How To Avoid “Golfer’s Elbow”

Hey Kim, there is a massage franchise here and nationwide (so likely) not far from you called Massage Envy. They are a monthly membership that makes massage more affordable. You may want to look into them in your locale. It may be an affordable alternative that will allow you to get one or more massages per month. I firmly believe that massage would deffinately help you and others that go to chiropactors. More often than not, it is our muscles (and tendons) that pull our spines and other bones out of alignment. That is why each adjustment only helps for a couple of days. Our chronic habitual lifesyle and repetetive movements keep pulling (therefor=tightening muscles) back into misalignment and pain. Hence the adjustment is more affective when massage is done too. I have many clients who have even stopped going to 'back crackers' after discovering the benifits of massage. Some chiros now have massage therapists on thier staff. Some doctors are even giving perscriptions for massage now (too few of course).
[you can look Massage Envy up on line] PS always be bold enough to ask, "who is your more experienced therapist?"

I stay teching golf by more than thirty years, I made very good players, but never in the life I can play scratch, however all I know about the game,

Today, I am fifty, I do it.

How I can get it?

For sure, with the fantastic help o f the simple ando logic point of view from Mr Don.

Trait it, it will help you, like help me.

Emerson, from Spain

Bob

You have the added excuse of living in the great white north. Bears are known to be a little grumpy when they first come out of their caves at the end of winter.

Don't worry about it, just thaw out and go play some golf.

Dick

Steve-

I appreciate your comment. Janet Travell, MD (Kennedy's White House physician) and David Simons, MD (first NASA physician) wrote the definitive texts on myofascial pain and trigger points. Interestingly, trigger points are not limited to just muscles. They can occur in almost any soft tissue including ligaments, tendons, fascia, the membrane that surrounds bone, etc. Acupressure, what your wife did with her elbow, is one of the ways used to try and eliminate trigger points. If you are interested and she is willing, have your wife massage the area feeling for something that feels like a small rope and twitches when she rolls over it. She can trace the rope and maybe locate the source(s) for the pain referral. Muscles insert into more than bone and can yield varied symptoms. Trigger points generally do not resolve on their own but rather sit and wait for something to set them off, again and again if not treated.

Surge's swing technique is remarkable in how (old) body friendly it is.

So helpful. I've been having left elbow pain and I kept hearing about the right ''tennis/golf'' elbow but not the left. This is a little off subject but I'd like to share. We have a new guy in our golf group this year named Mike. He hadn't played in a couple years because his wife had been really sick. She had just passed away last fall. He has a pretty good swing but he is really rusty. He was really lost last week and was topping a lot of his shots but mainly his driver. My partner in crime and I told him about Don and the 10 free tips. We didn't push it but would bring it up during our rounds. He said yesterday that he finally got here and asked us about "the catcher's mitt and tree". We also talked about the SBG in back swing and follow through. He only topped his drive once the whole round and we were happy for him. I used to give advice when someone would ask me for help when they were really struggling.. I really didn't want to give any but I would because I wanted to help. Now I just tell them about Don and this site. I feel so much better about it because I know I'm helping them instead of confusing them. I'm curious to see how Mike improves this summer.

A good chiropractor is golden when found as is any good practicianor of any craft, be it a massage therapist or any doctor.My "back cracker" comment was not meant to be disparaging. We all know that just as in any field there are good ones and not so good. Just like golfers(lol). I would never encourage anyone to give up their chiropractor or what ever doctor or therapist that is helping them. Sorry you don't agree with my experience with the muscles and ligaments. many people only go to massage therapists and swear by it. Others only go to chiropractors and swear by them. Others go to both and get acupuncture or some other therapy too. I think that there is merit in most of them. Wish I had the bank account and coverage to do it all! My point with the massage was that often people need more muscle relief than they realise. In conjunction with chiropractic it is really effective. That is why more and more chiropractors are employeeing MT's on thier staff. I worked for one for 5 months, great guy and very good:)
As far as Massage Envy, you're right, I've heard good and bad. I've experienced good and poor massages there. The reason is that there are both good and not so good MT's everywhere. That's why I said, "Always be bold enough to ask, who is your better, more experienced massage therapist?" If they give you the standard,"oh they're all good", you know that they are not familiar with thier technicians or none are outstanding. Niether a good sign.
In fact, that goes for any spa, anywhere. Whether it be at a big fancy expensive spa or a little place. It's not the place, it's the technician.I temporarily worked at Massage Envy and 8 out of 10 were very good. Many of them were very experienced and worked at top spas in Las Vegas full time and part time at Massage Envy. Others are new out of school and still needing improvement.
It's like a box of choclate!

