Golfer’s Elbow affects approximately 0.4% of the general population, making it significantly less common than Tennis Elbow. It typically occurs between 40 and 60, but just because it’s less common doesn’t mean it’s less disruptive.
Unlike Tennis Elbow, which causes pain on the muscles outside of the elbow, Golfer’s Elbow shows up on the inside and despite the name, it’s not just golfers who get it. We see it in contractors, weightlifters, office workers, and anyone who puts regular strain on their forearms.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition where the tendons that attach to the inside of your elbow become irritated or inflamed. These tendons connect to the wrist flexor muscles, the group responsible for helping you bend your wrist and grip objects.
When those muscles are overworked or strained repeatedly, small tears can develop in the tendon near the medial epicondyle, the bony bump on the inside of your elbow.
Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
- Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
- Discomfort when gripping, lifting, or bending the wrist
- A weakened grip or feeling of fatigue in the forearm
Pain that may radiate down the inner forearm
Golfer’s Elbow vs. Tennis Elbow
✔ Golfer’s Elbow and Tennis Elbow are often confused, and while they share some similarities, they affect different parts of the elbow and involve different muscle groups.
✔ Golfer’s Elbow causes pain on the inner side of the elbow, where the wrist flexor tendons attach. These are the muscles that help you bend your wrist and grip objects.
✔ Tennis Elbow, on the other hand, affects the outer side of the elbow and involves the wrist extensor tendons, which help you straighten your wrist and lift with your palm down.
✔ Both conditions are caused by repetitive stress, but because they involve different muscle patterns and joint mechanics, the treatment approach isn’t the same.
Chiropractic Adjustments
Misalignment or subluxation in your shoulders or wrist can create unnecessary tension in the inner elbow. We use precise adjustments to the joints in these areas to correct imbalances and improve the way your arm moves under load.
Shockwave Therapy
For more chronic cases we may use the Intelect RPW 2 an advanced machine that uses acoustic waves to stimulate tendon healing and increasing blood circulation, it works by breaking down calcified scar tissue and trigger points in the elbow.
Soft Tissue Therapy
We often combine chiropractic care with Rapid Release Pro 3, a high-frequency vibration tool that targets tight wrist flexors and forearm muscles. This helps release soft tissue restrictions and calm down inflammation near the medial epicondyle.
Therapeutic Exercise and Posture Correction
Once pain and inflammation are under control, we introduce specific rehab exercises to build strength and prevent future flare-ups. These may include wrist flexor stretches, grip retraining, and shoulder stabilization drills. These exercises are designed to keep your elbow healthy and functional long after treatment ends.
FAQs About Golfer’s Elbow
Is It Caused by Golf Only?
No, and honestly, most of the people I treat for Golfer’s Elbow don’t play golf at all. It comes from repetitive wrist and hand movements, especially when combined with poor form. Golf just happens to be one activity that exposes that pattern.
How Do I Know It’s Not a Tennis Elbow?
It depends on where the pain is. If the pain is on the inside of your elbow, it’s likely Golfer’s Elbow. If it’s on the outside, that points more toward Tennis Elbow.
Can Posture Affect Elbow Pain?
Definitely, the way you hold your shoulders, spine, and neck affects how your arms move and how much pressure your elbows absorb.
What’s the Recovery Timeline for Golfer’s Elbow?
Most mild cases of Golfer’s Elbow respond well to treatment within 4 to 6 weeks, especially when caught early. Chronic cases, especially the ones that have been around for months, can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months to fully resolve.
What is Golfer’s Elbow ?
Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a repetitive strain injury that causes pain and inflammation on the inner side of the elbow, where the forearm muscles attach to the medial epicondyle. It’s often confused with tennis elbow, which affects the outer (lateral) elbow.
Finally, Lasting Golfer’s Elbow Relief
If you’re tired of chasing short-term fixes for inner elbow pain, it’s time for a real solution. Dr. Al Simeone is here to help you get to the root of your Golfer’s Elbow — and guide you through a treatment plan built around how you live, work, and move.
Book your $97 First Visit today.
Includes a full consultation, movement assessment, and personalized care recommendations.
Call: 720-573-4910