activities you love. Whether you're eager to get back on the course or simply want to pick up your grandchild without pain, our comprehensive approach can help you Feel Good again.
Book your new patient exam today right here in Ankeny. We offer same-day appointments for those who need relief now.
Dr. Isaiah Petersen is a Doctor of Chiropractic at Feel Good Chiropractic & Wellness in Ankeny, IA. As a golfer himself and TPI certified professional, he understands both the frustration of being sidelined with an injury and the joy of getting back out on the course.
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