Golfer & Tennis Elbow
Golfer’s & Tennis Elbow Therapy in Coral Springs – Specialized Care at FYZICAL
Understanding Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) and Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis) are two of the most common repetitive strain injuries affecting the elbow. Despite their sporty names, these conditions are not limited to athletes. They often develop from everyday activities that involve repetitive arm and wrist movements—such as typing, using tools, gardening, or lifting. These motions, when repeated frequently over time, can place excessive stress on the tendons surrounding the elbow joint, leading to discomfort and functional limitations.
At the root of both conditions are small tears in the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the elbow—on the inner side in Golfer’s Elbow and the outer side in Tennis Elbow. These microtears cause inflammation, resulting in pain, tenderness, and muscle weakness in the affected arm. The discomfort may worsen with gripping or lifting activities and can gradually interfere with one’s ability to perform daily tasks.
Common Symptoms of Elbow Tendinopathies
- Aching or burning sensation in the elbow area
- Tenderness when pressing on the medial or lateral epicondyle
- Pain with wrist movements, gripping, or lifting
- Stiffness in the elbow, especially in the morning
- Weak grip strength
Left untreated, symptoms can become chronic and interfere with both work and recreational activities.
Comprehensive Evaluation: Getting to the Root
Your recovery begins with a full assessment, including:
- Palpation of the medial/lateral epicondyle
- Manual strength testing (wrist flexors/extensors, grip)
- Range of motion testing for elbow, wrist, and shoulder
- Postural screening (cervical and thoracic spine)
- Provocative tests (Cozen’s, Mill’s, Golfer’s Elbow test)
- Functional task assessment (lifting, typing, gripping)
This allows us to classify your tendinopathy (acute, chronic, degenerative) and personalize your care plan.
Core Components of FYZICAL’s Elbow Pain Therapy
1. Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Work
Hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve mobility:
- Cross-friction massage over tendon insertions
- Myofascial release to address surrounding tightness
- Trigger point therapy for referred pain patterns
- Joint mobilizations for wrist, elbow, and shoulder alignment
2. Progressive Exercise Loading
We gradually recondition the tendon with targeted resistance:
- Eccentric exercises (slow lengthening under load) to promote healing
- Isometrics in early-stage rehab to reduce pain
- Theraband and dumbbell training for forearm muscles
- Grip-strengthening and pronation/supination drills
3. Postural and Kinetic Chain Corrections
Poor shoulder and spine posture can overload the elbow:
- Scapular stabilization drills
- Thoracic mobility and extension exercises
- Neck posture and ergonomic awareness
4. Activity and Ergonomic Modification
You’ll learn strategies to avoid re-irritation:
- Neutral wrist positions during typing or lifting
- Modified work setups and tool grips
- Revised sports mechanics for athletes (e.g., swing technique)
5. Modalities for Pain and Inflammation
To support healing, we may use:
- Ultrasound therapy
- Electrical stimulation (TENS)
- Ice or heat packs
- Kinesiology taping for proprioception and support
Why Choose FYZICAL Coral Springs for Elbow Therapy?
At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center Coral Springs, our therapists specialize in upper extremity rehabilitation, combining clinical expertise with hands-on care to help you recover quickly and safely.
We don’t just treat symptoms—we identify and correct:
- Muscle imbalances
- Tendon overload
- Faulty movement mechanics
- Workplace or lifestyle habits
Our therapy program is grounded in evidence-based techniques that reduce inflammation, promote healing, and prevent re-injury.
Specific Protocols for Tennis Elbow
Tennis Elbow often involves:
- Overuse of wrist extensors (especially ECRB muscle)
- Lateral elbow pain during gripping or lifting
Our focus includes:
- Eccentric loading of wrist extensors
- Stretching the extensor carpi radialis longus and brevis
- Correction of excessive wrist extension postures
- Grip training using stress balls or hand exercisers
Specific Protocols for Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s Elbow involves:
- Strain on wrist flexors and pronator muscles
- Pain with wrist flexion, forearm rotation, or resisted gripping
Treatment includes:
- Eccentric flexor strengthening
- Soft tissue work to pronator teres and FCR
- Avoidance of repetitive wrist flexion under load
- Restoration of neutral wrist during tasks
Hand and Wrist Training Integration
Because the hand and wrist are functionally connected to the elbow:
- We train wrist control and grip dynamics
- Emphasize balanced forearm use
- Include functional drills like hammering, carrying, and throwing
Home Exercise Program (HEP)
Each patient receives a take-home plan, including:
- Specific strengthening and flexibility routines
- Movement retraining tips
- Rest–activity guidelines
- Progress tracking tools
Who Benefits from Elbow Therapy?
Our program is perfect for:
- Office workers with pain from typing or mouse use
- Athletes (tennis, golf, pickleball, baseball)
- Manual laborers, carpenters, and mechanics
- Musicians and artists using repetitive hand motions
- Post-operative tendon repair patients
Conclusion: Swing Back Into Action with FYZICAL Coral Springs
Elbow pain doesn’t have to hold you back from work, hobbies, or the game you love. At FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center Coral Springs, we deliver expert care for both Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow—combining manual therapy, strengthening, and education to heal your tendons and prevent recurrence. Let’s help you move, grip, and lift with confidence again.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can elbow therapy prevent the need for injections or surgery?
Yes, especially if caught early. Therapy is the first line of defense and often eliminates the need for invasive procedures.
2. What’s the difference between Tennis and Golfer’s Elbow?
Tennis Elbow affects the outer elbow (extensor tendons); Golfer’s Elbow affects the inner elbow (flexor tendons). Both involve overuse.
3. Can I still work or play sports during therapy?
In many cases, yes—with modifications. We guide you through safe activity levels and proper technique.
4. Will my insurance cover this treatment?
Most insurance plans, including Medicare, cover physical therapy for these conditions. We assist with benefit checks and authorizations.
5. What should I bring to my first session?
Wear comfortable clothing and bring a list of your symptoms, previous treatments, and daily routines.
6. Do you treat chronic elbow pain?
Absolutely. Many of our patients have been dealing with elbow pain for months or years before finding lasting relief here.