As we go through our years of schooling, we’re encouraged to participate in sports and gym classes to develop healthy habits later in life that will encourage us to stay active. Many of us may go on to have a gym membership or home gym, go for runs or jogs, or play sports casually well into middle age, including golf and tennis.
While we’ve mentioned injuries in the past that could be sports related involving the spine, there are plenty that don’t. Some such sports-related injuries not involving the spine include golfer’s elbow and tennis elbow. Could these injuries and sources of chronic pain be treated with chiropractic care even though they don’t involve the spine?
What Does Golfer’s Elbow Feel Like?
You should be aware of multiple symptoms related to golfer’s elbow in case you think you may be suffering from this ailment. The symptoms include:
- Pain coming from the inside of your elbow.
- Stiffness in the elbow.
- Weakness in your associated wrist and hand.
- Numbness or tingling extending into your fingers.
Will Golfer’s Elbow Go Away?
It all depends. Golfer’s elbow is an overuse injury which is caused by repetitive movements. It’s common for many athletes or people who regularly participate in certain sports, like golf and tennis. In some cases, resting the injured elbow and avoiding the repetitive movement that caused the injury will allow the elbow to heal all on its own.
If you’re passionate about golf and don’t want to consider giving up the sport, there are other options as well. Icing your elbow three to four times a day can help control the swelling and dull the pain. Additionally, natural anti-inflammatories like nutraMetrix Isotonix OPC-3 can be used for discomfort and to ease swelling.
How Long Does Golfer’s Elbow Take to Heal?
In mild cases, you may not need to take that much time to heal; just avoid playing for weeks until you’re comfortable and remember to ice the elbow as needed. In the most extreme cases, you may require surgery to remove the damaged tissue and repair the affected area. In those instances, you may require up to six months before you’re healed enough to continue playing.
In most cases, however, such extreme measures can be avoided. The repetitive strain can lead to soft tissue fibrosis and chronic inflammation, which, in turn, can lead to fascial restrictions, tendinous adhesions, and even scar tissue. Simple rest and icing the elbow isn’t sufficient to address that, but the Graston Technique® can. This Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) technique is commonly used for soft tissue injuries and golfer’s elbow treatment to break up the adhesions and restrictions.
Of course, the best way to avoid the pain and golfer’s elbow recovery time is prevention. A great way you can reduce the risk of, if not avoid, developing the condition is to do proper stretches and strengthening exercises. A good chiropractor can not only help with the pain management of a condition like golfer’s elbow but can provide lifestyle advice to lower the risks of future injury.
East Bay Chiropractic & Wellness Can Help Alleviate Your Chronic Pain
Golfer’s elbow, tennis elbow, and other similar sports-related injuries can take away one of our most pleasurable activities while also causing us chronic pain. At East Bay Chiropractic, we specialize in the Graston Technique®; a treatment technique that targets the scars in your soft tissue that causes conditions like golfer’s elbow and help to alleviate your pain and get you back on the course. And with over 30 years of experience, you know you’ll be in good hands. To learn more about how we can help you manage your chronic pain, contact us by filling out our contact form or give us a call directly at (516) 679-2225.