There are many similarities between golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, and tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis. Both cause elbow pain. They each affect tendons in the elbow. Each condition makes doing certain normal daily tasks difficult.
However, there are some differences in the treatment used for medial and lateral epicondylitis. Physical therapists are experts at treating musculoskeletal disorders. This includes the two types of epicondylitis. These specialists can help you learn how the treatments for medial and lateral epicondylitis are different.
Three differences in the treatment for golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow
Initially, the treatment process your physical therapist uses for these two elbow injuries will be the same. First, they will evaluate your elbow to determine which injury you actually have. Then, your specialist will build you an individualized therapy plan to fit your injury and needs.
There will be some differences in this treatment plan depending on which elbow injury you have. Three ways the treatment plans for golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow could be different are:
- Location of the treatment — Medial epicondylitis causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, so your physical therapist will focus the treatment on this area. Treatment for lateral epicondylitis will focus on the outside of the elbow.
- Movements you’re asked not to do — There are certain movements that can lead to medial epicondylitis. This is especially true when they’re done repeatedly. Some of these movements include bending your wrist downward and lifting with your elbow extended and palm facing down. Your physical therapist will likely recommend that you avoid such movements during the initial part of your recovery process.
- The types of therapeutic exercises you do — Therapeutic exercises are intended to stretch and strengthen muscles around an injury. These exercises will need to focus on different muscles. Where they focus depends on whether you have medial or lateral epicondylitis. Exercises for medial epicondylitis will focus on the flexor carpi ulnaris, palmaris longus, flexor carpi radialis and pronator teres muscles.
Peak Performance can help treat your tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
Unsure where to find effective treatment for either tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow? Our team at Peak Performance is ready and willing to help you treat either elbow injury. We offer comprehensive screenings that can pinpoint which elbow injury you have. Additionally, our physical therapists excel at building personalized elbow injury treatment plans. Such plans can make use of therapy methods like:
- Therapeutic exercises
- Soft tissue mobilization
- Joint mobilization
- Myofascial release
- Aquatic therapy
- Anodyne® therapy
- Dry needling
- Ergonomics training
- Virtual therapy
Contact us today for more information about the treatment options we offer for elbow injuries or to schedule an initial appointment.
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