Golfers elbow, or medial epicondylitis, may sound like an injury exclusive to golfers, but it’s a common issue for anyone who engages in repetitive arm movements—athletes, manual laborers, and even those working at desks for long hours. This condition involves pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons attach to the bone. It can affect your grip strength, daily activities, and sports performance. Thankfully, shockwave therapy has emerged as a game-changing solution, offering relief and accelerating recovery of golfers elbow.
What Causes Golfers Elbow?
Golfers elbow occurs when the tendons in the forearm that connect to the inner elbow become strained or irritated. The condition is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the muscles in the forearm. In sports like golf, tennis, or baseball, the swinging motion puts a lot of pressure on these tendons. Similarly, jobs that involve gripping tools or lifting heavy objects can also contribute to this condition. The repetitive motion causes tiny tears in the tendons, leading to inflammation and pain.
How Can Golfers Elbow Be Treated in the Past?
In the past, treatments for golfers elbow were largely based on rest, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, corticosteroid injections were used to reduce inflammation and manage pain, but this was often a temporary solution. Surgery was considered a last resort for more severe cases. While these treatments can provide relief, they don’t always address the root cause of the injury, and recovery times can be long. Furthermore, the risk of recurrence remains high.
How Shockwave Therapy Works for Golfers Elbow
Shockwave therapy, or extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), is a highly effective non-invasive treatment for musculoskeletal conditions such as golfer’s elbow. This advanced therapy uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. The process starts when focused sound waves are directed into the targeted tissues of the affected area.
When shockwaves are applied, they create microtraumas within the injured tissue, which triggers the body’s natural repair mechanisms. The shockwaves increase circulation in the area, delivering oxygen and essential nutrients to the damaged tendon, thereby promoting tissue repair and regeneration. Shockwave therapy also stimulates the production of collagen, a key protein that strengthens and heals tissues. As collagen production increases, the tendon becomes more resilient and less prone to further damage.
Additionally, shockwave therapy helps to break down scar tissue and calcifications that may have built up in the tendons due to repetitive stress. Scar tissue can impair normal tendon function, causing chronic pain and restricting movement. By disintegrating this scar tissue, shockwaves improve tendon elasticity and reduce stiffness, which can enhance overall joint mobility.
One of the major benefits of shockwave therapy is its precision. The high-frequency sound waves can target the injury site with extreme accuracy, promoting healing directly at the damaged tissue without affecting surrounding areas. This focused approach accelerates recovery while minimizing the risk of side effects, making it a highly efficient treatment for conditions like golfer’s elbow.
What to Expect During a Shockwave Therapy Session
A typical shockwave therapy session for golfer’s elbow lasts approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The treatment is quick and easy, making it a popular choice for busy individuals. Before starting, the therapist will clean the affected area to ensure proper hygiene, and a special gel is applied to enhance the transmission of sound waves and ensure smooth contact between the shockwave device and the skin.
During the treatment, the shockwave device is held against the elbow, and high-energy acoustic waves are delivered in short, pulsed bursts. You will experience a series of rapid, pulsing sensations as the shockwaves penetrate the skin and target the injured tendon. While most patients describe the sensation as uncomfortable, it’s generally well-tolerated, with only mild discomfort during the procedure.
The shockwaves cause micro-traumas in the tendons, which stimulate the body’s natural healing process. These micro-traumas activate the repair mechanisms at the cellular level, speeding up the healing of the damaged tissue. Shockwave therapy also encourages blood flow, which is essential for the regeneration of the tendon.
Typically, 3-5 treatment sessions are necessary to achieve noticeable improvements. These sessions are spaced about a week apart, allowing your body time to heal between treatments. Most patients start seeing significant results within the first few treatments, with pain reduction, increased mobility, and improved function of the elbow.
One of the main advantages of shockwave therapy is that it’s non-invasive, meaning no surgery or lengthy recovery period. After each session, you can resume your normal activities without any downtime. Some patients may experience mild tenderness in the treated area after the session, but this is temporary and should subside within a few hours.
Conclusion: Get Back in the Game
Golfers elbow can be a frustrating condition, but with modern treatments like shockwave therapy, relief is within reach. This non-invasive, highly effective treatment addresses the underlying causes of the injury, accelerates recovery, and restores functionality. Whether you’re a golfer, tennis player, or simply someone struggling with elbow pain, shockwave therapy can help you get back to doing what you love—without the need for surgery or long recovery times.