Golfer's Elbow Treatment and Rehabilitation
by: Amanda Chua, TCM Physician, Regis Wellness
Last updated: November 29, 2025
Golfer’s elbow, medically referred to as medial epicondylitis, is a common elbow condition caused by overuse injuries. While it is less common than Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, Golfer’s elbow accounts for approximately 10% to 20% of all epicondylitis. Studies suggest that Golfer’s elbow is prevalent within 0.4% of the population.
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What is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a condition that causes pain and inflammation to the tendons connecting the forearm to the elbow. This condition is typically caused by an overuse of the forearm, wrist and arm, resulting in tiny tears in your tendons, causing wrist, elbow and forearm pain.
The pain caused by Golfer’s elbow generally begins at the bony bump on the inside of your elbow and can radiate outwards, spreading into your forearm and wrist. While Golfer’s elbow sounds like a sports injury, approximately 90% of people with Golfer’s elbow develop it as a result of non-sports related reason.
What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s Elbow is generally caused by overuse injury, where repeated movements, especially forceful wrist and finger movements lead to excess or repeated stress, damaging your muscles and tendons.
In addition, poor form when lifting, throwing or hitting, or failing to warm up appropriately before vigorous sporting activities may contribute to the development of Golfer’s elbow.
Common activities and occupations involved in the development of Golfer’s elbow include:
- Racket sports such as tennis or badminton - Repeated usage of improper form and strokes may cause damage to your tendon. Using a racket that does not suit you, such as one that is too small or too heavy can also result in injuries.
- Throwing sports such as baseball and softball - These sports require repetitive motions from your wrist, forearm and elbow, making players prone to injuries that can contribute to the development of Golfer’s elbow.
- Weight training - Improper form and technique when lifting can lead to injury. In the case of Golfer’s elbow, weightlifting activities involving the curling of the wrist may put you at risk. For example, curling the wrists when doing a bicep curl may overload the elbow muscles and tendons.
- Forceful, repetitive occupational movements involving the forearm, elbow and wrist - These are common in fields such as construction, plumbing and carpentry.
Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
If you have Golfer’s elbow, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Stiffness in the affected elbow.
- Tenderness and pain on the inner side of the elbow.
- Pain that is experienced when carrying out certain motions such as making a fist or swinging a golf club.
- Tingling or numbness in your fingers, typically the ring and little fingers.
- Weakness in your hands and wrists.
Risk Factors of Golfer’s Elbow
The following factors may increase your risk of developing Golfer’s elbow. These include:
- Age 40 and above
- Carrying out repetitive physical activity involving the forearm, wrist and elbow, for at least two hours a day
- Being obese
- Being a regular smoker
Complications of Golfer’s Elbow
Golfer’s elbow usually heals on its own with over time, given sufficient rest. However, if you choose to ignore the condition and continue to carry out vigorous physical activities involving the forearm, elbow and wrist, you may end up aggravating the injured muscles and tendons, leading to complications. Common complications of Golfer’s elbow include:
- Persistent, chronic pain in the affected areas.
- Reduced range of motion of the affected elbow.
- Weakened grip strength.
Diagnosing Golfer’s Elbow
To diagnose Golfer’s elbow, your doctor will examine your medical history and conduct a physical examination. Your doctor may also apply pressure to the affected areas of your arm and ask you to conduct various movements to evaluate your degree of pain and stiffness. If your doctor suspects that your condition may be a result of other causes such as a fracture or arthritis, an X-ray may be suggested.
Preventing Golfer’s Elbow
While Golfer’s elbow may be unavoidable, there are some steps in which you can take to lower your risk of developing the condition. These include:
- Conducting proper warmups and stretches prior to sporting activity. Paying special attention to your wrists and forearms while stretching is recommended, especially if you have had Golfer’s elbow before.
- Adjusting your sporting equipment to better suit you can be helpful in preventing Golfer’s elbow. For example, using a racket that is of a suitable weight, with a proper fitting grip.
- You may need to adjust your technique and form, especially if you have been playing with the incorrect technique and form. Poor form and technique will increase your risk of sporting injuries.
Treatment Methods for Golfer’s Elbow
Rest
The first step to treating any injury is to rest the affected areas of the body. Giving your arm a break is essential in preventing further injuries or additional strain and starting off the recovery process of your injured muscles or tendons.
Ice
Applying ice packs to your injured arm with pressure can help to alleviate symptoms of pain. Ice packs should be applied for up to 20 minutes at a time, three to four times a day. You may want to wrap the ice packs in a thin towel to protect your skin.
Use a brace
Using a counterforce brace on your affected arm can help with reducing tendon and muscle strain. The counterforce brace can work as a short-term relief for your Golfer’s elbow while you work on long-term solutions such as physiotherapy for your condition. Ensure that your brace fits well for optimal results. The brace should not be worn too tightly, and you should not feel pain while wearing it.
