Golfer’s elbow isn’t just a golfer problem — but golfers tend to ignore it the longest. Medial elbow pain can creep in slowly, feel manageable at first, and then suddenly make gripping a club painful.
At FRWD Sports Therapy in Austin, we frequently see golfer’s elbow in golfers, tennis players, CrossFit athletes, and lifters who rely heavily on grip strength.
What causes golfer’s elbow?
Golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons on the inside of the elbow become overloaded. Common contributing factors include:
- Repetitive gripping
- Poor wrist and forearm strength balance
- Limited shoulder or thoracic mobility
- Poor swing or lifting mechanics
- Training volume exceeding tissue capacity
In golfers specifically, elbow pain is often linked to poor force transfer from the hips and core, forcing the forearm to overwork.
Why elbow-focused treatment often fails
Many athletes are treated directly at the elbow with rest, braces, or passive modalities. While this can calm symptoms, it rarely fixes the issue long term.
If shoulder mobility, trunk rotation, or grip mechanics aren’t addressed, the elbow continues to absorb excessive load.
How we treat golfer’s elbow at FRWD Sports Therapy
Our approach focuses on both symptom relief and long-term resilience.
Treatment may include:
- Soft tissue therapy to the forearm flexors and surrounding structures
- Dry needling to reduce tendon overload and improve muscle function
- Joint adjustments to the wrist, elbow, shoulder, and thoracic spine
- Progressive loading exercises to strengthen the tendon safely
- Sport-specific rehab to restore proper force transfer
This rehab-first approach helps athletes return stronger, not just pain-free.
How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?
Tendon injuries require patience, but when treated properly, many athletes improve within weeks rather than months. Consistency with loading and movement correction is key.
FAQs
Can a chiropractor help with golfer’s elbow?
Yes. Sports chiropractors address the entire kinetic chain, not just the elbow.
Is dry needling safe for elbow pain?
Yes, when performed by a trained provider, it can be very effective for reducing tendon-related pain.
Do I need to stop golfing?
Not always. Many golfers continue playing with modifications during rehab.
If you’re dealing with persistent elbow pain and live in Austin, this is a condition we commonly help athletes work through at FRWD Sports Therapy.