Golfer’s elbow, or medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a common condition that typically affects golfers, but it can occur in anyone who repeatedly uses their wrists or clenches their fingers. It causes pain and inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. Although medications and surgical interventions are available, several natural treatments can be effective in managing golfer’s elbow. Among these treatments, upper cervical chiropractic care is often overlooked, but it can provide substantial relief. This article will explore the natural ways to treat golfer’s elbow, emphasizing upper cervical chiropractic care.
Rest and Ice
The first and most straightforward treatment for golfer’s elbow is rest. Repeated stress on the elbow and forearm muscles can exacerbate the condition. Therefore, it’s essential to allow your body the time it needs to heal by avoiding activities that strain the affected area.
In the early stages of golfer’s elbow, applying ice to the area can help reduce inflammation and ease pain. You can use a bag of frozen peas or an ice pack, wrapped in a thin cloth to protect your skin. Apply the ice for about 15 minutes at a time, several times a day.
Exercise and Stretching
Physical therapy exercises and stretches can also provide significant relief from golfer’s elbow. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance circulation in the affected area, which aids healing. The types of exercises typically include wrist extensions, wrist curls, forearm pronation and supination, and resistance band exercises. A physical therapist can provide a personalized exercise routine, ensuring the exercises are done correctly and safely.
Upper Cervical Chiropractic
Upper cervical chiropractic care is a specialized form of chiropractic treatment focusing on the precise alignment of the upper two vertebrae in the neck, the atlas (C1), and the axis (C2). Misalignments in this area can lead to a chain reaction of misalignments and imbalance throughout the body, possibly exacerbating conditions like golfer’s elbow.
When the upper cervical spine is misaligned, it can disrupt the nervous system’s proper functioning, affecting the body’s ability to heal itself. This misalignment can also affect muscle tone and cause an imbalance, leading to additional stress on certain joints, including the elbow.
A trained upper cervical chiropractor can perform a thorough examination to identify any misalignments. If a misalignment is detected, the chiropractor will use specific, often gentle, techniques to correct the problem, thereby reducing irritation and inflammation in the nervous system and promoting the body’s natural healing abilities.
Patients with golfer’s elbow may find that upper cervical chiropractic care helps reduce pain and inflammation and enhances their overall healing process. It’s also worth noting that this approach to care is holistic and aims to improve overall health, potentially preventing future occurrences of golfer’s elbow.
Dietary Changes
Some dietary changes may also help alleviate the symptoms of golfer’s elbow. Eating a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fatty fish, can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, staying hydrated and avoiding inflammatory foods like processed items, sugary snacks, and alcohol can also be beneficial.
Natural Anti-inflammatory Supplements
Some natural supplements have anti-inflammatory properties that could help manage golfer’s elbow. Omega-3 fatty acids, turmeric (curcumin), ginger, and bromelain are a few examples. Before starting any supplement regimen, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they’re safe and suitable for your health condition.
Golfer’s elbow can be effectively managed with natural treatments. Incorporating rest, ice, exercise, stretching, upper cervical chiropractic care, dietary changes, and natural supplements may help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment to ensure it’s appropriate for your specific needs.
How We Treat Golfer’s Elbow
At Los Angeles Upper Cervical, Dr. Bello focuses on treating the root cause of your golfer’s elbow by readjusting the upper cervical spine and mitigating any abnormal pressures contributing to the condition and associated inflammation.
In the initial phase of the treatment process, Dr. Bello uses a range of cutting-edge diagnostic tools, including non-invasive X-rays and cone-beam computed tomography scans, to detect any misalignments in the upper cervical spine.
Post initial evaluation and examination, Dr. Bello applies precisely targeted adjustments to the upper cervical spine. The treatment goal is to relieve musculoskeletal stress, restore normal joint function, and, consequently, aim to reduce inflammation and minimize the intensity and recurrence of your golfer’s elbow.
Los Angeles Upper Cervical and Dr. Bello are at your disposal if you’re seeking a natural and potent solution for golfer’s elbow. Our services cater to patients in West Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Brentwood, Santa Monica, Marina Del Rey, Westwood, Beverly Hills, Culver City, and surrounding regions.