Introduction
Golfer’s elbow which is also called medial epicondylitis is the injury occurring on the inner aspect of the elbow.. It’s an overuse syndrome involving the musculo-tendinous origin of the common flexors. Same as tennis elbow it’s also a form of tendonitis.
Causes of Tennis Elbow
The mechanism of this injury can be a single violent action of the muscle or, more commonly, repetitive stress injury where an action is performed repeatedly. It may result into one or more of the following:
* Poor sports technique (such as a golf ball hitting from the top)
* Occupational tasks involving repetitive movements of the wrist and hands (such as carpenters who use hand tools on occasion or people involved in desk bound jobs)
* Injury to the elbow or minor tears of the tendon (such as hitting directly)
* Lifting heavy objects with wrists flexed or very tight grips

Symptoms
* Aching pain on the inner side of the elbow
* Pain frequently radiating into the forearm
* Pain with resisted in-turning of the wrist and flexion
* Pain with passive backward stretching of wrist.
* Weakness of grip strength

Treatment of Tennis Elbow
Main aim is to reduce inflammation and pain, stretch and strengthen the wrist flexor muscles
Medical help
Your doctor may prescribe some anti-inflammatories and pain –killers.
Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist may try various techniques to reduce the inflammation and pain. This may include:
Radial Shock Wave Therapy: There is an increased delivery of nutrients to the affected area, which increases the blood vessel formation and initiates the healing response
Interferential therapy: Electrical current that stimulates the peripheral sensory and muscle nerve fibres to reduce pain and inflammation.
Ultrasound: This decreases tissue inflammation, promotes healing and increases blood circulation to the area.
Ice therapy: To aid in reducing pain and inflammation.To aid in reducing pain and inflammation.
Laser: This involves the application of low power light to areas of the body in order to stimulate healing as it penetrates deeper into the underlying tissue.
Frictional massage: This type of massage helps to break up scar tissue and adhesions.
Exercise therapy: Includes muscle stretches to maintain the length of the muscles and strength.
Ergonomics tips and advice on activity modification: Your physiotherapist can advise you on how to improve your posture, or improve your technique at sports and other activities to help prevent further injuries.
Elbow guard or tape: This helps to support the tendon and reduce further strain on it.

Useful Advice
* Applying ice packs
* Regular stretching as advised by the physiotherapist
* Resting the arm or reducing repetitive movements
* Proper technique when working or playing sports.
* Bracing or taping the elbow during activities

Experienced physiotherapists in Singapore, with over 18 years of experience, help you to get relief from pain/weakness quickly and easily. You can book an appointment to see our Senior Physiotherapist. We are located right in the heart of Singapore, at Orchard, and are available Mondays through Saturday.