golfer's elbow / carpal tunnel

 

Ask a PT Response: "Just curious which exercises you are performing for your golfer's elbow? In general, the stretching exercises for golfer's elbow should not effect the carpal tunnel. However, strengthening exercises for wrist flexion and extension for golfer's elbow may irritate the carpal tunnel syndrome further if the patient is utilizing heavier weight or performing higher reps. This is becuase carpal tunnel syndrome involves compression of the median nerve at the carpal tunnel usually as a result of thickening of tendons or swelling in the area of the carpal tunnel. When performing the strengthening exercises for the wrist, these types of motion along with the added stress from the weight or repetition may result in further irritation. I always tell my patients that if they are experiencing pain with their exercises which I have prescribed that they should back off and reduce weight, reps, etc or stop performing the exercise all together if they continue to experience pain despite backing off. I hope my answer was helpful."