Can Massage Treat Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)?
If you have pain along the side of your forearm from the elbow to the wrist along the same side as your little finger, you may have medial epicondylitis. Also called golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and suitcase elbow, this condition can be brought on by work or sports activity. It is a sign of damage in the tendons that bend the wrist towards the palm.
What Causes Medial Epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis is commonly caused by sports or work activity. You may develop the condition if you engage in the following activities often:
- Serving with great force or using a spin serve in tennis
- Weakness in the shoulder and wrist muscles
- Carrying a heavy suitcase
- Using an axe to chop wood
- Operating a chain saw or other hand tools continuously
- Throwing a javelin
- Using a tennis racket that is too tightly strung, too short, or too heavy
What are the Symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis feels like an inflammatory pain that starts at the inner elbow and extends toward the wrist. You may also experience pain in your hands and fingers. You may feel muscle stiffness in the area.
The condition will be most painful when you engage in daily activities such as:
- Flexing your hand inward
- Using a computer
- Making a fist
- Turning a doorknob
- Making a swinging motion
How is Medial Epicondylitis Treated?
Golfer’s Elbow is uncomfortable, but it can be treated. The amount of time it takes to find relief will vary depending on the severity of the injury, the efficacy of your treatment, and other factors. Some people will feel better within six weeks, others must wait a couple of months before their symptoms disappear.
Here are some treatment methods that may be effective.
- Avoid the motion that caused the damage to allow your muscles to heal.
- Use non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain and swelling.
- Wear a brace to support muscles while they heal.
- Ice the area to reduce inflammation.
- Practice range of motion exercises to strengthen muscles and tendons and promote healing. A physical therapist can recommend exercise that promotes healing without injury.
- Shock wave or ultrasound therapy are professional treatments that increase circulation and support healing.
Can Massage Treat Golfer’s Elbow?
Massage can effectively treat medial epicondylitis. It promotes circulation in the area, so you heal sooner. It also loosens tense muscles to reduce pain and inflammation.
A self-massage can help with healing, but a professional massage will be even more effective. A masseuse has the expertise to identify pain points and provide skilled techniques. They will help you overcome your injury and prevent re-injury.
The two most popular massage techniques for tennis elbow are sports massage and deep tissue massage. Sports massages are designed to target athletic injuries. They are a type of trigger point massage therapy that combines friction, deep pressure, and kneading motions.
A deep tissue massage uses kneading, trigger point, release, and effleurage release to target pain points and reduce stress and discomfort.
Massage Revolution is the ideal destination for Golfer’s Elbow massage therapy. We provide the best massage in Los Angeles. We also offer physical therapy services that aid with healing.
Contact us to find out how we can help you overcome your sports and work-related injuries.
Massage Revolution’s Back & Neck Relief Center located in Manhattan Beach is the biggest trigger point therapy clinic in Los Angeles and the world.
Member savings plans are available. PPO insurance is also accepted.
