Golf Elbow? Here’s What You Need to Know

Wes Tubb
May 9
3 min read

If you’ve been noticing a dull ache or sharp pain on the inside of your elbow—especially when gripping your club, taking a swing, or lifting things—there’s a good chance you’re dealing with golfer’s elbow.

It’s one of the most common injuries we see at our Golf Injury Clinic, and the good news is: you don’t have to live with it.

Let’s break down what golfer’s elbow is, what causes it, and how we treat it here at Oak Health Osteopathy.

🏌️‍♂️ What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Despite the name, golfer’s elbow isn’t limited to pro players or single-digit handicappers. It’s the common name for medial epicondylitis—a condition where the tendons on the inside of your elbow become irritated or inflamed due to overuse.

It’s typically caused by repetitive strain on the muscles that control wrist and finger flexion—the ones you use for gripping the club and powering your swing.

If the technique isn’t perfect, or if you've recently ramped up your practice, the tendons can become overloaded, leading to pain, stiffness, or even weakness.

🔎 Common Signs You Might Have Golfer’s Elbow

Pain or tenderness on the inner side of the elbow
Discomfort that worsens when swinging, gripping, or lifting
A weak grip or feeling like you’re losing power
Morning stiffness or aching after a round
Pain that travels down the forearm

Left untreated, the condition can become chronic and start affecting your performance—and your enjoyment of the game.

🎯 What Causes It?

Here are a few common triggers we see:

Overuse: Playing too much golf without enough recovery
Poor swing mechanics: Especially over-gripping or “casting” in the downswing
Improper equipment: Using clubs that don’t suit your body or style
Lack of conditioning: Weak forearms or poor flexibility
Sudden changes in routine: Increasing your frequency or intensity too quickly

Even if you’ve played for years, a few minor adjustments (or overuse) can tip the scales.

🏥 How We Treat Golfer’s Elbow at Oak Health

At our Golf Injury Clinic in Cheadle Hulme, we combine two powerful approaches to help you recover quickly and properly:

1. Osteopathy for Pain Relief and Mobility

Using hands-on techniques, we address muscle tension, joint restriction, and poor biomechanics that may be contributing to the problem. We’ll look beyond the elbow—at your wrist, shoulder, spine, and overall posture—to identify root causes and support your recovery holistically.

We also guide you through exercises that restore strength, control, and mobility in the elbow and forearm.

2. Shockwave Therapy for Chronic Tendon Pain

For more persistent or long-standing cases, shockwave therapy is an excellent option. It delivers targeted sound waves into the tendon, stimulating a healing response in tissue that may not be repairing on its own.

It’s particularly effective for chronic tendon issues where rest, rehab, or physio haven’t worked.

✅ What Makes Us Different: TPI-Certified Care

As a Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) certified practitioner, I’m trained to assess golf-specific movement and how it relates to injury and performance. That means your treatment isn’t just about pain relief—it’s about helping you return to the game better than before, with improved mobility, technique, and power.

We understand how the entire body contributes to your swing—and how breakdowns in one area (like hip rotation or spinal mobility) can put unnecessary stress on the elbow.

⛳ Back to the Course, Without the Wince

Our goal is always the same: to get you out of pain, back on the course, and playing with confidence.

Whether you're an experienced player, a weekend warrior, or just getting started, our tailored approach helps you recover safely and prevent future flare-ups—so you can swing freely and enjoy the game you love.