Larry-

I feel your pain. Below are two sites to view, in sequence, that might help.The only thing I would add is that if you can buy DMSO in your home state, buy some and rub it in over the focus of pain in case there is inflammation there also, along with the referred pain from muscle(s). Hope this works for you. It did for me. If this approach does not make a change for the better, check with sports physician.
1. http://www.painwhisperer.com/p...
This site gives background on referred pain from muscles.
2.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9KJ-0X...
Nice video explaining physical therapy for problem.

John

Dick:

THAT is CLASSIC!! ROFLMAO!

Amos

So was I Doc...I remember my college coach saying you always run on the first basemans cutoff....he said because most first basemens names are Moose, Turk, Bear, BigGuy, etc.also Doc, (lol), for a reason....back then most had lame arms and were usually larger fellas....not comparing to todays athletes....just never forgot that comment...thanks for the memory Steve/Doc...!!!

Lynn

That is my story, and I am sticky to it.

Important foot note: I carry a battery powered saw. The last thing you need in this situation is a gas powered saw making a lot of noise and drawing attention to you. You know I am playing on your course if you hear someone in the distance yell "timber" instead of "four."

If a tree falls on the course and there is no marshal around, does it make any noise, or cost you a stroke?

The only limit I am over, is the weight limit. I can't go over some bridges on the course.
Dick

I believe it was Lee Trevino, revising an earlier statement about his new protection from lightning strikes of carrying a one iron because even G-d couldn't hit one. Lee was struck by lightning a second time and Nicklaus hit a 1 iron across a lake to end up 4 feet from the hole to beat Lee in a tournament. That's how I remember the story, at least. Reality may vary wildly from my recollections (just ask any of my exes).

Hi Dick,

It'll take me about an hour to get there. The courses here in Anchorage should start opening in about another two to three weeks. It takes awhile longer for all of the snow to melt and the ground to thaw down here.

Have a great round tomorrow. I'll post my score card along with the gory details tomorrow night.

Hit'em long and Straight,
Bob

Dragonhead, glad to hear your mother died peacefully at a reletively 'old age'. Lost mine to cancer two months ago at age 78-too young and painful. Alternative medicines are gaining in use here in the land of "here take this" drugged America. My ex wife is Indonesian so I was exposed to lots of Chineese medicine and of course it is very effective. I may use acupressure too also. And the copper bracelet seems to have merit. Like you said and I agree whole heartedly, "If it works use it." May your heart be comforted and may you have peace in your time of grieiving.
We tend to remember all the good and the love that they braught into our lives.

Don, I read your entire section on the grip the other day in the manual and its alot of information to remember much less to take it all to the course, it wasnt until this morning that I remembered about the last 3 fingers of the left hand applying pressure in order to activate the muscle group under the forearm. I also went to the interlocking grip after reading your commentary on why someone with smaller hands will do better with that grip, I have used it on and off in the past, I prefer the Vardon Overlap because its more comfortable but then I find that my hands have a strong tendency to come apart when I am swinging the club back so I am going to try the grip that Jack Nicklaus used and was very successful with. Also, I was at the range yesterday and I was practicing my wedges and started shanking them and it was driving me batty, I could hit my woods on the ground of off a tee just fine but not the wedges so I was wondering if my grip were possibly the problem but I will confess that I only put a club on the ground once to check my alignment and to my amazement, I was aimed 10-15 yards right but I would have bet a shiny nickel that I was aimed to far left! I did not see or feel any other tell-tale signs that would have made me think I was making a bad swing. I finished with a real nice shot to a pin 100 yards away, I just focused on getting proper alignment and then making a good practice swing, then I used that swing on the ball. Alignment, Alignment, Alignment!!!

Germans bombing Pearl Harbour!

Thanks Bruce, your web site is really informative with great tips and advice. I noticed you have the theracane mentioned there. I am hoping to come across the better version I used several years ago that is powered by the foot rather than pulling it down and over the shoulder. It is much longer and you simply place it over and on the trigger and it goes under the foot where one simply presses down much like a gas pedal. If you come across it let me know. I've never seen it since then. It is so much more effective for triggers. Anyhow, love your web site and thanks for your help and advice.

