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Condition Guide

Golfer's Elbow

Golfer's elbow can cause pain on the inside of the elbow during gripping, lifting, throwing or wrist movements. Physiotherapy can help manage tendon load and restore strength for work, sport and daily activity.

Physiotherapy treatment room used for golfer's elbow assessment at Marna Webb Physiotherapy in Tulbagh

Overview

Understanding Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s elbow is pain and irritation around the tendon area on the inside of the elbow. It can feel tender, tight or sharp with gripping, lifting, throwing, gym exercises, tool use or racquet sports. Physiotherapy may help by identifying the activities that overload the tendon and guiding a gradual strengthening plan for better arm function.

At a Glance

  • Common symptoms: Pain on the inside of the elbow, Pain with gripping or lifting, Pain with throwing or racquet sports.
  • Common contributors: Tendon load intolerance, Repetitive gripping or wrist flexion, Throwing or racquet loads.
  • Recovery varies by: severity, duration, irritability, general health and activity demands.
  • Physiotherapy may help: when symptoms affect movement, function or confidence.

Common Symptoms

Pain on the inside of the elbow

Pain with gripping or lifting

Pain with throwing or racquet sports

Forearm discomfort

Reduced grip confidence

Symptoms during work, gym or household tasks

Pain opening jars or gripping tools

Pain carrying bags or lifting weights

Discomfort with throwing, racquet sports or golf

Pain during repeated computer or hand tasks

Why Does It Happen?

Several factors may contribute, and the most relevant factors vary between people.

Tendon load intolerance

Repetitive gripping or wrist flexion

Throwing or racquet loads

Sudden training increase

Work-tool demands

Reduced shoulder, forearm or grip capacity

When Should I Seek Urgent Medical Attention?

Seek prompt medical assessment if symptoms are associated with:

  • Elbow pain after significant trauma
  • Marked swelling or deformity
  • Inability to move the elbow
  • Numbness or tingling into the hand that does not settle
  • Hot, red, painful joint with fever
  • Severe or rapidly worsening pain

These symptoms do not automatically mean that a serious condition is present, but they should be assessed promptly by an appropriate medical professional.

Physiotherapy Assessment

History of work and sport load

Elbow, wrist and shoulder movement

Grip strength

Pain with resisted wrist or forearm movements

Nerve screening where hand symptoms are present

Technique and activity demands

How Physiotherapy Can Help

Treatment is individualised and may include:

Education and load modification

Progressive forearm strengthening

Grip-load progression

Hands-on Treatment

Technique and equipment advice

Return-to-sport or work planning

Dry Needling

Dry needling may be considered where clinically appropriate as one part of a broader rehabilitation programme. It is not required or suitable for every patient.

Recovery and What to Expect

Recovery is usually gradual. Symptoms may settle slowly when tendon irritation has been present for a long time or when work and sport loads remain high.

Recovery differs from person to person and depends on tendon sensitivity, daily workload, sport demands and how gradually loading is progressed. The aim is to build tolerance steadily without repeatedly flaring symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to play golf to get golfer's elbow?

No. It can affect anyone who loads the inside elbow tendons.

Should I stop using the arm?

Usually not completely. Loads should be adjusted and rebuilt.

Can physiotherapy help?

Physiotherapy may help restore load tolerance and function.

What if I have tingling?

Tingling or numbness should be assessed because nerve irritation may contribute.

Can I book via WhatsApp?

Yes.

Evidence Corner

Medial elbow tendinopathy is generally managed with education, load modification and progressive strengthening matched to the individual's activity demands.

Treatment recommendations should combine current evidence, clinical expertise and your individual assessment.

Marna’s Clinical Perspective

Golfer's elbow is often less about one painful spot and more about the total load the arm is being asked to handle. My goal is to understand the demands placed on your arm and help you return to work, sport and daily activity with confidence through a practical, evidence-based rehabilitation plan.

Marna’s Tip

Small changes to grip, tool position or training volume can reduce irritation while the tendon becomes stronger.

Related Conditions

Wrist Pain

Resource in development

Peripheral Nerve Irritation

Resource in development

Related Resources

Patient Guide

Resource in development

Video

Resource in development

Recovery Programme

Resource in development

Recommended Exercises

Exercises should be selected according to the individual assessment. Exercise links remain marked as Resource in development until approved by Marna Webb.

Wrist flexor loading

Resource in development

Forearm rotation strength

Resource in development

Grip strengthening

Resource in development

Shoulder strengthening

Resource in development

Functional lifting

Resource in development

Sport-specific progression

Resource in development

Need Help With Golfer's Elbow?

Contact Marna Webb Physiotherapy for an individual assessment and treatment plan.