Elbow pain · Ponsonby
Golfer's elbow treatment that targets the tendon
Most of the people we treat for golfer's elbow have never swung a club. It comes from any activity that loads the inside of the elbow: plumbing, carpentry, racquet sports, climbing, and repetitive desk or workshop work. The pain sits on the bony inside of the elbow and flares when you grip, especially in the morning. It is tennis elbow's less-famous cousin, and like tennis elbow it drags on because rest alone does not fix a tendon problem.
Does this sound like you?
- ✓ Pain on the inner bump of the elbow, especially when you grip or flex your wrist
- ✓ A weak, tender grip that gets worse through the day
- ✓ It started after a period of repetitive work and has not settled since
- ✓ Anti-inflammatories or rest have helped short-term but it keeps returning
If that sounds like you, this is exactly what we treat. Book an assessment and we will confirm the right plan.
Why golfer's elbow lingers
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is a load problem in the tendons where the forearm flexor muscles attach to the inner elbow. When the tendon is repeatedly overloaded it becomes painful and starts to degenerate rather than repair. Tendons have poor blood supply at the best of times, and at this particular attachment point the supply is worse than most. That is why rest brings temporary relief but the pain returns as soon as you grip again.
How we treat golfer's elbow
We assess the elbow, grip strength and the aggravating activity to confirm the diagnosis. Medial epicondylitis can be confused with referred pain from the neck or cubital tunnel syndrome. For pain that has hung around more than six weeks, shockwave is one of the most effective tools we have: it stimulates blood flow and tissue repair in the tendon, and reduces pain enough to begin the loading programme that actually rebuilds it. We also look at what can be modified in the activity causing it.
What recovery looks like
Tendon recovery is measured in weeks, not days. We give you a clear programme and tell you what to expect at each stage, including what you can and cannot do between sessions. The goal is to get you back to the work or sport that caused it, not just manage it while you avoid everything.
This is one of the injuries we treat with shockwave therapy at our Ponsonby clinic. Read more about how shockwave works, who it suits and what a course of treatment involves.
Common questions
Does shockwave work for golfer's elbow? +
Can I keep using my arm during treatment? +
Do I need a referral? +
Related
Other injuries we treat
Shockwave therapy in Ponsonby
How shockwave works, who it suits and what a course of treatment involves.
About shockwave therapy →Achilles tendonitis treatment
The niggle at the back of the heel that will not settle, even after months of rest and stretching.
Achilles Pain →Plantar fasciitis treatment
That sharp, stabbing heel pain on the first steps out of bed in the morning.
Heel Pain →Tennis elbow treatment
Pain on the outside of the elbow from gripping all day, and you have never picked up a racquet.
Tennis Elbow →Rotator cuff and shoulder pain treatment
Persistent shoulder pain limiting your overhead movement and your sleep, from a strain that has not fully resolved.
Shoulder Pain →Trigger point treatment
Tight, aching muscle knots in the neck, shoulders or back that refer pain to other areas.
Trigger Points →Hamstring pain and tendon treatment
Recurring hamstring tightness or a deep ache at the sit bone that has not resolved with stretching or rest.
Hamstring Pain →Shin splints and shin pain treatment
Shin pain that comes back every time you build your running: shin splints that rest alone has not fixed.
Shin Pain →Shoulder and hip bursitis treatment
A burning, persistent pain in the shoulder or hip, and you want a solution beyond repeated injections.
Bursitis →Not sure if it's right for you?
Send us a message
Tell us what's going on and we'll come back to you within one business day.
Book your assessment
Your first visit is a full assessment, hands-on treatment, and a plan you take home.
Visit us
Our Ponsonby clinic
Return To Form Physio
179A Ponsonby Road
Ponsonby, Auckland 1011
Entry on Franklin Road
ACC registered · Multi-disciplinary team · Treating Ponsonby for over 16 years