At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we provide comprehensive care to support you both before and after surgery or procedure. Learn about Golfer’s Elbow Surgery, including the procedure, recovery timeline, and rehabilitation process. Find out how Palms Physiotherapy can help with pre-habilitation and post-operative rehabilitation for golfer’s elbow.

Golfer’s Elbow Surgery: Procedure, Recovery & Rehabilitation

What is Golfer’s Elbow Surgery?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the inside of the elbow. It occurs due to overuse of the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of the elbow). The condition is common in golfers, but it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their forearm muscles. When conservative treatments such as rest, anti-inflammatory medications, or physical therapy fail, surgery may be needed to remove damaged tissue and promote healing.

Conditions Treated with Golfer’s Elbow Surgery

• Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow): The primary condition treated by this surgery, often caused by overuse or repetitive stress to the tendons.

• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain despite non-surgical treatments for 6-12 months.

• Tendon Degeneration: When the tendon experiences significant degeneration or tear that does not heal with conservative treatment.

The Procedure

1. Preoperative Preparation:

   • Before surgery, the surgeon will conduct an assessment, which may include X-rays or MRI scans to determine the extent of tendon damage and choose the best surgical option.

   • A pre-surgical consultation with a physiotherapist may be advised to ensure the forearm muscles are in optimal condition before the procedure.

2. During the Procedure:

   • Golfer’s elbow surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia, though local anesthesia may be an option for some cases.

   • The surgeon will make a small incision near the medial epicondyle to access the damaged tendon.

   • Depending on the severity of the injury, the procedure may involve:

     • Debridement: Removal of the degenerated tendon tissue.

     • Tendon Repair: Reattachment of the damaged tendon to the bone.

     • Tendon Release: Cutting the tendon to relieve tension if conservative treatments have failed.

   • The surgery generally lasts 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

3. Postoperative Care:

   • After the surgery, a splint or brace is usually applied to stabilize the elbow and limit movement during the initial healing phase.

   • Pain management will be provided, and it’s important to follow your surgeon’s instructions for post-operative care, including ice application, compression, and elevation to reduce swelling.

Healing and Recovery Time

• Initial Recovery:

  • Patients typically return home the same day as surgery. The first few days will involve pain management and elevating the elbow to reduce swelling.

  • Most patients wear a brace or bandage for the first few days to protect the elbow and support healing.

• Full Recovery:

  • Recovery from golfer’s elbow surgery can take 3 to 6 months, depending on the extent of the injury and the surgery performed.

  • Initial pain and swelling will subside within the first few weeks, but tendon healing and regaining strength in the forearm will take time.

• Return to Work:

  • For office jobs, patients can typically return within 2-4 weeks after surgery.

  • For physically demanding jobs or those requiring heavy lifting, patients may need to wait 3-6 months before returning to full activity.

Rehabilitation After Golfer’s Elbow Surgery

Rehabilitation is crucial for full recovery after golfer’s elbow surgery. A well-structured physiotherapy program will help restore elbow mobility, strength, and function.

1. Post-Operative Rehabilitation:

   • Early stages involve pain control, swelling reduction, and gentle range-of-motion exercises to avoid stiffness.

   • Ice therapy, heat therapy, and other modalities may be used to aid in reducing inflammation.

2. Early Stage Rehabilitation (Weeks 1-6):

   • During this period, your physiotherapist will guide you through gentle stretching and strengthening exercises for the forearm, wrist, and elbow.

   • Exercises will focus on promoting blood flow and healing the damaged tendon without overloading the area.

3. Intermediate Rehabilitation (Weeks 6-12):

   • As the tendon heals, more challenging strengthening exercises will be introduced to increase strength in the forearm and wrist.

   • Your physiotherapist will also focus on improving functional movements that are necessary for daily activities.

4. Long-Term Rehabilitation (3-6 months):

   • The final phase of rehabilitation focuses on endurance, fine motor control, and building strength to prevent reinjury.

   • Functional training, including resistance training and sport-specific drills (if applicable), will be incorporated to safely return to physical activities.

5. Gradual Return to Activities:

   • As recovery progresses, you can slowly return to more strenuous activities, but it’s important to avoid overexerting the arm during the early stages of rehabilitation.

   • Returning to sports or manual labor should be done gradually, under the guidance of your physiotherapist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How long does recovery take after golfer’s elbow surgery?

• Recovery typically takes 3 to 6 months. The initial recovery period focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, while full tendon healing may take longer.

2. What are the risks associated with golfer’s elbow surgery?

• Risks include infection, nerve damage, elbow stiffness, or incomplete relief of symptoms. Following post-surgical instructions can help minimize these risks.

3. Is physiotherapy necessary after golfer’s elbow surgery?

• Yes, physiotherapy is crucial for restoring movement, strength, and function in the elbow after surgery.

4. When can I return to work after golfer’s elbow surgery?

• For desk jobs, you can return after 2-4 weeks. For physical labor, you may need to wait 3-6 months.

5. Will I experience permanent pain relief after golfer’s elbow surgery?

• Most patients experience significant pain relief after surgery. However, the outcome can vary depending on the extent of tendon damage and the success of the surgery.

How Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health Can Help

At Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health, we specialize in pre-habilitation and post-surgery rehabilitation for golfer’s elbow surgery. Our experienced physiotherapists can guide you through:

1. Pre-Habilitation:

   • Strengthen the muscles around the elbow before surgery to facilitate faster healing and minimize post-surgical complications.

2. Post-Operative Rehabilitation:

   • Develop a tailored rehabilitation plan that includes gentle stretching, strengthening exercises, and functional training to restore full elbow function.

Reputable Australian Resources

1. Australian Physiotherapy Association (APA)

   • For information on rehabilitation and physiotherapy treatment for golfer’s elbow.

   • https://australian.physio/

2. Better Health Channel (Victoria)

   • Provides resources on golfer’s elbow, symptoms, and treatment options.

   • https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

3. Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS)

   • Trusted resource for surgical information regarding golfer’s elbow.

   • https://www.surgeons.org/

4. HealthDirect Australia

   • Offers general health information about golfer’s elbow and surgical treatments.

   • https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/

For personalised care and rehabilitation after Golfer’s Elbow Surgery, contact Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Healthto schedule an appointment with our experienced physiotherapists.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Golfer’s Elbow Surgery, including the procedure, recovery time, rehabilitation, and how Palms Physiotherapy & Allied Health can assist in ensuring optimal healing and functional recovery post-surgery.