Golfer’s elbow is one of the most common types of elbow pain. When rest or other treatments fail to alleviate this pain, physicians recommend Golfer’s Elbow Embolization to reduce tendon swelling and promote healing. It is a modern, non-surgical treatment that alleviates inner elbow pain by blocking small, abnormal blood vessels that contribute to tendon inflammation.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow is a condition where the inner side of your elbow becomes painful. The pain happens because the tendons in that area get irritated or injured. Tendons are strong bands that connect muscles to bones. When these tendons become sore or damaged, you feel pain.
You do not have to be a golfer to get this problem. Many people get Golfer’s Elbow from:
- Lifting heavy items
- Using tools
- Typing for many hours
- Playing sports like tennis, cricket, or baseball
- Repeating the same hand movement again and again
The pain may feel like:
- A dull ache on the inside of the elbow
- Sharp pain when you grip or lift something
- Stiffness in the morning
- Weakness in your hand
Sometimes the pain can travel down your forearm to your wrist.
Why Does Golfer’s Elbow Happen?
When you use your forearm muscles too much, the tendons cannot handle the stress. Tiny tears may form in the tendon. These small tears cause swelling and pain. If you keep doing the same motions without rest, the pain keeps getting worse.
How Golfer’s Elbow Embolization Helps?
Golfer’s Elbow Embolization (GEE) is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment done by an interventional radiologist. “Minimally invasive” means there is no big cut or stitches. It is done through a tiny pinhole in your skin.
The goal of this treatment is to prevent the abnormal blood flow that causes the tendon soreness and irritation.
The doctor may block some small blood vessels that are causing the swelling during the procedure. When these vessels are blocked, the swelling subsides, and the tendon heals on its own.
How Is Golfer’s Elbow Embolization Done?
This is how the procedure usually works:
Step 1: Tiny Entry Point
The physician makes a small incision either in your wrist or groin. The opening is so tiny that it does not require stitches.
Step 2: Thin Catheter
A catheter is a thin tube inserted into a blood vessel.
Step 3: Guided to the Elbow
The physician uses an X-ray screen to carefully guide the catheter into the blood vessels near the elbow tendon, applying gentle pressure to navigate the tube.
Step 4: Abnormal Vessel Blockage.
Through the catheter, tiny particles are released. These particles will obstruct the small, abnormal blood vessels that are causing the pain.
Step 5: Finish and Close
The catheter is removed, and a small bandage is applied. You can go home the same day.
The procedure is usually painless because doctors use local anesthesia to numb the area. Many patients say it feels like a simple medical test rather than a surgery.
When Can You Benefit From Golfer’s Elbow Embolization?
- You have had elbow pain for more than 3–6 months.
- Rest, medicines, or physiotherapy did not help.
- You find it difficult to grip things.
- You feel pain while lifting or twisting your arm.
- You want to avoid open surgery.
- You want a treatment with fast recovery.
It is also helpful for people who cannot take long breaks from work or sports.
Benefits of Golfer’s Elbow Embolization
This treatment offers many benefits:
1. No Open Surgery
There is no large cut, no stitches, and no extended hospital stay.
2. Very Quick Procedure
The entire procedure usually takes less than one hour.
3. Fast Recovery
Most people can return to their daily activities within a few days.
4. Low Risk
Since it is minimally invasive, the risks are very low compared to open surgery.
5. Long-Lasting Pain Relief
Many patients feel better within a few weeks, and the improvement continues over the next few months.
6. No General Anesthesia
You stay awake but comfortable during the treatment.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
After the procedure:
- You rest briefly at the hospital.
- You can go home the same day
- You may feel mild soreness in the arm for 1–2 days
- You can start light activities quickly.
- Heavy lifting should be avoided for a short time.
Most people notice pain relief within 2–6 weeks. The tendon continues healing over time, so the results often improve month by month.
Is this Treatment Safe?
Yes, it is considered very safe. Since it is non-surgical, complications are rare. Some mild side effects may include:
- Temporary soreness
- Slight bruising
- Warmth in the elbow area
These symptoms usually disappear on their own.
Embolization vs. Traditional Treatment
| Treatment Type | What It Includes | Recovery Time | Success Rate |
| Rest & Medicines | Pain relief only | Slow | Temporary relief |
| Physiotherapy | Exercises & strengthening | Weeks to months | Works for many but not all |
| Steroid Injection | Reduces inflammation | Short-term | May return after some time |
| Open Surgery | Cuts and tendon repair | Long recovery | Good results, but more risk |
| Golfer’s Elbow Embolization | Blocks abnormal blood flow | Fast recovery | High success with low risk |
Embolization becomes a beneficial alternative to other treatments when you do not wish to undergo surgery.
Final Thoughts
Golfer’s elbow can be painful and frustrating, especially when it makes even performing simple tasks difficult. However, modern medical interventions, such as golfer’s elbow embolization Treatment in Brooklyn, offer a safe, quick, and long-term solution without open surgery.
If you have been living with elbow pain for many months and nothing seems to help, this procedure may be the right choice for you to ease the pain and perform daily activities smoothly!