“SEEING A CHIROPRACTOR ON A REGULAR BASIS HAS MADE ME A BETTER GOLFER. I’VE BEEN GOING TO CHIROPRACTORS FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER. IT’S AS IMPORTANT TO MY TRAINING AS PRACTICING MY SWING”
-TIGER WOODS, 14 TIME PGA CHAMPIONSHIP GOLFER
Part of my job as your golf doctor is to guide you into the direction of maximum recovery. I will analyze your posture, body mechanics and physical restrictions and create a custom protocol that will utilize the latest tools and techniques in the industry. We are successful when others have failed because we pay attention to detail and focus on the cause of your problem not merely the symptom.
What Causes Golf Injuries?
Overuse
Mis-hits or duffs (hitting the ground during the swing)
Poor swing mechanics
Over-swinging
Skipping the Warm-up
Twisting the Spine During the Swing
Incorrect Golf Club Grip
Prevention of Golf injuries depends upon:
Proper swing mechanics and club grip
Proper conditioning -flexible ankles, hips, thoracic spine and shoulder joints
Proper equipment – graphite shafts- large club grips
Avoid hitting off artificial mats
I recommend switching to a larger club grip to treat and prevent golfer’s elbow
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is pain and inflammation on the inner side of your elbow, where the tendons of your forearm muscles attach to the bony bump on the inside of your elbow. The pain may spread into your forearm and wrist. Golfer’s elbow also known as medial epicondylitisis similar to tennis elbow. But it occurs on the inside rather than the outside of your elbow. And it’s not limited to golfers. Tennis players and others who repeatedly use their wrists or clench their fingers also can develop golfer’s elbow.
Golfer’s elbow is characterized by:
Pain and tenderness on the inner side of your elbow. Sometimes the pain extends along the inner side of your forearm.
Stiffness. Your elbow may feel stiff, and it may hurt to make a fist.
Weakness. You may have weakness in your hands and wrists.
Numbness or tingling. Many people with golfer’s elbow experience numbness or a tingling sensation that radiates into one or more fingers, usually the ring and little fingers.
The pain of golfer’s elbow may appear suddenly or gradually. The pain may get worse when you:
Swing a golf club or racket
Squeeze or pitch a ball
Shake hands
Turn a doorknob
Pick up something with your palm down
Flex your wrist toward your forearm
When to see a doctor
Consult your doctor if rest, ice and over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers don’t ease your elbow pain and tenderness. Seek immediate care if:
Your elbow is hot and inflamed and you have a fever
You can’t bend your elbow
Your elbow looks deformed
You suspect you’ve broken a bone
Causes Of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. The damage is typically related to excess or repetitive stress especially forceful wrist and finger motions. Sometimes golfer’s elbow begins after a sudden force to the elbow or wrist.
Many activities can lead to golfer’s elbow, including:
Golf. Gripping or swinging the clubs incorrectly can take a toll on your muscles and tendons. Incorrect golf club grips or equipment.
Racket sports. Excessive topspin can hurt your elbow. Using a racket that’s too small, heavy or tightly strung also can lead to injury.
Throwing sports. Improper pitching technique in baseball or softball can be another culprit.
Weight training. Lifting weights using improper technique, such as curling the wrists during a biceps exercise, can lead to overload of the elbow muscles and tendons.
Other activities. Painting, raking, hammering, chopping wood, typing and other repetitive wrist, hand or arm movements can result in golfer’s elbow as well.
Am I At Risk For Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is most common in men ages 20 to 49 but the condition can affect anyone who repetitively stresses the wrists or fingers.
Dr. Mangold’s Treatment Protocol for Golfer’s Elbow
It is estimated that 10-15% of medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow) is treated surgically. Many of these surgeries (which are not always successful at alleviating pain) could have been avoided with non intrusive measures.The Class IV LightForce Laser is at the heart of our treatment program. It provides a safe, effective, non-invasive, painless solution for elbow pain and injury. Patients respond exceptionally well to treatments and usually notice significant pain relief after just a few treatments. Dr. Mangold’s program utilizes the latest FDA Cleared Lasers, and combines them with other therapies to help reduce the pain, strengthen the muscles and increase range of motion. Most importantly these treatments help reduce inflammation/swelling, which helps improve overall function. Dr. Mangold has been treating sports injuries for over 30 years and has been helping people suffering from various health conditions during that time. Patients seek his advice and care if they want to avoid surgery if at all possible and help you return to all the activities you enjoy.