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Golfer's Elbow (Medial Elbow Tendinopathy)

Golfer's (or Medial Elbow Tendinopathy or Medial epicondylitis) elbow is a common cause of pain on the inside of the elbow. Despite the name, you don't need to play golf to develop it. Repetitive gripping, lifting, throwing, gym exercises and other activities that load the forearm muscles can all contribute. 

Dr. Michael Hoiles has prepared this page as a resource to help you better understand golfer's elbow, what commonly causes it, and the steps that can help you return to work, exercise and the activities you enjoy. 

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Quick Facts 

✔ Golfer's elbow causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. 

✔ It commonly hurts with gripping, lifting and wrist movements. 

✔ It is usually related to repeated or increased loading of the forearm tendons. 

✔ Golf is only one possible cause. 

✔ Progressive strengthening is an important part of rehabilitation. 

✔ Persistent cases can take several months to fully settle. 

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Medical anatomy illustration comparing tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) and golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), showing the affected tendon attachment areas on the outer and inner sides of the elbow.

Anatomy 

Several of the muscles responsible for gripping and bending the wrist attach to a common tendon near the medial epicondyle, the bony prominence on the inside of the elbow. In contrast, tennis elbow affects the tendons around the outside of the elbow.

When these tendons are repeatedly exposed to more load than they can tolerate, they can become painful and less able to handle gripping, lifting and repetitive arm movements. 

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What Is Golfer's Elbow? 

Golfer's elbow is also called medial elbow tendinopathy or medial epicondylitis. It involves pain and sensitivity of the tendons that attach around the inside of the elbow. 

Symptoms often develop gradually following repetitive activity or an increase in gripping, lifting, throwing or exercise. Although golf can contribute, many people with golfer's elbow don't play golf. 

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Common Causes & Risk Factors:

  • Repetitive or forceful gripping 

  • Golf and other racquet or club sports 

  • Weight training 

  • Throwing activities 

  • Manual or trade work 

  • Repetitive use of tools 

  • A sudden increase in training or workload 

  • Returning to activity after time away 

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Common Symptoms 

  • Pain on the inside of the elbow 

  • Tenderness over the inner elbow 

  • Pain extending into the forearm 

  • Pain or weakness with gripping 

  • Discomfort lifting or carrying objects 

  • Pain with wrist or forearm movements 

  • Reduced tolerance for golf, gym activity or repetitive work 

Golfer's elbow is one of several conditions that can cause elbow pain, and the location of symptoms can help distinguish it from other elbow problems.

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What Makes Golfer's Elbow Worse?

Symptoms are commonly aggravated by activities that repeatedly load the forearm muscles and tendons, including: 

  • Forceful gripping 

  • Heavy lifting or carrying 

  • Repetitive wrist movements 

  • Pulling exercises 

  • Golf swings 

  • Throwing 

  • Repetitive tool use 

  • Suddenly increasing training or workload 

These activities don't necessarily need to be completely avoided. Temporarily modifying painful movements while gradually rebuilding strength is often more useful than prolonged rest. 

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What Helps? 

Most cases can be managed conservatively. Treatment may include: 

  • Temporarily modifying aggravating activities 

  • Progressive forearm strengthening 

  • Grip-strength exercises 

  • Adjusting lifting or gripping technique 

  • Manual therapy when appropriate 

  • Gradual return to sport or training 

  • A brace or strap in selected cases 

  • Shockwave therapy for some persistent cases 

The goal is generally to reduce excessive irritation while gradually improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate load. 

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How Chiropractic Care Can Help 

Depending on your assessment, chiropractic care may include: 

  • Manual therapy to the elbow and surrounding joints 

  • Soft tissue treatment for the forearm muscles 

  • Advice on modifying painful activities 

  • Progressive wrist and forearm strengthening 

  • Grip-strength rehabilitation 

  • Guidance for returning to work, gym activity or sport 

Treatment should focus on restoring function and gradually increasing what the elbow can comfortably tolerate. 

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Shockwave Therapy for Golfer's Elbow 

For persistent or chronic golfer's elbow, shockwave therapy may be considered as part of a broader rehabilitation program. 

