Golfer's Elbow

Understanding Golfer's Elbow

Also known as: Medial Epicondylitis, Medial Epicondylosis, Pitcher's Elbow, Common Flexor Tendinopathy Golfer's elbow is the medial (inner) counterpart to tennis elbow — same tendinopathy mechanism, different tendon. It affects the common flexor tendon where the wrist and finger flexors and forearm pronators attach to the medial epicondyle. Repetitive gripping, wrist-flexion, and pronation activities overload the tendon gradually. Worth noting: the adjacent ulnar nerve is close to the medial epicondyle, and when it becomes irritated alongside the tendon, tingling in the ring and pinky fingers can accompany the elbow pain — a finding that changes the picture somewhat.

Tender, achy inside-elbow pain that flares with gripping a grocery bag palm-up, swinging a golf club, throwing, or typing is typical. Symptoms may radiate down the inner forearm. Golfers, baseball players (especially pitchers), manual laborers, and workers who grip tools all day are at highest risk. Our care mirrors tennis elbow treatment but targets the medial tendon.

A progressive eccentric wrist flexor and pronator loading program drives healing. Graston/IASTM and ART along the flexor group, elbow and wrist mobilization, and cervical and thoracic spine adjustments address the nerve contribution. Shockwave therapy is effective for persistent cases. Counterforce bracing and kinesio taping help during return to activity.

Most patients improve within six to ten weeks. We may recommend: Graston/IASTM, ART, extremity adjustments, mobilization, shockwave therapy, eccentric loading protocol, corrective exercise, kinesio taping Seek immediate care if: You experience progressive numbness, tingling, or weakness in the ring and little fingers, or elbow pain follows significant trauma.