What is Medial Epicondylitis?
Medial epicondylitis, commonly known as golfer's elbow, is an overuse injury that is caused by repetitive strain on the tendons that flex the wrist and fingers. With medial epicondylitis, pain and inflammation is generally produced on the inner side of the elbow.
Despite the name, medial epicondylitis is not strictly limited to golfers. The condition is caused by repetitive activities that involve forceful gripping, twisting, or bending of the wrist and forearm, such as golfing, throwing a baseball, playing tennis, bowling, weightlifting, gardening, painting, and using screwdrivers.
Physical Therapy for Medial Epicondylitis
Physical therapy interventions for medial epicondylitis can include massage, electrical stimulation, myofascial cupping therapy, and stretching of the forearm muscles to reduce pain and inflammation. Your physical therapist will also give strengthening exercises for the shoulder, elbow, and wrist muscles, as well as provide technique correction for sport-specific movements to prevent future reinjury.