Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025

In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about golfer’s elbow and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.

Golfer’s Elbow: Symptoms, Treatment & Prolotherapy Solutions

Table of Contents

• What is Golfer’s Elbow?
• Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow
• How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?
• How is Golfer’s Elbow Treated?
• Prolotherapy for Golfer’s Elbow
• What if Conservative Management is Ineffective?
• Prevention of Golfer’s Elbow
• What Should I Expect if I Develop This Condition?
• Takeaway
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Contact ProHealth Clinic
• Author Bio
• References

What is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is a condition that causes pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the flexor muscles of the forearm and the inner elbow joint. It results from repetitive activities that strain the forearm tendons, leading to inflammation and pain. Common symptoms include forearm stiffness and weakness when gripping objects. Learn more about forearm pain causes and solutions.

Golfer’s elbow is most often caused by overuse, but general wear and tear of the tendons, muscles, and bone in this region can also contribute. While the name suggests a link to golf, it can affect anyone who performs repetitive gripping or wrist flexion, including tennis players and manual workers.

Common Symptoms of Golfer’s Elbow

• Pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow (medial epicondyle)
• Pain with gripping, dragging, or handling objects
• Weakness when gripping or making a fist
• Discomfort with activities like opening jars or pouring kettles
• Pain during repetitive activities (golf swing, sawing, screwing, etc.)
• Pain associated with grip-intensive and throwing sports
• Onset may be abrupt or gradual, and certain actions (like swinging a golf club) may worsen the pain

How is Golfer’s Elbow Diagnosed?

If you suspect golfer’s elbow, consult an orthopaedic doctor. Diagnosis involves:

• Detailed history and symptom review
• Physical examination (testing grip, forearm, elbow, and back strength; palpation of the elbow)
• Real-time diagnostic ultrasound imaging to assess tendon health and injury severity

Ultrasound can diagnose tendonitis, tendinopathy, and tendon tears. Accurate diagnosis ensures the most appropriate care.

How is Golfer’s Elbow Treated?

According to the NHS, golfer’s elbow can be slow to heal, so early therapy is important. Most patients respond well to conservative care, including:

• Rest: Pause repetitive activities until pain subsides. Returning too soon can worsen the condition.
• Ice Therapy: Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes, 3–4 times daily. Use a towel to protect your skin. Ice massage for 5 minutes, 2–3 times a day, can also help.
• Medications: NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen, etc.) reduce pain and inflammation. Paracetamol may be used for pain. Steroid injections are rarely used due to limited long-term benefit. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging therapy but requires more research.
• Physical Therapy: Activity modification, forearm protection exercises, stretching, acupuncture, taping, deep tissue massage, and strengthening with a tennis ball or light weights.
• Bracing: Use of a splint or brace (e.g., epiclasp band) to reduce discomfort.

For strengthening, your physical therapist may recommend exercises using a tennis ball or light weights to absorb acute stress and promote healing.

Prolotherapy for Golfer’s Elbow

The quickest and most effective way to treat golfer’s elbow is with Prolotherapy.

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat golfer’s elbow.

Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.

Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are needed to repair the damage and help golfer’s elbow.

As prolotherapy treats the root cause of golfer’s elbow, it is considered a permanent fix, preventing symptoms from returning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.

What if Conservative Management is Ineffective?

If pain does not improve after several months, additional options include:

• Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Non-invasive, evidence-based treatment that uses sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Typically, three sessions are required.
• Ultrasound-Guided Prolozone Injections: For persistent pain, this injection may be suitable.
• Corticosteroid Injections: Recommended if pain interferes with sleep, daily activities, or physiotherapy. Provides a window for pain-free rehabilitation. Begin physiotherapy within 1–2 weeks of injection.

Prevention of Golfer’s Elbow

• Stretch before exercise: Warm up with walking or jogging, then stretch gently.
• Check your form: Have a coach review your technique to prevent overload.
• Use proper equipment: Upgrade to graphite clubs or ensure your racket fits your hand size.
• Lift correctly: Keep your wrist tight and stable when lifting.
• Rest when needed: Take breaks at the first sign of pain.

What Should I Expect if I Develop This Condition?

Most people recover from golfer’s elbow without surgery after six weeks of rest and conservative care. Untreated, it can cause long-term issues like reduced elbow motion, grip strength, and chronic pain.

Takeaway

Quick, efficient exercises and home remedies can help manage golfer’s elbow symptoms. Prevention, rest, and proper care are key. If symptoms persist after two weeks of therapy, consult your physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) is pain and inflammation on the inside of the elbow, caused by overuse or repetitive strain of the forearm flexor tendons.

How long does golfer’s elbow take to heal?

With rest and proper care, most people recover in 6–12 weeks. Severe cases may take longer or require advanced treatments.

Can I still play sports with golfer’s elbow?

It’s best to rest until pain subsides. Gradually return to activity under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Is Prolotherapy safe for golfer’s elbow?

Yes, Prolotherapy is a minimally invasive, clinically proven treatment for golfer’s elbow with a strong safety profile when performed by a qualified practitioner.

What are the risks of untreated golfer’s elbow?

Untreated, it can lead to chronic pain, reduced grip strength, and limited elbow motion.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

Don’t let golfer’s elbow control your life any longer. Join the thousands of patients who have found lasting relief through prolotherapy at ProHealth Clinic.

Get in Touch
Phone: +441234380345
Email: info@prohealthclinic.co.uk

Our Clinic Locations
London: 104 Harley Street, Marylebone, W1G 7JD
Manchester: The Hadley Clinic, 64 Bridge Street, M3 3BN
Bedford: The Village Medical Centre, Kingswood Way, MK40 4GH

All clinics offer the same award-winning prolotherapy treatment with convenient appointment times, including evenings and weekends.

Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Oliver Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating golfer’s elbow, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with golfer’s elbow and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
LinkedIn profile

References

• EFORT Open Reviews. (2017). https://online.boneandjoint.org.uk/doi/full/10.1302/2058-5241.2.160006
• Golf Injury Prevention – OrthoInfo – AAOS. (2015). https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/staying-healthy/golf-injury-prevention/

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.