Ryder Cup golf is on its way... but is your golfer's elbow stopping your play?
Golfing enthusiasts will be very much aware that this week sees the start of the Ryder Cup.... go Europe!
And we've also been enjoying a pleasantly warm Indian summer this September, meaning that many enthusiasts have been able to enjoy golf first hand in the gorgeous weather.
But what if an injury is getting you down? In particular, golfer’s elbow.
Whether you're an infrequent putter or a regular pro, this is a pain that any golfer really doesn't want. Chislehurst Chiropractic are experts in getting you on the mend!
Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, particularly relates to pain felt on the inside of the elbow (looking at your elbow, palm facing up). When you undertake repetitive and strenuous motion such as swinging a golf club, these forces can have an effect on the muscles of the forearm, which can cause golfer's elbow.
Repeated stresses can lead to a slight loss of proper movement in the bones of your spine (vertebrae) and joints, which in turn can interfere with the healthy working of the muscles and the nerves.
If your forearm flexor muscles have suffered these forces and they aren't given time for them to heal, the end result is local tenderness and swelling at the inside of the elbow.
There are some actions you can take to deal with the pain yourself:
The arm itself: applying a cold compress to the area for ten minutes at a time a few times during the day is a great first step to relieving pain, reducing swelling, and speeding up the recovery.
Don't ignore it: if it hurts, don't push through it. You must rest. It takes time for muscles to recuperate…even if the greens are calling. Not giving time for you body to recover could mean that it takes longer to recover.
Don't go in cold: if you are playing golf, warm up. Get your muscles ready for the round by doing wrist circles, opening and closing fingers in quick succession, and jazz hands.
Keep stretching: Keep your forearms flexible by stretching them frequently throughout the day. Hold your arm out with palm up; gently press your fingers down with your other hand until you feel some tension; hold for 20-25 seconds.
If none of these suggestions are making any difference to the pain you're experiencing, then it could be time to see a Chiropractor. At Chislehurst Chiropractic they can diagnose the problem and implement the relevant treatment to help relieve the symptoms and get you back on the golf course.
Chiropractic treatment aims to restore normal function to your joints and muscles as well as your nervous system and may increase your control, co-ordination and muscle strength, and mean you can once again pick up a golf club without the pain.
