Quick answer
Golfer’s elbow is overload of the tendons on the inside of the elbow where the wrist-flexor muscles attach. It is not limited to golfers — any gripping activity can cause it — and progressive strengthening resolves most cases. Physiotherapy is a proven, first-line treatment for golfer’s elbow.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is pain and tendon degeneration at the inner elbow, where the muscles that flex your wrist and fingers attach. Climbers, golfers, gym-goers and tradespeople are the usual patients.
Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
Symptoms vary from person to person, but golfer’s elbow most often shows up as:
- Ache or sharp pain on the inside of the elbow
- Tenderness over the inner bony point
- Pain gripping, lifting or squeezing
- Stiffness through the wrist and forearm
- Discomfort swinging a club, racket or climbing
- Occasional tingling toward the little finger
What Causes Golfer’s Elbow?
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Repetitive wrist flexion: golf swings, climbing, curl-ups, tool use
- Rapid increase in grip-heavy training volume
- Poor swing or lifting technique
- Tight or weak forearm and shoulder muscles
- Equipment that is too heavy or the wrong grip size
How Physiotherapy Treats Golfer’s Elbow
Your plan is tailored to your assessment findings, but most treatment plans combine:
- Staged tendon-loading program (isometrics first, then eccentrics)
- Deep-tissue manual therapy to the flexor mass
- Technique review for golf, climbing or gym lifts
- Ergonomic and equipment adjustments
- Strengthening for shoulders and wrists to spread the load
At Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic in Clayton, Cloverdale, Surrey & Langley, BC, every plan is one-on-one, evidence-based and built around your goals — no two treatment plans are alike.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is a 45-minute one-on-one assessment. Your physiotherapist reviews your health history, tests the movement, strength and joints involved in your golfer’s elbow, explains what is actually driving your symptoms, and usually starts treatment the same day. You leave with a clear diagnosis, a personalized plan and realistic milestones — no doctor’s referral needed.
Golfer’s Elbow FAQs
Do I need a referral to physiotherapy for Golfer’s Elbow?
No. In BC, physiotherapists are primary-care practitioners, so you can book directly with us. If your symptoms ever need a physician’s eyes, we will tell you and point you in the right direction.
Can I keep playing golf or training with golfer’s elbow?
Usually yes, with modifications. We reduce grip-intensive volume, adjust technique or equipment, and pair that with tendon loading so you keep training while the tendon rebuilds — total rest actually weakens tendons.
How many sessions will my Golfer’s Elbow need?
Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 4–8 visits, though recovery varies with severity and how long symptoms have been present. Your physiotherapist gives you a personalized estimate after the first assessment.
Get Golfer’s Elbow Relief in Surrey & Langley
If golfer’s elbow is limiting your day, the team at Dynamic Balance Physiotherapy & Vestibular Rehab Clinic is ready to help. Book online or call — same-week appointments are usually available, and we direct bill ICBC, WorkSafeBC and most extended-health plans.