Golfer's Elbow (Medial Elbow Tendinopathy)

Relieve inner elbow pain with personalised, evidence-based treatment focused on restoring tendon strength, improving grip function, and correcting the movement and loading patterns contributing to your symptoms.

Understanding Golfer's Elbow

Medial elbow tendinopathy, or Golfer’s Elbow, is a degenerative condition affecting the flexor-pronator tendons at their origin on the medial epicondyle — the inner bony prominence of the elbow. Like tennis elbow, it is more common in manual workers, tradespeople, and keyboard users than in golfers. The ulnar nerve runs adjacent to the medial epicondyle and may also be involved.

Causes

Repetitive wrist flexion and forearm pronation.
Occupational overuse – golf, climbing, plumbing, carpentry, and data entry.
Sudden forceful gripping or throwing.
Weak forearm flexor muscles.
Poor grip technique in sport or manual work.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness on the inner elbow.
Pain radiating down the inner forearm.
Weakness of grip and wrist flexion.
Pain with gripping, turning, or forearm rotation.
Morning stiffness in the elbow.
Occasional tingling in the ring and little fingers if the ulnar nerve is involved.

Treatment

Progressive eccentric forearm flexor strengthening.
Manual therapy and soft tissue treatment.
Activity modification and load management.
Bracing for temporary symptom relief.
Ergonomic assessment and technique correction.

Rehabilitation & Exercise

Caution: Perform all exercises only as directed by your Healthweave clinician. Stop any exercise that increases your pain and inform your practitioner. Exercise programs are tailored to individual needs and must not be self-prescribed.

Golfer’s elbow rehabilitation mirrors tennis elbow — progressive tendon loading through eccentric and slow-resistance exercises is the most effective approach. Stretching maintains forearm flexibility and reduces tendon stress.

Eccentric wrist flexor curls – the primary tendon rehabilitation exercise.
Eccentric wrist extensor curls – for forearm balance.
Wrist flexor and extensor stretching – to improve flexibility and reduce tendon stress.
Grip strengthening – as symptoms allow.
Activity and load modification guidance – to support recovery and prevent recurrence.

Specialist & Regenerative Medicine Options

For persistent golfer’s elbow failing to respond to physiotherapy, our Prestidge sports physicians can offer targeted regenerative treatments.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy – ultrasound-guided PRP injection into the medial epicondyle tendon supports collagen repair.
Dry Needling under Ultrasound (Tenotomy) – image-guided needling of degenerate tendon fibres stimulates healing.
High-Volume Injection (HVI) – to address abnormal tissue changes.
Prolotherapy – to support the medial epicondyle enthesis.
Corticosteroid Injections – used selectively for acute pain management.
Peptide Therapy – where clinically appropriate following individual assessment. A valid prescription is required.

Our sports and exercise physicians at Prestidge work alongside your treating clinician to determine the most appropriate option for your condition, goals, and stage of recovery. All injectable and prescription treatments are subject to individual clinical assessment. Visit healthweave.com.au or prestidge.com to learn more.

Important: All specialist consultations, prescription treatments, and injectable procedures are subject to individual clinical assessment by a registered medical practitioner. Suitability, benefits, and risks will be discussed at your consultation. No outcomes are guaranteed. Prescription medicines are only available following appropriate medical review in accordance with TGA and AHPRA requirements. Exercise programs should be performed only as directed by your Healthweave clinician. Exercise images © CPDO / Educom Pty. Ltd. — used under licence.

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