Elbow Pain from Golf? How to Treat Golfer’s and Tennis Elbow with PT TPI Certified Physical Therapists

Golfer’s elbow, medically known as medial epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow and is generally on the trail side. It occurs when repetitive stress and strain—such as from gripping and swinging a golf club—cause tiny tears and inflammation in the tendons connecting the forearm muscles to the elbow. Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis is more commonly seen on the lead elbow in the golfing population.

In golf, improper swing mechanics, poor wrist control, or excessive practice without proper conditioning can contribute to the development of a golfer's/tennis elbow. At Back9 PT in Louisville, we see many golfers struggling with this condition, which not only causes pain but can limit grip strength and overall swing performance. This article is going to focus on the acute treatment for golfer's/tennis elbow but in a previous blog, we cover some of the root causes that we also will need to address. You can check out that blog here:

Read: The Body Swing Connection: How Your Golf/Tennis Elbow is not an Elbow Problem!

Symptoms and When to Seek Physical Therapy

Golfer’s elbow typically presents as pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow, which may worsen with gripping, lifting, or swinging motions. You might also experience stiffness, weakness in your grip, or discomfort that radiates down the forearm. It is generally on the trail side elbow for the golfer.

If these symptoms persist for more than a week or interfere with your daily activities or golf game, it’s time to seek physical therapy. Early intervention at Back9 PT helps prevent the condition from worsening and speeds up recovery by addressing both pain and the underlying causes to get you back on the course quickly!

How Physical Therapy Helps Golfer’s Elbow

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of effective treatment for golfer’s elbow. At Back9 PT, we use a combination of hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercises, and movement retraining to promote healing and prevent recurrence.

READ: Common Golf Injuries and How Physical Therapy Can Help

Our approach includes:

• Manual therapy to reduce tendon inflammation and relieve muscle tension

• Stretching and strengthening exercises focused on the forearm and wrist to restore balance

• Neuromuscular training to improve wrist and grip control during your swing

• Education on swing mechanics and load management to reduce stress on the elbow

  
  

This comprehensive strategy helps golfers regain strength, improve function, and return to play pain-free.

Exercises Golfers Can Do to Support Recovery

In addition to in-clinic treatment, golfers can support their recovery with specific exercises that target the muscles and tendons affected by golfer’s elbow. Here are a few simple drills recommended by Back9 PT (with video links!):

• Wrist Flexor/Extensor Stretch: Extend your arm with palm facing up, gently pull your fingers back with the opposite hand until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 30 seconds, repeat 2-3 times per arm. To stretch the extensors, perform as above with the palm facing down.

• Eccentric Wrist Curls: Hold a light dumbbell with your palm facing up. Slowly lower the weight down over 3-5 seconds, then use your other hand to lift it back up. Perform 3 sets of 10-15 reps. To perform for the extensors, simply move to the palm down position. Start with the wrist in flexion, and slowly lower it down.

• Eccentric Radial Deviation: Hold a golf club, hammer, or light weight on its end. With your elbow by your side, lower the club forward as if you were casting it in a slow-controlled manner. Perform 10 rotations each direction and repeat for at least 2 sets.

• Forearm pronation/supination eccentrics: Hold a light weight on its end, a hammer, or even a golf club. With your elbow by your side, rotate your arm clockwise and counterclockwise in a slow-controlled manner. Perform 10 rotations each direction and repeat for at least 2 sets.

It is fine to have some pain or discomfort here when performing these exercises, we just want to keep that in the 0-3 range on a 0-10 pain scale. We also want any increases in pain to go away in 24 hours. If it does not, the load was likely a little too much.

Regularly performing these exercises can help reduce pain, improve tendon health, and support your return to the course.

Why Choosing a TPI Certified Trainer Matters

The Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) is recognized worldwide for its expertise in golf-specific physical therapy and training. Choosing a TPI certified trainer at Back9 PT means you’re working with professionals who understand the unique demands of the golf swing and the common injuries associated with it.

READ: TPI vs. Traditional Physical Therapy: What’s the Difference for Golfers?

TPI certification ensures your trainer is skilled in:

• Assessing golf-specific movement patterns and identifying dysfunctions

• Designing rehab and training programs tailored to golfers’ needs

• Integrating injury prevention strategies into your routine

• Improving your overall performance while minimizing injury risk

Working with a TPI certified trainer means your recovery and training are backed by science and tailored specifically to help you play your best golf pain-free.