Shockwave applies controlled acoustic pulses to the affected tendon and is generally combined with progressive strengthening and activity modification rather than used on its own. 

It may be considered when symptoms have persisted despite an appropriate period of conservative treatment. 

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Recovery Timeline 

Recovery depends on how long symptoms have been present and how heavily the tendon continues to be loaded. 

  • Mild cases: may improve over several weeks. 

  • Moderate cases: may require several weeks to a few months of rehabilitation. 

  • Persistent cases: can take several months or longer to fully settle. 

Consistent rehabilitation and gradual progression are usually more important than trying to eliminate symptoms immediately. 

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Exercises Commonly Recommended 

Phase 1 – Reduce Irritability 

  • Isometric wrist flexion 

  • Gentle wrist mobility 

  • Forearm stretches 

  • Light pain-free gripping 

Phase 2 – Build Strength 

  • Resisted wrist flexion 

  • Eccentric wrist flexion 

  • Forearm pronation and supination 

  • Progressive grip strengthening 

Phase 3 – Return to Activity 

  • Heavier forearm strengthening 

  • Loaded gripping exercises 

  • Functional lifting 

  • Sport- or work-specific exercises 

Exercise selection and progression should be adjusted to your symptoms and activity goals. 

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Can I Still Exercise With Golfer's Elbow? 

Usually, yes. 

Exercises involving heavy gripping, pulling or repetitive wrist movements may need to be temporarily reduced or modified. Training can often continue by changing weight, volume, grip or exercise selection. 

Activities can gradually be reintroduced as strength and tolerance improve. 

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Common Mistakes That Slow Recovery 

  • Completely resting the arm for long periods 

  • Continuing to repeatedly aggravate the tendon 

  • Returning to heavy gripping too quickly 

  • Ignoring changes in training or workload 

  • Progressing rehabilitation too aggressively 

  • Stopping exercises as soon as symptoms improve 

 

 

When Should I Seek an Assessment? 

Consider an assessment if: 

  • Symptoms aren't improving 

  • Pain is interfering with work, exercise or sport 

  • Grip strength is noticeably reduced 

  • Pain keeps returning 

  • You're unsure whether the symptoms are actually coming from the elbow 

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When Should I Worry? 

Seek appropriate medical assessment if elbow pain follows significant trauma or is associated with marked swelling, redness or warmth, fever, significant weakness, persistent numbness or tingling, or a sudden inability to use the arm normally. 

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Frequently Asked Questions 

Do I have to play golf to get golfer's elbow? 
No. Weight training, repetitive gripping, throwing, manual work and many other activities can contribute. 

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Should I completely rest my elbow? 
Usually not. Temporarily modifying aggravating activities while gradually rebuilding strength is generally preferable to prolonged rest. 

 

Can I still go to the gym? 
Often yes. You may temporarily need to modify exercises involving heavy gripping, pulling or wrist movements. 

 

How long does golfer's elbow take to heal? 
Some cases improve within several weeks, while persistent tendon problems may require several months or longer. 

 

Does an elbow brace help? 
A brace or forearm strap may temporarily reduce symptoms for some people but is generally best used alongside rehabilitation. 

 

Can shockwave therapy help golfer's elbow? 
It may be considered for persistent cases that haven't responded adequately to exercise and other conservative approaches. 

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Summary 

✔ Golfer's elbow causes pain around the inside of the elbow. 

✔ Gripping, lifting, throwing and repetitive wrist movements are common aggravating activities. 

✔ You don't have to play golf to develop it. 

✔ Most cases can be managed conservatively. 

✔ Progressive strengthening is an important part of recovery. 

✔ Persistent symptoms may benefit from assessment and structured rehabilitation. 

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Ready to Get Back to Moving Comfortably?

If elbow pain is limiting your work, workouts, sports or everyday activities, an assessment can help determine what is contributing to your symptoms and the most appropriate approach to recovery. 

Dr. Michael Hoiles is a Calgary chiropractor who provides evidence-informed care combining hands-on treatment, exercise-based rehabilitation and practical advice to help people recover from injury, move better and stay active. 

Book an appointment today to start your recovery and get back to the activities you enjoy. ​

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