Golfer’s Elbow Explained

Golfer’s elbow develops when the tendons attached to the inside of the elbow become irritated or overloaded due to repeated swinging and gripping movements. Although it is very common among golfers, it can also develop in other athletes, including weightlifters or tennis players.

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?

In most cases, no single issue causes golfer’s elbow. However, for young athletes, repeated practice sessions without enough recovery are a major contributing factor. Other factors include:

• Sudden increases in practice time (like returning to training after summer break)
• Poor swing mechanics
• Gripping the club too tightly
• Weakness in the forearm, shoulder, or upper back
• Limited mobility through the wrist or shoulder

Early Warning Signs to Watch Out For

Because golfer’s elbow is a repetitive use injury, symptoms usually develop gradually. Watch out for:

• Pain along the inside of the elbow
• Tenderness when touching the bony area
• Discomfort while gripping the club
• Pain during the downswing or follow-through
• Stiffness after practice
• Reduced grip strength

Many athletes will be tempted to keep playing through their symptoms, but we don’t recommend it, as it will only lead to continued tendon overload and a longer recovery. Instead, if you notice any discomfort in your elbow during or after practice, schedule an appointment at Complete Game Physical Therapy to see what might be going on.

Treating Golfer’s Elbow 

It’s tempting to see golfer’s elbow as a problem with the elbow. In reality, movement throughout the entire body influences how much force reaches the elbow during golf swings, so treatment often involves a whole-body approach. Our team will work with you to create a rehab plan that helps calm irritated tissue while addressing any underlying movement concerns.

Treatment might include:

• Activity modification to reduce stress on the elbow while healing begins.
• Manual therapy to ease soft tissue restrictions in the arm.
• Gentle stretching to restore mobility in the forearm and wrist.
• Progressive strengthening exercises that help the tendon tolerate higher loads over time.
• Grip strengthening once symptoms improve.
• Shoulder, upper back, and core strengthening to improve swing mechanics.
• Movement retraining to reduce unnecessary stress during the golf swing.

When should I see a physical therapist?

We recommend scheduling an appointment if your elbow pain:

• Lasts more than a few days
• Continues during your swing
• Starts affecting your performance

The team at Complete Game Physical Therapy regularly works with athletes hoping to perform at their best, which gives us unique insight into the physical demands of competitive golf. We can assess your symptoms, perform a comprehensive movement evaluation, and build a treatment plan that supports both recovery and long-term performance.

Tips for Preventing Golfer’s Elbow

There is some good news: a smart athlete can often prevent golfer’s elbow with a few good training habits. We recommend:

1. Gradually increasing practice sessions. Don’t jump into high-level training after a long time off. 
2. Complete a 10-15-minute warm-up before practicing your swings.
3. Strengthen the forearms, shoulders, and core throughout the season.
4. Take regular breaks during long practice sessions.
5. Make sure you’re using proper swing mechanics.
6. Replace worn grips if you find yourself squeezing harder than normal.
7. If you notice even minor pain, get it checked out.

Five Warning Signs Your Golf Swing Is Straining Your Elbow

Poor swing mechanics are often at the root of golfer’s elbow or other overuse-related golf injuries. What many people don’t realize is that their bodies will often give them subtle signs that their swing or training load could cause problems down the line. Here’s what to watch out for.

1. You Start Altering Your Swing: Maybe you’ve been shortening your follow-through–or avoiding a full swing altogether. These changes often indicate that you’re unconsciously compensating for pain or discomfort around the elbow.
2. Your Practice Sessions Get Shorter: Do you find yourself stopping after fewer buckets of balls than usual? It could be your body telling you that your usual practice time is exceeding what your tissues can currently tolerate.
3. Your Grip Feels Less Confident: A strong, controlled grip is essential for solid ball contact. If holding the club starts to feel tiring or unstable, it may be a sign that the muscles supporting the inner elbow are fatigued.
4. Recovery Takes Longer Than It Used To: A healthy arm should feel ready for practice the next day. If you still feel stiff or sore when you’re starting your practice session–or your discomfort returns every time you play–your elbow may need more than rest alone.
5. Your Accuracy Starts to Slip: Reduced accuracy is often another sign that your body is compensating for discomfort, as even small changes in timing or control can lead to inconsistent shots.

The Importance of Rest and Relaxation for Your Physical Health

Did you know that August 15th is National Relaxation Day? At Complete Game Physical Therapy, we want to highlight the importance of rest and relaxation for your mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Here are some ways to celebrate National Relaxation Day: 

1. Take a Breath: Deep breathing isn’t just calming; it significantly reduces stress and enhances mental clarity. It’s a powerful tool for mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
2. Get Some Sleep: Adequate sleep is more than rest. It’s a critical period for muscle recovery and overall health maintenance.
3. Digital Detox: Unplugging from electronic devices is proven to reduce mental fatigue and boost overall mood.

This National Relaxation Day, remember that taking time to relax is not just a luxury but a key element in maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle!

Sources

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519000/
• https://openorthopaedicsjournal.com/VOLUME/17/ELOCATOR/e18743250262232/