Physiotherapy Treatment of Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow (Medial epicodylitis) 

Definition: Inflammation in the common origin of elbow flexors. 

Physiotherapy Treatment  
Conservative treatment

1. Cryotherapy (cold therapy)

2. Supportive measures (Golfer's elbow straps)

3. Electrical stimulation

4. Iontophoresis

5. TENS

6. Gentle effleurage and kneading during the first two weeks (inter friction treatment)

7. Active movements and mild resistive exercise 

 

Postoperative physiotherapy treatments

Note: Golfer's elbow is not as common as tennis elbow and likewise tennis elbow surgery is also rarely indicated in resistant cases not responding to conservative treatment

 

1. Measures to reduce pain and inflammation

2. Limb elevation and speedy as well as sustained active movements to the joints free of immobilization.

When mobilization is allowed (1 week)

3. Begin with slow relaxed full ROM passive movement to the elbow, forearm and wrist.

4. Shoulder and shoulder girdle should be mobilized to full ROM to avoid adhesive capsulitis.

5. Begins with gradual active assisted exercise and progress to self-resistive techniques. Ultrasound and TENS can be used to reduce pain.

6.Progress gradually to PRE. By 5-6 weeks, functionally painless elbow, forearm and wrist movements should be regained.