Elbow Pain in the Swing

Tue, 07/16/2013 - 14:00 -- Don Trahan

By now, you're well into your golf season. That could mean subtle aches and pains could be creeping up due to playing so much golf. Elbow pain is one thing a lot of older golfers often play with, which is why I recently published a video offering up some elbow pain remedies. You can view that video here.

After watching that video, Dr. Jamie Clingan wrote in to share some of his own thoughts on the subject of elbow pain. Being a medical doctor, I thought it was a great source of knowledge for the rest of the Surge Nation.

Dear Surge,

Enjoyed your video on elbow pain. I have heard sports doctors recommend wearing the elbow brace for about a month after your pain subsides. I think it works primarily by reducing the pull or strain at your elbow where the forearm muscles attach (just like you're not tightening up your forearms all the way to your elbow). For someone with frequent elbow soreness they may be gripping the club too tight; also your bigboy golf grips (Enlow Grips) would help anyone with elbow issues.

I'm afraid you won't find any medical evidence that copper bracelets do anything. Remember, placebos help 30% of the time too. Interestingly, people do get problems with copper deficiency as well as too much copper. These days people using a lot of zinc containing cold remedies could develop a copper deficiency. People can take copper supplements or get it through their diet in things like organ meats, shellfish, nuts, and mushrooms.

Jamie Clingan, M.D.

I'd like to thank Dr. Clingan for writing in. I really love hearing from experts so if there are any other Surgites out there that would like to provide some insight, please don't hesitate to send me something!

Keep it vertical and pain free!

The Surge

Comments

Dragonhead's picture

Submitted by Dragonhead on

Hi All,
Got out yesterday for the first time in a while. The course resembled an Irish bog! Easy to lose a ball on the fairway too. Run on the ball? hahaha! Nope!
On the 2nd hole which has a severe slope downwards. We were part way down on a more gentle part of the slope, when in mid stride, my right foot shot out from under me, with my left shin and foot on the ground, my knee bent as though kneeling, with me flat on my back. Thankfully there was no sideways splits and my wishbone is still intact~! Went on to complete 18 holes, with a big smile on my face!
First time out in a while. The blond wooden driver performed well. Not excellent but considering it had not really been used seriously in 10 years or more. I would rate it 75%. The blond 5W however stunned me~! On one shot off the fairway with my Rescue club, during the swing my feet turned sideways and I pulled the ball nearly 90degrees through the tree line, which was behind me. Took out said 5W and smoked it over the trees and down my fairway!!! Footing in some places was a problem on several shots. Both clubs are staying in my back for the time being. The blond 3W was added on reaching home. After such a long absence from the course, I was not expecting miracles. The conditions were not conducive to that. Having said that, I had some of the best golf shots in a long, long time due to SLOOOWING down my swing. During the round noticed something. A quick alteration and what a difference. On reaching home, watched the video of 'Elbow pain'~! And beggar me if Surge didn't mention the same thing!!! I had allowed my left [lead] hand grip to slip more into the palm. A cause of elbow pain among other things. On the 18th hole after a slow round, after losing a ball in the creek. Didn't clear the far bank of the tee and the creek was swift flowing from the recent rain. Any hope of finding it a waste of time. Dropped a ball and played an 8iron for position. It almost ended on the 1st tee in light rough. 140yds to the green across a pond. 8iron high and nailed the pin. What a way to finish.It bodes well for the future hopefully. Another visit Friday for more, with the 'woods' in the bag. Noted I get much more height with the wooden driver. On the 12th hole I hit it higher and farther than any previous drives-happy, happy.
To Robert Meade and NeilofOz Thankyou for your latest comments on the arrow not the Indian etc. Neil I to am a 'kill the ball' addict, but yesterday showed me in spades, that speed kills~! Slowing down allowed all parts of the swing to come together. The results were breath taking.
Hit them longer, higher, straighter more consistently where ever you are.
PS I manufactured some shots from the lush rough on uphill and side hill lies that will stand me in good stead for the future. A brilliant day all told DH