Golfer’s and Tennis elbow are caused by stress to the ligaments and tendons at the elbow. Golfer’s elbow refers to stress at the medial epicondyle (side of your elbow closest to your body) and Tennis Elbow refers to stress at the lateral epicondyle (outside of your elbow).
Even though Golfer’s Elbow is far more common among the general public, Tennis Elbow is more common among golfer’s as funny as that may sound.
The reason we see Tennis Elbow so much in golf has to do with impact zone of the swing. When a golfer hits the ball “fat” or hits the ground before the ball it puts a lot of stress on the outside of the elbow, straining the ligaments and tendons there.
This type of impact is usually seen with amateurs and beginners, which is why Tennis Elbow is far more common with these same golfers. A second factor is that beginners have yet to develop the strength in the wrist, forearm and upper arm to prevent injury at the elbow when they hit it fat.
I have found Active Release Technique to be really effective in treating Tennis Elbow in golfers. Breaking up scar tissue in wrist extensor muscles and forearm extensors such as the triceps is key in rehabbing the elbow. Combining Active Release with simple strengthening and stretching exercises can help to see a quick turn around and get you back on the course.
