The CSGA Links Volume 2 Issue 5 July, 2014 | Page 13

1 2 3 the key for 1-3 minutes. Immediately following this self massage, I recommend the key stretch depicted to the above. Make sure you have your arm in front of you, shoulder height, and fully extended. Gently push the wrist down from the knuckles, not the fingers. Hold for 20-30 seconds, 3-4 repetitions, 5 times a day. Next, take a more conscious note of your arm position when you fall asleep. According to the Titliest Performance Institute, one of the main reasons the elbow is slow to heal, despite the interventions above, is an awkward sleeping position. If you sleep on our lead arm, tuck it under your head or keep it over your head, you may be preventing it from fully healing. This may sound a bit unconventional, but this injury will heal faster by simply not putting the elbow under excess strain eight hours a night, night after night. And last but not least, to prevent further injury, take the time to warm up the muscles in the elbow pre round. Start with your arm out straight in front, shoulder height, make a fist, and wave your hand up and down slowly and deliberately. Keeping the arm out and hand fisted, roll the palm up to the sky then back to the floor, assuring the rotational motion comes from the elbow and not the shoulder. Repeat 12-15 times. Finally, still keeping the arm shoulder height and hand fisted, make circles with the wrist, 10-12 repetitions clockwise then counter clockwise. Tennis elbow straps are helpful to wear during a round to take the pressure off of the muscles and prevent further injury, but should not be worn with the expectation of alleviating the pain. For more information and questions, email [email protected] and keep playing healthy golf for life! ยป For more information, e-mail [email protected] or visit mytpi.com Connecticut State Golf Association 13