So this is my latest ailment which began a few days after returning from a family vacation last week (all of six days out of the water). Only my right elbow is affected, although I breathe bilaterally. And no, I don't play golf. Anyone else have any experience with this?
Former Member
I struggled with golfer's elbow for 3 years and tried all sorts of treatments and PT along with tons and tons of rest. Ultimately it was diagnosed as tendonosis and I had surgery to remove the dead part of the tendon in 2007. This was brought on by rock climbing, and due to imbalances and a lack of stability in my shoulder which created undue stress in my elbow.
Since the surgery shoulder stabalizing exercises, stretching the elbow well and working on eccentric strength are all part of my weekly routine in order to stay healthy. Ive had no further major issues with the elbow either rock climbing, nor when I started swimming again 2 years ago. But I have to be diligent about ongoing preventative "rehab" - no slacking allowed or I start to feel minor symptoms especially when Im doing hard dry-lands or climbing.
Of note, I had 2 cortisone injections and while they may work (the first was a miracle) I do NOT reccomend them at all, especially for medial epicondylitis. If rest, rehab and fixing the root cause doesnt work (like others have said, be patient here and give it more than ample rest and then come back SLOW) try some of the other treatment options like dry needling or nitro patches, etc. I had a hole all the way through my tendon down to the bone from the injections which long-term negatively outweighed the only temporary relief they provided. Im a huge fan of dry needling - it has helped with alot of other injuries Ive had.
Sounds like this is your first time with an issue and you are taking it seriously so hopefully it will resolve and never come back to bother you again. Best of luck!!
I had medial epicondylitis when I was in college. My doctor said that my daily swimming training triggered it. I couldn't give up tennis. As a matter of fact, it was the only reason why I went to college (lol) so, i tried to look for effective treatment. My coach advised me to undergo stem cell therapy, which I did, and it went really well. I had it with my orthopedic surgeon, Dr Purita. I had slight fever for 2 days my elbow was swollen, but he said its normal. After that, my elbow went back to normal and I was able to compete inter-school. :)
