I’ve mentioned before that I have
been suffering with forearm tendinitis or Golfers Elbow and that it has been
inhibiting my training, well I thought I’d document what I have done so far to
try and cure myself of this annoying and sometimes debilitating condition.
I’m not 100% sure what brought this
on, although most people never know for sure as its usually just overuse but in
my case I think it all started when I fell awkwardly on my left elbow throwing
someone with Tani-otoshi. I remember my elbow hurting for a while afterwards
and then just aching for a few weeks. As I never really rested it at this point
it’s very possible that I made it worse especially when you consider the amount
of breakfalls one does with their left arm, considering most people are right
handed. Add to that my continued presence in the gym, lifting weights, and it’s
no surprise it got worse.
1) Complete Rest
When it got to the point that I was waking up in
the morning with it hurting I decided that I had to stop doing anything that made
it hurt. To my annoyance, that meant no more Judo or weights.
2) Physiotherapy
I had a physiotherapy
session with someone that visits my place of work. She thought that one session
might be enough. She gave me a deep tissue massage.
3) Physiotherapy – Ultrasound
Luckily for me I had been proscribed 10
sessions of physiotherapy due to the car accident I had in November 2013. The
physiotherapy was for the mild whiplash injury that I had suffered but I thought
I’d take the opportunity to quiz the physio about my elbow. He was able to give me
ultrasound, massage and stretching exercises (see below)
And best of all told me to resume my
normal physical activities as long as it didn’t make it any worse.
4) Physiotherapy – Complete Rest
Ok, so after a number of weeks of
physio with no change he told me to cease all activities again, including Judo.
This lasted approximately 3 weeks. After the 3 weeks I thought it was getting slightly
better so I was told again to resume physical activities. My 10 physiotherapy
sessions at this point had finished so I was sent away with some additional
stretches.
5) Elbow Support
I purchased one of these
and wore it
whilst lifting weights and doing Judo. I also avoided any bicep or back exercises
as these appeared to be aggravating the elbow the most. Not ideal but at least
it meant I was still able to train.
6) Amino Acids
I was reading up on Golfers elbow on
the NHS website and in the comments section loads of people recommended taking
Amino Acids and some even went as far as to claim this alone cured their
problem. So I ordered a batch from Holland & Barrett and will take these
along with the Glucosamine that I already take.
7) Golfers Elbow Support
Something else that other sufferers
recommended was this
Please feel free to comment with your
experiences and thoughts of this annoying injury.
