Are you struggling with elbow pain? Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) and Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) are common injuries that can severely impact daily activities and athletic performance. Understanding these conditions is crucial for effective treatment. At Breakthru Physical Therapy, we specialize in comprehensive care, helping patients across New Jersey recover and regain strength and mobility.
Tennis Elbow vs. Golfer’s Elbow
Tennis Elbow is caused by overuse of the forearm muscles that attach to the outside of the elbow, typically due to repetitive motions like those in tennis, painting, or carpentry.
Symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow
- Weakness in the forearm
- Difficulty in gripping objects.
Golfer’s elbow is typically caused by overuse of the muscles that attach to the inner side of the elbow, commonly from activities that require repetitive wrist and forearm motions such as golfing, throwing, or hammering. Symptoms include:
- Pain and tenderness on the inner part of the elbow
- Weakness in the forearm
- Pain when making a fist or bending the wrist
The Role of Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is crucial for managing both Tennis Elbow and Golfer’s Elbow. At Breakthru, we aim to reduce pain, restore mobility, strengthen the affected muscles, and prevent recurrence.
Initial Assessment and Diagnosis
The first step is a comprehensive assessment and diagnosis. Your therapist will conduct a detailed evaluation, which includes:
- Medical History: Review of the patient’s history and symptoms.
- Physical Examination: Assessment of pain, tenderness, and range of motion.
- Imaging Studies: If necessary, X-rays or MRIs to rule out other conditions.
This thorough evaluation helps develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs.
Early Stage Rehabilitation
In the early stages, the focus is on reducing pain and inflammation through:
- Rest: Avoiding activities that aggravate the condition.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Compression and Elevation: Using braces or wraps to support the elbow.
- NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to manage pain.
Modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and manual therapy promote healing.
Restoring Range of Motion
Once the acute pain and inflammation have subsided, the next phase involves restoring the elbow’s range of motion through:
- Gentle Stretching: Exercises to improve flexibility and prevent stiffness.
- Mobilization Exercises: Techniques to gradually increase the range of motion.
Breakthru physical therapists guide patients through exercises designed to increase mobility without causing further injury.
Strengthening the Elbow
Strengthening the muscles around the elbow is critical for a successful recovery. This phase includes:
- Progressive Strengthening Exercises: Using resistance bands, weights, and functional movements to target the forearm, wrist, and elbow muscles.
- Functional Movements: Exercises that mimic real-life activities to prepare the muscles for everyday use.
Functional Training
As strength and mobility improve, the focus shifts to functional training. This prepares the patient for a safe return to normal activities and sports. Exercises are tailored to simulate real-life movements and address the patient’s specific challenges.
Get Back in the Game!
Breakthru Physical Therapy offers high-quality, patient-centered care to help you regain strength, mobility, and quality of life. Our experienced therapists specialize in treating Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow with personalized treatment plans in a state-of-the-art, supportive environment. If you’re suffering from an elbow injury, find a New Jersey location near you to start your journey to recovery. We are here to support you every step of the way.
