Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Inner elbow pain with gripping and wrist flexion.
What it is
Tendinopathy of the common flexor tendon at the inner elbow, the same mechanism as tennis elbow on the opposite side.
Common symptoms
- Inner elbow pain with gripping
- Pain with wrist flexion or pronation
Why it happens: root cause
Forearm flexor capacity vs. grip and wrist load. When load on a tissue chronically exceeds its capacity, pain shows up. My job is to close that gap, by lowering load, raising capacity, or both, so the tissue stops being overwhelmed.
A closer look
Medial epicondylitis, tendinopathy of the common flexor tendon at the inner elbow. Same mechanism as tennis elbow, opposite side: repetitive grip and wrist-flexion/pronation load outpacing the tendon.
What causes it (LOAD > CAPACITY = PAIN)
- Forearm flexor/pronator capacity vs grip and wrist load
- Spikes in gripping, throwing, or lifting
- Poor forearm strength
Why it keeps coming back
- Flexor capacity not rebuilt
- Returning to load too soon
- Technique/ergonomics unaddressed
Why rest, stretching, and passive care aren't enough
Rest and braces settle symptoms but don't rebuild capacity, progressive loading holds.
Conditions that can mimic this
- Ulnar nerve irritation (cubital tunnel)
- Cervical referral
- UCL issues (throwers)
- Pronator strain
Numbness or tingling into the ring and little fingers suggests ulnar nerve involvement, so I screen for it. Clarius MSK can image the flexor tendon.
How I treat it
How the ADAPT Method treats your Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
- A
Assess
Confirm medial epicondyle tendinopathy by exam (resisted wrist flexion, grip) and screen the neck, shoulder, and grip habits.
- D
Decrease Pain
Modify grip-heavy tasks short-term, then layer Focused Shockwave (ESWT), Radial Pressure Wave (EPAT), and EMTT on the medial epicondyle and forearm flexors to drive tendon healing, laser therapy (photobiomodulation) can settle reactive symptoms.
- A
Activate
Restore wrist, forearm, and shoulder mobility, and screen the cervical spine if it's contributing.
- P
Progress
Heavy-slow wrist flexion and grip loading, same principles as tennis elbow on the opposite side.
- T
Transfer
Return to sport and work with a short, repeatable forearm routine.
ADAPT closes the gap between LOAD and CAPACITY, lowering what's stressing the tissue while building what the tissue can handle.
FAQ
How is golfer's elbow different from tennis elbow?+
Same mechanism; chronic grip and wrist load outpacing tendon capacity, on the opposite side. Tennis elbow is the outer (extensor) tendon; golfer's is the inner (flexor) tendon.
Should I stop lifting or playing?+
Modify, not stop. The tendon needs load to remodel.
Does shockwave help?+
Yes, and the evidence is strong across upper-extremity tendinopathies. I pair it with progressive loading.
What about cortisone?+
Same answer as tennis elbow: short-term relief, worse long-term outcomes than load-based care. I avoid it as a first-line.
Do I need an MRI?+
Usually no, at least not first. Most musculoskeletal issues are diagnosed by history and exam. I use Clarius MSK diagnostic ultrasound in-office when it actually changes the plan: confirming a tendon issue, ruling between two diagnoses, or guiding treatment. I refer for MRI when red flags or surgical questions warrant it.
How long does it take to recover?+
6–12 weeks of disciplined loading typically produces real change.
Will it come back?+
Only if forearm strength fades. A short maintenance set is enough.
Do you take insurance?+
Form & Function is a cash-based (self-pay) practice; I don't bill insurance directly. That lets me spend more time with you and build your plan around what you actually need, not what an insurer will approve. Fees are discussed up front. On request I can provide a detailed receipt (superbill) you may submit to your insurance for possible out-of-network reimbursement, though reimbursement isn't guaranteed.
What happens at the first visit?+
I sit down and talk through your history, training, and what you've already tried. Then I go through a hands-on movement and strength assessment, look at the painful area (and the joints above and below), and use Clarius MSK ultrasound in-office when it sharpens the diagnosis. You leave with a working diagnosis and a written plan, not a vague 'come back next week.'
Book your evaluation.
An honest assessment is the first step in the ADAPT method, and the fastest path to a real plan.