Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options

Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms, Causes, and Effective Treatment Options

Golfer’s elbow is a common overuse injury that affects not only golfers, but also athletes, active adults, and anyone who frequently uses their arms in repetitive motions. This condition can cause pain, inflammation, stiffness, and weakness in the elbow, wrist, and forearm—making everyday activities uncomfortable.

Also known as medial epicondylitis, golfer’s elbow primarily affects the inside of the elbow. Pain may start at the elbow and travel down the forearm toward the wrist. The muscles most commonly involved are the pronator teres and flexor carpi radialis, which play key roles in gripping and wrist movement. Over time, repetitive stress can lead to small micro-tears in the tendon, eventually resulting in pain and dysfunction.

Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Symptoms often develop gradually and may take weeks or even months to fully appear. Common signs include:

·      Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow

·      Forearm or wrist pain that worsens with gripping or lifting

·      Swelling or inflammation near the elbow

·      Stiffness and reduced range of motion

·      Weakness in the hand or wrist

Golfer’s elbow most commonly affects adults between 30 and 50 years old, especially athletes and workers who place repeated strain on the wrist and elbow.

Initial Relief Strategies for Golfer’s Elbow

When symptoms begin, early conservative care can help reduce pain and inflammation.

Rest and Activity Modification

Reducing repetitive movements and limiting strain on the wrist and elbow allows the tendon time to heal. Avoid activities that aggravate symptoms whenever possible.

Ice Therapy

Applying a cold pack to the elbow and forearm for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times per day can help decrease pain, swelling, and inflammation—especially when done consistently over several days.

Bracing

Using the appropriate elbow brace may reduce strain on the affected muscles and provide symptom relief during daily activities.

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Golfers Elbow Stretches and Exercises

Once pain begins to improve, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can restore mobility and prevent recurrence.

Wrist Flexor Stretch

Extend your arm straight in front of you with your palm facing up

Gently pull your hand downward with the opposite hand

Hold for 20 seconds, repeat twice

Perform daily

Wrist Extensor Stretch

Extend your arm straight with palm facing down

Gently press the hand downward with the opposite hand

Hold for 20 seconds, repeat twice

Perform daily

Eccentric Wrist Extension

Rest your forearm on a table with wrist hanging off, palm down

Hold a light weight (5 lbs or less)

Slowly lower and raise the wrist

2 sets of 10 reps, 3–4 times per week

Eccentric Wrist Flexion

Same position, palm facing up

Slowly lower and raise the wrist

2 sets of 10 reps, 3–4 times per week

Nutrition and Inflammation Reduction

What you eat can significantly impact healing and inflammation. Anti-inflammatory foods that may support recovery include:

·      Green leafy vegetables

·      Wild-caught fish

·      Organic eggs and grass-fed beef

·      Raw dairy

·      Celery, beets, broccoli, blueberries, pineapple

·      Bone broth

·      Foods to limit or avoid include processed foods, added sugars, excessive sodium, refined grains, alcohol, and unhealthy fats.

Advanced Golfer’s Elbow Treatment at Crest Chiropractic

At Crest Chiropractic in Orem, we offer advanced, non-surgical treatment options designed to promote healing and long-term relief, including:

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate tissue repair and regeneration. This treatment increases blood flow, reduces inflammation, breaks down scar tissue, and accelerates healing in damaged tendons. Many patients notice pain improvement after just one session, and treatments are comfortable and quick.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

This technique uses specialized tools to improve mobility, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation by addressing restricted or damaged soft tissue.

Chiropractic Adjustments

A thorough evaluation may reveal joint restrictions or misalignments in the elbow, wrist, or surrounding joints. Gentle chiropractic adjustments can restore motion, reduce stress on tissues, and improve overall function.

Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology tape provides support, improves circulation, and allows for full range of motion while helping reduce pain during activity.

Get Relief from Golfer’s Elbow Without Surgery

If you’re an athlete or active adult dealing with golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis), chiropractic care can offer effective, lasting relief—often without the need for surgery. When addressed early and treated properly, most cases respond well to conservative, non-surgical care.

At Crest Chiropractic, we proudly serve patients in Orem, Lindon, Vineyard, Pleasant Grove, Alpine, Cedar Hills, and throughout Utah County with advanced sports injury care.

Schedule your New Patient Appointment Today by clicking here or call us directly at 801-701-8100.

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