Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylalgia)
No golf clubs? No problem. Pull-ups and chin-ups can still give you golfer’s elbow.
What is it?
Golfer’s elbow is pain around the common flexor/pronator tendon on the inside of the elbow. It commonly hurts with gripping, lifting and resisted wrist flexion or forearm pronation.
What causes it?
Pull-ups, chin-ups, climbing, weightlifting, throwing, repetitive tool use and changes in grip training can overload the tendon. A sudden increase in volume or weighted repetitions can exceed tissue capacity.
How do we distinguish it from other conditions?
We distinguish it from cubital tunnel syndrome (often ring/little finger tingling), ulnar collateral ligament injury, cervical referral and other forearm pain. Ultrasound or MRI is considered when indicated.
How is it treated?
Progressive tendon loading, forearm rotation, grip strengthening and return-to-pull-up programming are core strategies. Targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM/Graston-style) and active movement-based techniques can help associated muscular sensitivity and movement restrictions; they do not scrape away scar tissue or repair a tendon. Kinesiology taping is frequently used. Chiropractic and physiotherapy guide rehabilitation, while RMT, osteopathic manual therapy and acupuncture help manage associated pain and movement limitations. Radial shockwave and Class 4 laser may be considered selectively, with limited condition-specific evidence. PRP evidence remains limited and corticosteroid injections have important trade-offs.
When should you seek treatment?
Seek assessment when pain limits gripping or training. Progressive numbness, hand weakness or significant injury warrants medical evaluation.
Feel better. Together.