Yips

Diagnosis and treatment

There is no single test for diagnosing the yips. A neurological exam may be done to rule out other possible causes.

Diagnosis typically is based on a person's description of the symptoms. Video recordings of the wrist during the activity may help confirm the diagnosis.

Because the yips may be related to overuse of certain muscles, changing your technique or equipment may help. The following strategies may reduce symptoms.

For golfers:

• Change your grip. This helps many golfers because it changes which muscles are used during the putting stroke.
• Use a different putter. A longer putter allows you to use more of your arms and shoulders and less of your hands and wrists. Some putters also have special grips that help stabilize the hands and wrists.
• Look at the hole while putting. Changing your head position and where your eyes focus may help. Try looking at the hole instead of the ball when you putt.

For other athletes:

• Change how you perform the task. Adjusting your hand position, posture, or body movement may reduce symptoms by using different muscles.
• Use different equipment or tools. Changing the size, weight or grip of the bat, dart or other equipment may help improve control.
• Switch hands or change roles when possible. Using your non-dominant hand or changing how you approach the task may reduce muscle strain.
• Slow down your movement. Moving more slowly and deliberately can help reduce sudden muscle spasms or jerking.

For everyone:

• Practice in a low-pressure setting. Symptoms often worsen under stress. Practicing without time limits, scoring, or an audience may help.
• Work with a specialist. Physical therapists, occupational therapists or sports medicine professionals can help retrain movement patterns and reduce overuse.
• Use mental skills training. Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises and visualization can help reduce anxiety and improve focus during performance.
• Medicines. Some medicines that you take by mouth may help manage the yips. Some are used to treat focal dystonia, while others may help reduce tremor.
• Botulinum toxin injections. In some cases, carefully placed injections of botulinum toxin (Botox, Xeomin, others) into overactive muscles may help. These injections can reduce muscle contractions and may calm the yips. But most people with yips do not need this treatment.

If you compete in professional or sanctioned amateur sports, check with your sport's governing body before taking any medicine. Rules about banned substances vary by sport and organization.

You may first see your primary care team. Your team may refer you to a healthcare professional who specializes in sports medicine.