Ian Couch, Adventurer and Rower
Ian Crouch cannot keep still.
He has rowed the Atlantic twice, rowed the Indian Ocean, ran across the Gobi desert and crossed Greenland as well as achieving six World Records for rowing, including the first crossing of the Indian Ocean and a record for the fastest crossing of Greenland.
As one would imagine these achievements have taken their toll on Ian’s body, he tells us about his condition and how Storz Shockwave Therapy ESWT successfully treated his painful elbow.
Condition: Elbow Pain, Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Treated at: The Abbeyfields Clinic Bury St Edmunds & Stowmarket Suffolk
Device: Storz MP100
Medial Epicondylitis
Medial epicondylitis (commonly referred to as Golfers Elbow) is an overuse injury. It is an inflammatory condition of the inner side of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles attach to the bone. It is often discussed in conjunction with lateral epicondylitis (commonly known as Tennis Elbow) which occurs much more frequently.
What are symptoms of Medial Epicondylitis?
Medial Epicondylitis can occur suddenly or develop slowly over a of time. Symptoms can be mild to severe. Medial epicondylitis is caused by repetitive motions, which is why this condition occurs among athletes, in Ian’s case rowing. Sufferers tend to experience any of the following:
- pain on the inside of the elbow
- Stiffness
- hand / wrist weakness
- tingling sensation and numbness in the fingers, especially the ring and little fingers
- difficulty moving the elbow
- elbow pain that radiates down the arm to the wrist.
- difficulty carrying out everyday activities
How does shockwave therapy work for Medial Epicondylitis?
The shockwaves generated during treatment are audible, low-energy sound waves, which work by increasing blood flow to the injured area, this kick starts the bodies own natural healing process. Between 3 – 6 treatments are recommended.
“I went to James at The Abbeyfields Clinic after persistent elbow pain became very restrictive in both normal life and training. I had tried rest and over the counter medication but nothing had any effect. I put my body through a demanding lifestyle, at nearly 50 I am still participating and leading endurance based expeditions. To date I am the fastest British skier to cross Greenland, have run through the Gobi Desert, through the Namib Desert, completed many ultras and have rowed across the Atlantic twice and across the Indian Ocean which gained me 5 Guinness World Records. Despite these being epic adventures they have taken a physical toll on my body. I am currently training for a row from San Francisco to Hawaii and as a result my elbow pain became severe.
I had seen James Woledge in the past for martial arts and running related injuries and again called on him to not only help fix my elbow problem but help me move forward in training without further injury.
I have just completed a series of Shockwave Therapy ESWT treatments and it has made a huge difference with immediate improvement. My elbow was painful to the touch and movement was very restricted. After one session pain was reduced and by completion of the third there was no more pain to the touch and strength and range of movement was better than it has been for years- probably 95% of previous best. I thoroughly recommend Shockwave Therapy, it’s by far the best treatment I have had”
– Ian Couch Owner, Adventure Hub Ltd