Anti-inflammatory medication
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac can be effective in relieving symptoms of pain.
Injections
Cortisteroid injections may be prescribed as short-term pain relief for your Golfer’s elbow. Multiple injections, however, are not recommended due to the risk of side-effects.
Surgery
If conventional treatment methods do not work for your Golfer’s elbow, even after a prolonged period of time over six to twelve months, surgery might be an option. The surgical procedure may involve the removal of damaged tissue, build-up of scar tissue, or extra bone which may be pressing on the tendon.
Physiotherapy for Golfer’s Elbow
Physiotherapy is a highly effective treatment option for Golfer’s elbow, especially in cases where symptoms persist despite rest or have developed into chronic pain. A targeted physiotherapy program helps reduce inflammation, restore strength in the forearm muscles, improve tendon healing, and support long-term recovery. Treatment typically combines hands-on techniques, therapeutic exercises, and pain-relief modalities.
As Golfer’s elbow often results from repetitive gripping, wrist flexion, or overuse, physiotherapy aims to correct these contributing factors while reinforcing proper movement patterns. A structured approach helps relieve pain, rebuild tendon resilience, and prevent future flare-ups.
Physiotherapy for Golfer’s elbow typically includes the following treatment focuses:
- Pain Relief & Inflammation Reduction Phase
- Deep Tissue Massage to target deep muscle layers, reduce tension, and relieve pain in the affected tendon
- Ultrasound Therapy to reduce inflammation, promote blood flow, and support tendon healing
- TENS Therapy to help block pain signals and release endorphins, providing drug-free pain relief
- Manual therapy such as soft tissue release, myofascial release, and gentle joint mobilisation to decrease tension along the forearm flexor muscles
- Activity modification guidance to avoid aggravating movements during flare-ups
- Flexibility, Mobility & Tendon Conditioning Phase
- Stretching exercises for the wrist flexors and forearm muscles to relieve tension on the medial epicondyle
- Eccentric strengthening exercises (controlled lengthening movements) to rebuild tendon strength and encourage proper tendon remodelling
- Mobility exercises for the wrist, elbow, and forearm to improve movement and reduce stiffness
- Manual therapy techniques such as cross-friction massage to stimulate tendon healing and reduce adhesions
- Ergonomic and technique corrections for tasks such as typing, lifting, gripping, or sports-related movements
- Strengthening, Function & Recurrence Prevention Phase
- Strengthening exercises for the wrist, forearm, and grip muscles to increase tendon resilience and reduce re-injury risk
- Scapular and shoulder strengthening to improve upper limb mechanics and reduce stress on the elbow
- Functional training to improve performance in daily tasks, sports, or work-related activities
- Progressive loading programs to safely reintegrate gripping, lifting, and repetitive arm movements
- Home exercise programs to maintain gains, support long-term tendon health, and prevent recurrence
With consistent physiotherapy and guided exercises, most individuals experience significant improvements in pain, grip strength, and overall forearm function. Our physiotherapist will tailor your treatment plan based on symptom severity, activity demands, and recovery goals.
TCM for Golfer’s Elbow
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views golfer’s elbow as a condition arising from Qi and blood stagnation along the meridians of the forearm and elbow. TCM aims to restore smooth energy flow, reduce pain and inflammation, and support tendon healing using natural, holistic methods. Treatment is tailored to the individual and often combines acupuncture, cupping, and herbal medicine.
TCM approaches for golfer’s elbow generally follow the treatment focuses below:
- Pain Relief & Qi Regulation
- Acupuncture is used to stimulate specific meridian points to regulate Qi and blood flow. For golfer’s elbow, acupuncture helps ease pain, reduce inflammation, relax tight forearm muscles, and promote healing of the affected tendon.
- In some cases, electro-acupuncture may be applied to enhance stimulation and provide additional relief from persistent pain.
- Circulation Enhancement & Soft Tissue Healing
- Cupping therapy uses gentle suction to increase blood circulation around the elbow and forearm, helping to release muscle tension and reduce stagnation contributing to pain.
- Internal Balance, Healing & Recurrence Prevention
- TCM herbal medicine is prescribed based on the individual’s pattern of disharmony, using formulas with anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties to support tendon healing and reduce stiffness.
- Herbal liniments or plasters may also be recommended for external use to promote circulation and reduce pain.
- Our TCM physicians may provide lifestyle and activity guidance, including avoiding repetitive strain, improving ergonomics, and incorporating gentle stretching to prevent recurrence.
With a personalised combination of acupuncture, cupping, and herbal support, TCM can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support long-term recovery from golfer’s elbow.
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