For as long as you can stand it! It is more of applying heavy pressure to a point than massaging it. I just do it as I'm watching TV.

Doc,

It is so calm here today. Has something changed for the better? Something we have all dreamed about for several weeks now?

To my many good friends in the Surge Nation,

I know that I have been somewhat abrasive in some of my recent comments in the past few days. As a result, I might have unintentionally offended some of our fellow members, but I felt the overwhelming need to defend my fellow Vets and Active Duty members from unwarranted attacks. Please forgive my harshness. Hopefully, I will now return to my serene former self.

Hit'em Long and Straight,
Bob

A small tip for Amos about trees-when ever I go under limbs I use my driver,choke down a couple of inches and be sure not to look up-heck if there is no hazzard between me and the green you can roll a ball with a driver a long way-and even being in a grenside bunker the ball doesn't plugg.hope this helps- Mark

"look a there-- look a there

Running through the pole beans -

They call him the STREAK -

Too LATE -- JanetM done been incensed!"

Amos

Emerson

Welcome to the Surge Nation blog. It is good to hear how well it is working for you.

Happy birthday to you. I think that is what you were saying.

Congratulations on your great game.

Dick, from Oklahoma, USA

I thought that is what happened. To all of my fellow Vets and AD guys, thanks for hanging in there. Please feel free to drop by your neighborhood Legion Hall and tip one back with me in celebration!

Hit'em Long and Straight!!!
Bob

Your right about the right elbow.... it is usually the right for a right handed golfer and not the left.. This is from repetitive motion, i.e. swing the club (or tennis racket). See my reply to Pat Gordon below about the band that I purchased from Amazon to rid myself of pain.

Jerry R.

Hi Lynn,
I have been controlling the tempo of my swing lately by slowly repeating any of several four syllable phrases during my swing. The backswing takes place during the first two syllables and the fus takes place during the last two syllables. Tomorrow, I think I will use the phrase, "Peace and Quiet." Very serene. LOL

Hit'em Long and Straight!
Bob

What is the SCIENCE supporting the use of a copper bracelet to relieve elbow pain. There are those who believe it's really a placebo effect. Bob Vannucci

I've tried many "swings" over the past 12 years, and up until now, the best one was "Stack and Tilt". It kept me over the ball like Don's does, but I got too steep with the driver and gave up on it.
Don's swing allows me to practice as much as I want (NO back pain or right elbow pain) , and to me I hit the ball as far without as much effort as the many "swings" before. I am looking forward to my 9.6 usga hdcp coming down to what it should be for how much I play (30-40 rds), about a 6-7 hdcp. I also just had a new driver built with an SMT Spectrum 10* head and Harrison Saga graphite shaft cut to 45". I settled in with the R version of that shaft (which feels as stiff as the "S" Fuji TP shaft I have in my Taylormade R9 (it's for sale great price). Helps with Don's verticle swing to not think to swing hard.

Dragonhead

You are one of my heroes and I am proud to call you my brother.

Dick

I also have a nephew who wears one and swears it helps. I've heard they're worthless too. So it's one of those deals again if it helps, great, use it, if not don't. Surge recomends the copper bracelet and says it helps him. So I think there are alot of therapies out there and many have merit but may not work for all. I guess that's one reason there are so many because what works for one does not for another. Then there are alot of old fashion therapies like ice,heat,massage and so for that will always have a place in therapy.

B3

Good post.

That is what friends are for. Keep up the good work.

Dick

I have golfers elbow in my RIGHT ELBOW and I am a RIGHT handed golfer. Although I have been golfing for olny 2 years now, I originally got the condition (tendonitis) from hitting tennis balls about 10-15 years ago for my labrador reteriver. We did this every day when I came home from work. About 2 month ago when I took up the Surge Swing it started hurting me again, mainly I think becuase I was spending so much time practicing. I found an easy fix, I purchased a Mueller HG80 elbow support from Amazon (see this link)

http://www.amazon.com/Mueller-...

