I’m excited to share my comprehensive, step-by-step guide for rehabilitating Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis) in a way that’s both fun and professional. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in treating Golfer’s Elbow—it helps reduce pain, restore mobility, build strength, and ultimately get you back to doing what you love without limitations. In our clinic, we take a personalized, hands-on approach at every stage of your recovery. Here’s what you can expect throughout the rehabilitation process, along with specific exercises and details on what we do during your physiotherapy sessions.

First lets start with the symptoms of Golfer's Elbow, to have accurate treatment you need an accurate diagnosis.

Symptoms

Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis) Symptoms:

How Golfer's Elbow Differs from Similar Conditions:

Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis):

Ulnar Nerve Entrapment (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome):

Ulnar Collateral Ligament (UCL - Tommy John) Injuries:

Referred Pain from the Cervical Spine:

Understanding these differences is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. If you're experiencing symptoms and are unsure about the cause, consulting with a healthcare professional or physiotherapist can help pinpoint the issue and guide you toward the right treatment plan.

Why Does it Happen?

Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inner side of the elbow become overused and develop tiny tears. This is often the result of repetitive movements—such as those involved in swinging a golf club, throwing a ball, or even repetitive tasks at work—that place continuous stress on these tendons. Overuse, poor technique, and sudden increases in activity can all contribute to the condition.

Now let's say you checked the boxes for Golfer’s Elbow, here's what to do next.

Most of my patients often say, "I don't even play golf!" And that's perfectly fine—Golfer’s Elbow is a bit of a misnomer. In reality, many people who suffer from this condition don’t play golf at all. If you're in this group, rest assured that you're not alone; in fact, you're part of the majority, not the minority.

Please Note: Healing timelines can vary significantly between individuals. While this guide provides a general roadmap for recovery, some patients may progress faster while others might require a little more time. In general, Golfer’s Elbow can take anywhere from 3 weeks to 3 months to get better. It’s important to follow your physiotherapist’s advice and adjust your program as needed. Your recovery journey is unique, and patience is key.

Factors Affecting Healing Timelines

How To Treat Golfer Elbow

Phase I: The Acute Phase (0–2 Weeks) – Calm The Storm

Goals:

How Physiotherapy Helps:

During the acute phase, our primary focus is to control pain and inflammation. In the clinic, we use modalities like ice therapy, ultrasound, or TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) to help calm the affected area. We also perform gentle manual therapy techniques such as soft tissue mobilization to relieve tension in the forearm flexor muscles (the area on the inside of your elbow), and we educate you on proper ergonomics and activity modifications to prevent further strain.

Specific Exercises

Pain-Free Isometric Contractions:

Wrist Flexion Isometrics:

Gentle Stretching

Wrist Flexor Stretch

Education & Activity Modification:

Phase 2: The Subacute Phase (2–6 Weeks) – Ease into Movement

Goals:

How Physiotherapy Helps:

In this phase, our treatments shift towards restoring normal movement patterns and initiating muscle strengthening. During your sessions, we continue manual therapy to improve tissue mobility and introduce guided stretching and strengthening exercises. We carefully monitor your response to exercise, ensuring that every movement is both effective and safe.

Specific Exercises

Continued Stretching:

Isometric Strengthening:

Gentle Eccentric Strengthening:

Eccentric Wrist Flexion Exercise:

Phase 3: Strengthening & Functional Training (6–12 Weeks) – Build That Strength

Goals:

How Physiotherapy Helps:

At this stage, our physiotherapy sessions become more dynamic. We focus on both eccentric and concentric muscle training, integrate advanced strengthening exercises, and incorporate functional drills tailored to your daily activities or sports. We also provide hands-on guidance to ensure proper technique and prevent re-injury.

Specific Exercises

Progressive Eccentric and Concentric Exercises:

Advanced Eccentric Exercises:

Forearm Rotations (Supination/Pronation):

Grip Strengthening:

Functional Drills:

Phase 4: Return to Activity & Maintenance (12+ Weeks) – Get Back in the Game

Goals:

How Physiotherapy Helps:

In the final phase, our focus shifts to ensuring you are fully prepared to resume all your activities. We introduce sport-specific drills, advanced strengthening exercises, and even controlled plyometric movements if needed. We work with you to develop a maintenance program that helps prevent future episodes, ensuring long-term success.

Specific Exercises

Advanced Strengthening:

Plyometric/Explosive Movements (For Athletes):

Sport-Specific Drills:

Maintenance Program:

Regular Reassessment:

General Guidelines for a Smooth Recovery