Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis Treatment
Elbow ConditionsGolfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow where the forearm flexor and pronator tendons attach to the bony prominence called the medial epicondyle.
Reviewed by Thurairaj Manoharan, Physiotherapist • Last reviewed: February 2026
What is Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis?
Golfer's elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain on the inner side of the elbow where the forearm flexor and pronator tendons attach to the bony prominence called the medial epicondyle. Like tennis elbow, it is a tendon overuse condition, but it affects the opposite side of the elbow.
This condition develops when the muscles that flex the wrist and fingers are subjected to repetitive or excessive loading. It is common not only in golfers but also in people who perform repetitive gripping, throwing, or lifting movements, including gym-goers, climbers, and manual labourers.
The pain typically begins as a mild ache on the inner elbow and gradually worsens if the aggravating activities continue. In more severe cases, the pain can radiate down the inner forearm toward the wrist, and grip strength may be noticeably reduced.
Golfer's elbow can also be associated with irritation of the ulnar nerve, which runs directly behind the medial epicondyle. This can cause tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers, which your physiotherapist will assess and address if present.
At Kinesio Rehab, we apply the same evidence-based tendon loading principles that are effective for tennis elbow, tailored specifically to the flexor tendons on the inner side of the forearm, to resolve your pain and restore full function.
Key Facts
- Condition
- Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis
- Body Region
- elbow
- Treatment
- Available at Kinesio Rehab, Putra Heights
- Contact
- WhatsApp Us
What's Included in Our Treatment
- Detailed assessment of inner elbow, forearm, and wrist
- Progressive wrist flexor strengthening and eccentric loading programme
- Ulnar nerve assessment and nerve gliding exercises if needed
- Manual therapy and soft tissue release for the forearm flexors
- Dry needling for myofascial trigger points in forearm muscles
- Activity and technique modification advice for sport or work
- Grip and wrist strengthening with graduated resistance tools
- Personalised home exercise programme with clear milestones
Common Problems We Solve
Reviewed by Thurairaj Manoharan, Lead Physiotherapist
Last reviewed: March 2026
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Dealing with golfer's elbow / medial epicondylitis? Contact us to start your recovery.
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Our Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis Treatment Process
Assessment
We thoroughly assess your inner elbow, forearm flexor muscles, grip strength, and ulnar nerve function. We also evaluate your work, sport, or gym activities to identify the specific movements contributing to the problem.
Diagnosis
We confirm the diagnosis of medial epicondylitis through specific clinical tests and differentiate it from ulnar nerve entrapment, medial collateral ligament injury, or other conditions that cause inner elbow pain.
Treatment Plan
We create a tailored rehabilitation plan built around progressive tendon loading for the wrist flexor group, combined with strategies to manage any ulnar nerve involvement and reduce aggravating activities during recovery.
Active Treatment
Regular sessions combine progressive strengthening of the forearm flexors, manual therapy, dry needling for pain relief, and nerve gliding techniques if ulnar nerve symptoms are present. We increase loading systematically as your tendon adapts.
Recovery & Prevention
We restore your grip strength and forearm endurance to pre-injury levels, address any technique or ergonomic issues that contributed to the condition, and build a maintenance programme to keep the tendons healthy long-term.
Why Choose Kinesio Rehab for Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis
Golfer's elbow requires a different approach from tennis elbow because the affected muscles and tendon mechanics are distinct. At Kinesio Rehab, our physiotherapists are skilled at differentiating between tendon pain, ulnar nerve involvement, and ligament issues on the inner elbow, which is critical for effective treatment.
We use progressive loading protocols based on the latest tendon research to stimulate healing rather than simply managing symptoms. Our grip strength and pain monitoring ensure that your programme advances at the right pace.
Whether your golfer's elbow stems from gym training, sport, or occupational demands, we design your rehabilitation to address your specific needs and get you back to full activity.
Golfer's Elbow / Medial Epicondylitis — FAQs
What is the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?
Both are tendon overuse conditions at the elbow, but they affect different sides. Tennis elbow causes pain on the outer elbow and involves the wrist extensor tendons, while golfer's elbow causes pain on the inner elbow and involves the wrist flexor tendons. The treatment principles are similar, but the specific exercises target different muscle groups. Golfer's elbow is also more commonly associated with ulnar nerve irritation.
Can I continue going to the gym with golfer's elbow?
You can usually continue training with modifications. Exercises that heavily load the wrist flexors, such as heavy bicep curls, pull-ups, and deadlifts, may need to be temporarily modified or reduced in intensity. Your physiotherapist will advise you on which exercises are safe and how to adapt your training programme while the tendon recovers.
How long does golfer's elbow take to heal?
With consistent physiotherapy, most patients experience significant improvement within eight to twelve weeks. Cases that have been present for many months may require a longer rehabilitation period of up to six months. Adherence to the progressive loading programme is the most important factor in recovery speed. Patience is essential, as tendon healing is a gradual process.
Why do I get tingling in my fingers with golfer's elbow?
The ulnar nerve passes directly behind the bony bump on the inner elbow, very close to the inflamed flexor tendons. Swelling and muscle tightness associated with golfer's elbow can compress or irritate this nerve, causing tingling or numbness in the ring and little fingers. Your physiotherapist will assess for this and include nerve gliding exercises in your programme if needed.
Where to Get Treatment
Golfer's elbow treatment is available at our Putra Heights clinic and through home visits across the Klang Valley and Selangor. Clinic sessions are ideal for access to specialised resistance equipment for tendon loading. We cover Subang Jaya, Shah Alam, Petaling Jaya, Puchong, Cyberjaya, and surrounding areas.
📍 View All LocationsRelated Conditions
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome
Shoulder impingement syndrome occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff and the bursa become compressed in the narrow space beneath the bony roof of the shoulder called the acromion.
Tennis Elbow / Lateral Epicondylitis
Tennis elbow, medically known as lateral epicondylitis, is a painful condition affecting the outer side of the elbow where the forearm extensor tendons attach to the bone.
Elbow Fracture Rehabilitation
An elbow fracture involves a break in one or more of the three bones that form the elbow joint: the humerus, radius, or ulna.
Elbow Ligament Injury (UCL/LCL)
The elbow joint is stabilised by two main ligament complexes: the ulnar collateral ligament on the inner side and the lateral collateral ligament on the outer side.
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