It cost only $14 and works great. I now have no pain whatsoever. It use to be when I hit my driver I just could feel the vibration go right up my arm to my elbow. Now I just slip it on any time I am going to swing a golf club and I have no pain and do not need any drugs such as Aleve before I play 18 holes. This is a proven medical technology and works for professional tennis players too. For tennis elbow (pain on the outside of the elbow) you wear the band on the outside of the big muscle just below your elbow. For golfers elbow (pain on the inside of the elbow) you wear the brace on the inside of the large muscle just below your elbow. If you search Youtube there is a video from a sports thearpist on how to put on the band. Here is the link to one such video on Youtube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v...

Jerry

Steve and Dick:

Bring on the BBQ!! and ALABAMA too! (my all time favorite group) All these folks out West know how to BBE is BEEF !! Good -- but nothing compares to "Pig in the ground and beer on ice" LOL

I do believe I may be able to "find another 30 yards" as soon as the massive scars on my tongue heal. I am a very tolerant and forgiving person -- but WK was reaching the limit of my forbearance - specailly with his attacks on Brian - and by extension other service men.
For several reasons, mostly related to an "accident of birth" I have been in the military, but I have been associated with many service people over the years, mostly Pilots and Aircraft Maintaince personnel. I have the utmost respect for ALL of them

Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG

Amos

Steve

You are in good company. That is where they put the Babe when he could not pitch any more.

Dick

Doc,

Peaceful is good. Please thank the Surge Tech Crew surgeon who performed this hemorrhoidectomy for me. My headache is gone, my blood pressure is dropping and the scar tissue on my tongue is starting to heal.
Thank you

Lynn42

i also suffer from right elbow pain as a right-handed golfer. I did take a few months off and used tiger balm, ace bandage etc... When I was able to return (not fully healed of course) I found that if I am taking deep divets on a particular day that I experience more pain than usual...I was also told that you should have your grips checked because they act lock shock absorbers...it sounded like it made sense and I have since changed to one more wrap under the grips and newer grips also and found that for me they work some... interestingly I was informed that grips should be changed once a year and got an education on how to treat your clubs, especially the grips...e,g. don't leave them in a hot trunk because they are rubber and expand with the heat etc.. so for me, the change in my swing (not to come so steep) and the change of grips has helped me allot...

Hi Mitch,

Something I try to do in order to swing my hands straight down and back up again, is to keep the back of my glove hand parallel to the target line until both arms are fully extended, (six o:clock). My hands and the clubhead automatically square up, then turn over, (release) which gets me into the forward mitt, toe up and back up the forward tree. I hope this thought helps.

Hit'em Long and Straight,
Bob

I thnk it''s a great exercise and good thing to do!

Tezza

Did you ever see the movie "Animal House?"

That is where the line came from.

Dick

Thanks Jerry. It looks like an effective brace. I personally have found compression and braces do help.

What a profound and beautiful sentiment. I don't think I have ever heard a more inspiring take on the passing of a loved one.

May the peace of the Lord be with you always.

Bob

Go to Amazon and search for Mueller Hg 80 elbow support. You can solve your problem for 14 bucks like I did. See my reply to Pat Gordon.

Opps -- EDIT!! -- I have NOT been in the military ..........

my apologies to all for the confusion

Amos

Robert F:

For many years, the 1 iron was my favorite club. I could always hit it well and 'work" it high or low at will. It was great club on the going into wind from the tee.

I have never liked playing for money -- and it is amazing how many people will not even inquire about a wager IF they see a well used 1 iron in you bag! LOL

SEE - -I keep telling you guys that I am "different Amos" LOL

Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG

Amos

Steve, I watched a TV program which claimed it was all marketing hype. I'd say it's probably placebo effect, but if you believe it works, the mind is a powerful tool. I noticed Surge mentioned copper bracelets the other day for arthritis. I've worn one of those for years and believe it works, but others claim it's all hype too. It may just come down to the positive thought principle. It will work for those who believe.

Dragon,

I know your "wee mum" is in a better place.
If a man is measured only by his heart, you, sir, are 10 feet tall.
May God bless you and yours.

Lynn42

Mpetty54:

What makes you think that I am in the trees? LOL -- Actually, it does happen, but usually after an errant 2nd shot on a long par 5. I generally use a closed and hooded 5 iron for the recovery shot but sometimes a 3W, just as you suggested for the driver.

Thanks for the tip -- appreciated

Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG

Amos