Golfer’s Elbow Treatment and Prevention

A Guide to the Treatment and Prevention of Golfer’s Elbow and Elbow Pain.

by Brad Walker | Updated July 19, 2021

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is a chronic injury that occurs when there is stress, strain or inflammation to the muscles, tendons or ligaments around the elbow joint and forearm. Small tears, called micro tears, form in the tendons and muscles which control the movement of the forearm. They cause a restriction of movement, inflammation and pain. These micro tears may eventually lead to the formation of scar tissue and calcium deposits.

If untreated, this scar tissue and calcium deposits can put so much pressure on the muscles and nerves that they can cut off the blood flow and pinch the nerves responsible for controlling the muscles in the forearm.

Anatomy of the Elbow

To get a better understanding of what golfer’s elbow is, it is important to have a general understanding of the structure of the elbow joint, and how the muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones help the elbow joint to function.

As you can see from the diagram below, there are many muscles and tendons that make up the elbow joint and forearm. The diagram shows the anterior (or front) view of the forearm. There are also three bones that make up the elbow joint: the Humerus in the upper arm, and the Ulna and Radius in the lower arm or forearm.

What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?

By far the most common cause of golfer’s elbow is overuse. Any action that places a repetitive and prolonged strain on the forearm muscles, coupled with inadequate rest, will strain and overwork those muscles.

There are also many other causes, like a direct injury, such as a bump or fall onto the elbow. Poor technique will contribute to the condition, such as using ill-fitted equipment, like golf clubs, tennis rackets, work tools, etc. While poor levels of general fitness and conditioning will also contribute.

Signs and Symptoms

Pain is the most common and obvious symptom associated with golfer’s elbow. Pain is most often experienced on the inside of the upper forearm but can also be experienced anywhere from the elbow joint to the wrist.

Weakness, stiffness and a general restriction of movement are also quite common in sufferers of golfer’s elbow. Even tingling and numbness can be experienced.

Treating Golfer’s Elbow

If you do suffer from golfer’s elbow, it is important that correct first aid principles are applied immediately. Golfer’s elbow is a soft tissue injury of the muscles and tendons around the elbow joint, and therefore should be treated like any other soft tissue injury. The RICER regimen explains the correct treatment for all soft tissue injuries. RICER stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and then obtaining a Referral from a qualified sports doctor or physical therapist.

Immediately following an injury, or at the onset of pain…

Preventing Golfer’s Elbow

Mark my words, “Prevention is much better than Cure.” Anything you can do to prevent an injury from occurring is worth it. Preventing a golfer’s elbow injury comes down to the conditioning of the muscles and tendons around the elbow, which ultimately involves improving both the strength and flexibility of the muscles and tendons.

There are several preventative techniques that will help to prevent golfer’s elbow, including bracing and strapping, modifying equipment, taking extended rests, and even learning new routines for repetitive activities. However, do not forget common injury prevention strategies like, warming up properly and using a bit of old-fashioned common-sense. Even if you don’t have a golfer’s elbow injury now, the following suggestions will be helpful.

The best preventative measures, however, involve a consistent program of increasing the strength and flexibility of the shoulder and arm muscles. Increasing flexibility will contribute greatly to the ability of the shoulder and arm muscles to resist strains and injury.