Bowling can cause or significantly contribute to a condition commonly known as Tennis Elbow. This injury arises from the repeated stress and force applied to the arm during the swing and ball release. The repetitive nature of the sport makes it a form of repetitive strain injury, where small, accumulated stresses lead to tissue damage over time. This elbow pain resulting from bowling is often referred to specifically as “Bowler’s Elbow.”
Understanding Lateral Epicondylitis
The medical term for Tennis Elbow is Lateral Epicondylitis, which refers to pain and degeneration on the outside of the elbow joint. This condition results from the overuse of the muscles and tendons responsible for extending the wrist and fingers. The pain centers around the lateral epicondyle, the bony bump on the outer side of the elbow where these forearm muscles attach.
The primary tendon affected is the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB), which stabilizes the wrist when the elbow is straight. Repetitive motions, such as the bowling release, cause chronic strain and tiny micro-tears in the ECRB tendon. Over time, the body’s attempt to repair these micro-tears leads to a breakdown of the tendon’s collagen fibers, causing persistent pain and a weakened grip.
This condition is classified as a tendinopathy, representing a degenerative change in the tendon structure. Symptoms typically present as a burning sensation or aching pain on the outer elbow that often radiates down the forearm. Activities like gripping objects, shaking hands, or turning a doorknob can become painful and difficult due to the compromised tendon.
How Bowling Mechanics Create Elbow Strain
The specific mechanics of the bowling delivery place a high-velocity, repetitive strain on the wrist extensor muscles. A significant factor is maintaining an improper grip, often referred to as “squeezing” the ball. If the finger holes are too large or the span is incorrect, the bowler must clench the ball to avoid dropping it, excessively engaging the forearm muscles and straining the ECRB tendon.
Using a bowling ball that is too heavy also forces the forearm muscles to overcompensate. The weight of the ball, especially during the backswing and downswing, creates a significant load that the wrist extensors must resist to stabilize the wrist before release. This constant contraction quickly leads to fatigue and overload of the tendon.
Furthermore, excessive wrist action during the release, such as an aggressive “snap” or rotation, intensifies the strain. The rapid and forceful extension of the wrist, which many bowlers use to generate hook and rotation, requires the ECRB to work harder. This repeated, forceful movement during the final moments of the swing precipitates micro-damage in the tendon tissue.
Injury Management and Prevention for Bowlers
Managing Lateral Epicondylitis typically begins with non-surgical treatments aimed at reducing pain and promoting tendon healing. Rest is primary; ceasing the aggravating activity, or significantly reducing the number of games played, allows the micro-tears a chance to recover. Initial pain relief can be achieved with ice application and over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Seeking professional guidance from a physical therapist is an effective next step. They can prescribe specific eccentric strengthening exercises, which involve lengthening the muscle while it is under tension. These exercises improve the tendon’s ability to handle stress and promote collagen repair. Wearing a counterforce brace, or tennis elbow strap, can also help by compressing the forearm muscles and reducing tension at the tendon’s origin.
Prevention focuses on correcting the equipment and technique that cause the strain. Ensuring the bowling ball has a professional, custom fit with the correct span and hole sizes is primary to eliminate the need to squeeze the ball. Choosing a slightly lighter ball can also reduce the overall load on the forearm muscles during the swing.
Incorporating a proper warm-up routine that includes dynamic stretching and light strengthening exercises before bowling is an effective preventative measure. Utilizing a wrist support or a compression sleeve during play can provide additional stability and warmth to the joint. Addressing these mechanical and equipment issues directly helps reduce the physical demand on the ECRB tendon, making the elbow less susceptible to repetitive strain injury.