Golfer's Elbow Treatment
Pain on the inside of the elbow that flares with gripping, lifting, and pulling. Like its lateral cousin, it responds best to a structured loading programme, not rest.
HCPC Registered Chiropodists & Podiatrists · Royal College of Podiatry Member · Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow · MCSP Chartered Physiotherapist · Physio First Member · BUPA & WPA Recognised
What is Golfer's Elbow?
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis, or medial elbow tendinopathy) is pain at the bony point on the inside of the elbow, where the tendons of the forearm muscles that flex the wrist and fingers attach. As with tennis elbow, the name is misleading: most people who develop it are not golfers. Manual work, lifting, gym training, climbing, and racquet or throwing sports are all common causes.
It is less common than tennis elbow but behaves the same way: a tendon whose load capacity has been exceeded, which is why it responds to progressive strengthening rather than rest alone. Because the ulnar nerve runs close to the medial elbow, symptoms such as tingling in the ring and little fingers need to be checked as part of a proper assessment. At Lower Limb Clinic our clinicians examine the elbow, wrist, and neck to confirm the diagnosis, with in-house diagnostic ultrasound available where imaging is needed.
Full-body physiotherapy is now available at Lower Limb Clinic in Belfast. Book online to see our physiotherapist.
Common Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow
- Pain when gripping, lifting, or carrying
- Pain with pulling movements, from rows in the gym to starting a lawnmower
- Weakness of grip
- Ache spreading down the inside of the forearm
- Occasional tingling into the ring and little fingers
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping, lifting, and carrying at work
- Gym training, especially pulling exercises and a sudden increase in load
- Climbing and racquet or throwing sports
- Manual trades, DIY, and gardening
- A spike in unaccustomed activity
- Reduced tendon load tolerance with age
How We Treat Golfer's Elbow
Treatment follows the same evidence-based principles as tennis elbow, adapted to the medial tendons: settle symptoms with load management and isometric holds, then progressively strengthen the wrist flexors, grip, and the wider kinetic chain including the shoulder and trunk. We modify rather than stop the activity that caused it, use manual therapy where it helps, and screen the ulnar nerve and neck so nothing is missed. Shockwave therapy is available in-house for chronic cases that have not responded to loading.
MSK Assessment
Clinical examination of the elbow, grip, ulnar nerve, and neck to confirm the diagnosis and rule out referred pain or nerve involvement. Diagnostic ultrasound available in-house.
Progressive Loading Programme
A staged strengthening programme for the wrist flexors and grip, progressed to the demands of your work, sport, or training.
Load Management & Technique
Practical changes to lifting technique, gym programming, tool grip, and workload so the tendon can recover while you stay active.
Shockwave Therapy
Available in-house for stubborn, long-standing cases, delivered alongside the rehabilitation programme rather than instead of it.
Ready to get golfer's elbow treated?
When to Seek Professional Help
- Inner elbow pain has lasted more than two weeks despite modifying activity
- Grip is weak or painful during everyday tasks
- Pain is limiting your training, sport, or work
- You have tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers
- Symptoms return every time you increase activity
- Rest has settled it before but it keeps coming back
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Golfer's Elbow at Lower Limb Clinic.
Clinically reviewed by Paul McMullan
MSc Podiatric Sports Medicine (QMUL) · FRCPSGlasg · HCPC Registered
Lead Podiatrist & Clinical Director, Lower Limb Clinic Belfast
Get Expert Treatment
- Same-week appointments available
- No GP referral needed
- MSc-qualified specialists
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Find Your Nearest Clinic
Get specialist Golfer's Elbow treatment at your nearest Belfast clinic
Lisburn Road Clinic
385 Lisburn Road, BT9 7EP
Ormeau Road Clinic
373 Ormeau Road, BT7 3GP
We serve patients from across Belfast and Northern Ireland including East Belfast, South Belfast, Lisburn, Bangor, Holywood, Newtownards, Dundonald, Carryduff, Hillsborough, and Comber.