Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Sturgis
Golfer’s elbow — clinically known as medial epicondylitis — is an overuse injury that affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow where the forearm connects to the elbow bone. Despite the name, you don’t have to play golf to develop it. Anyone who performs repetitive gripping, flexing, or swinging motions with their hands and wrists can be affected. If left untreated, golfer’s elbow can progress into a chronic condition that becomes increasingly difficult to resolve. At Key City Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Jerrid Goebel provides targeted, drug-free chiropractic care to relieve golfer’s elbow pain and help patients regain full function of the arm and elbow.
What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow develops when repetitive strain on the forearm muscles — particularly those connected to the inner elbow — causes tiny tears or pulls in the tendons over time. As the body attempts to repair this damage, scar tissue begins to form at the point where the forearm tendons attach to the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow. It is this buildup of scar tissue, combined with ongoing inflammation, that causes the characteristic pain and stiffness of the condition.
Activities commonly associated with golfer’s elbow include golfing, baseball, rock climbing, typing, texting, video gaming, archery, using hand tools such as hammers, football, and javelin throwing. The key factor is repetitive motion over an extended period — typically months to years of consistent strain on the same tendons.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Chiropractic Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow
At Key City Chiropractic & Acupuncture, Dr. Goebel takes a comprehensive approach to treating golfer’s elbow — examining not only the elbow itself but also the wrist and cervical spine to identify any contributing factors that may be adding stress to the affected area. Treatment is tailored to your specific symptoms and activity demands, and may include:
- Spinal manipulation: Addressing cervical spine involvement that may be contributing to elbow and forearm tension
- Myofascial release and active release techniques: Hands-on therapy to break up scar tissue and restore mobility in the affected tendons and surrounding soft tissue
- Fascial stripping and deep tissue massage: Targeted techniques to reduce inflammation and release adhesions in the forearm muscles
- Stretching exercises: Targeted flexibility work for the forearm flexors and pectoral muscles to reduce tension at the elbow
- Eccentric exercise therapy: Controlled muscle-lengthening movements that have been shown to promote tendon healing and build resilience
- Kinesio taping: Applied to support the elbow, reduce strain on the tendons, and promote healing between visits
Why Early Treatment Matters
Golfer’s elbow rarely resolves on its own once scar tissue has begun to form, and the longer it goes untreated, the more time and intensive care it requires to resolve. Seeking evaluation and care at the first signs of inner elbow pain gives patients the best chance of making a full recovery and returning to their normal activities without long-term limitations.
Schedule Your Appointment
If you are experiencing inner elbow pain, stiffness, or arm weakness, contact Key City Chiropractic & Acupuncture in Sturgis today to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Goebel and start your recovery.
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