Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Causes, Symptoms & Best Physiotherapy Treatment at Physio360.

INTRODUCTION;

Golfer’s Elbow, medically known as Medial Epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. Despite the name, this condition is not limited to golfers—it frequently affects manual workers, athletes, gym-goers, office workers, homemakers, and fitness trainers.

At Physio360 Chennai, we see many patients with elbow pain who delay treatment, assuming it will heal on its own. Early physiotherapy intervention can prevent chronic pain and ensure fast, safe recovery without surgery.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s Elbow is an inflammatory or degenerative condition affecting the tendons of the forearm flexor muscles that attach to the medial epicondyle of the humerus.

These muscles are responsible for:

• Wrist flexion

• Forearm pronation

• Grip strength

Repeated strain leads to micro-tears in the tendon, causing pain, weakness, and reduced function.

Causes of Golfer’s Elbow

Golfer’s Elbow develops due to repetitive stress or improper biomechanics.

Common causes include:

✔ Repetitive wrist flexion

✔ Forceful gripping activities

✔ Poor sports technique (golf, cricket, badminton, tennis)

✔ Weight training with incorrect form

✔ Prolonged typing or mouse use

✔ Lifting heavy objects repeatedly

✔ Poor shoulder or wrist stability

At Physio360 Centre in Chennai, we focus on identifying the root cause, not just treating pain.

Who Is at Risk?

Golfer’s Elbow commonly affects:

• Golfers & racket sport players

• Gym trainers & fitness professionals

• Homemakers

• Manual labourers

• IT professionals

• Painters, carpenters, electricians

Age group most affected: 30–60 years

Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

Common symptoms include:

🔹 Pain on the inner side of the elbow

🔹 Pain radiating to the forearm and wrist

🔹 Weak grip strength

🔹 Stiffness in the elbow

🔹 Pain while lifting, squeezing, or turning objects

🔹 Discomfort during wrist flexion or pronation

🔹 Pain aggravated by daily activities

⚠Ignoring symptoms may lead to chronic tendon degeneration.

How Is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, performed by an experienced physiotherapist.

At Physio360, assessment includes:

✔ Detailed history evaluation

✔ Palpation of the medial epicondyle

✔ Range of motion testing

✔ Resisted wrist flexion tests

✔ Functional movement analysis

✔ Postural and biomechanical assessment

Imaging (X-ray / MRI) is required only in chronic or severe cases.

Best Physiotherapy Treatment for Golfer’s Elbow at Physio360

At Physio360 Chennai, we follow a personalised, evidence-based treatment approach focusing on pain relief, tendon healing, and long-term prevention.

🟢 Phase 1: Pain & Inflammation Control

✔ Activity modification

✔ Cryotherapy (ice therapy)

✔ Ultrasound therapy

✔ IFT / TENS for pain relief

✔ Soft tissue release

✔ Kinesio taping for tendon support

Goal: Reduce pain and inflammation

🟢 Phase 2: Restore Mobility & Flexibility

✔ Gentle stretching exercises

✔ Forearm muscle flexibility training

✔ Wrist and elbow mobility exercises

✔ Myofascial release techniques

Goal: Improve movement without pain

🟢 Phase 3: Strengthening & Tendon Healing

✔ Eccentric strengthening exercises

✔ Wrist flexor strengthening

✔ Grip strength training

✔ Progressive resistance exercises

✔ Shoulder and scapular stabilisation

Goal: Promote tendon repair and strength

🟢 Phase 4: Functional & Sports Rehabilitation

✔ Sport-specific training

✔ Work-specific ergonomic correction

✔ Technique correction

✔ Return-to-activity program

✔ Injury prevention education

Goal: Prevent recurrence

Advanced Techniques Used at Physio360

⭐ Manual therapy

⭐ Trigger point release

⭐ Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilisation

⭐ Dry needling (if indicated)

⭐ Postural correction programs

⭐ Ergonomic advice

We focus on fast recovery without injections or surgery.

Home Exercises for Golfer’s Elbow (Guided by Physiotherapist)

⚠ Exercises should be performed only after assessment.

Commonly prescribed exercises include:

✔ Wrist flexor stretch

✔ Eccentric wrist flexion

✔ Forearm pronation strengthening

✔ Grip strengthening using therapy putty

✔ Shoulder stabilisation exercises

Incorrect exercises can worsen symptoms — professional guidance is essential.

Golfer’s Elbow vs Tennis Elbow

Feature	Golfer’s Elbow	Tennis Elbow
Pain Location	Inner elbow	Outer elbow
Affected Muscles	Wrist flexors	Wrist extensors
Common Cause	Gripping & flexion	Repetitive extension

Can Golfer’s Elbow Heal Without Physiotherapy?

Mild cases may improve with rest, but most cases require physiotherapy to:

✔ Prevent chronic pain

✔ Restore strength

✔ Avoid recurrence

✔ Return to sports and work safely

Delaying treatment often leads to long recovery periods.

Why Choose Physio360 for Golfer’s Elbow Treatment?

🏥 Physio360 Centre in Chennai offers:

✔ Experienced physiotherapists

✔ One-to-one personalised care

✔ Evidence-based treatment protocols

✔ Advanced manual therapy techniques

✔ Sports and orthopaedic rehabilitation expertise

✔ Affordable and effective physiotherapy

✔ Convenient appointment slots

Trusted by athletes, fitness trainers, and working professionals

When Should You Visit a Physiotherapist?

If elbow pain lasts more than 7–10 days

If pain affects daily activities

If grip strength is reduced

If pain keeps returning

Early treatment = faster recovery

Book Your Appointment at Physio360 Today!

If you are searching for:

• Best physiotherapy for Golfer’s Elbow

• Elbow pain treatment near me

• Best physiotherapist in Chennai

• Non-surgical treatment for elbow pain

Physio360 Chennai is here to help you recover faster and stronger.

Physio360 – Your Trusted Centre for Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapy in Chennai

Book your consultation today and get back to pain-free movement!

REFERENCE AND RESEARCH ARTICLE ;

1.Medial epicondylitis: Current diagnosis and treatment optionshttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.jorep.2023.100172

2.Medial Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review on Causes, Symptoms and TreatmentMedial Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review on Causes, Symptoms and Treatment