Golfer’s Elbow

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an overuse injury involving the tendons on the inside of the elbow. Like tennis elbow, it’s caused by repetitive gripping and wrist motion — though this time affecting the wrist flexors. It occurs not just in golfers but in throwers, climbers, and workers using repetitive hand tools.

Common Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow

• Pain with gripping or wrist flexion

• Weak grip strength

• Possible tingling into the forearm or fingers (if nerve irritation is involved)

Physical Therapist Diagnosis

Physical therapists assess tenderness at the medial epicondyle and pain with resisted wrist flexion or pronation. Grip testing, palpation, and differential diagnosis help rule out nerve involvement (such as ulnar nerve irritation).

Why it Happens

Repetitive stress on the wrist flexors and forearm tendons leads to microtears and degeneration. Overuse, poor technique, and inadequate forearm strength are common risk factors.

Why it Doesn’t Always Heal on Its Own

Like tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow often lingers because the tendon doesn’t heal without proper loading. Continuing repetitive activity without rehab delays recovery.

Ideal Physical Therapy Treatment

Treatment focuses on tendon healing, restoring mobility, and building forearm strength. Dry needling is often used to address muscular tension and improve tendon function.

Key components include:

• Manual therapy for soft tissue and joint mobility

• Dry needling to decrease forearm muscle tightness

• Eccentric and progressive strengthening of wrist flexors and grip

• Corrective exercise for shoulder and upper body mechanics

• Activity modification to reduce repetitive overload

Expected Outcomes

With the right program, pain usually decreases within weeks, and full function can return in 2–3 months. Consistency with strengthening and load management is critical.