06/10/2025
🏌️♂️ Golfers and Tennis Elbow: Not Just for Pros
You don’t have to be a professional athlete to experience golfer’s elbow or tennis elbow.
Despite their names, both conditions can affect anyone who regularly uses their forearms, wrists, or hands; whether you’re swinging a club, typing at your desk, or lifting weights at the gym.
🎾 What’s the Difference?
• Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis): Pain occurs on the outside of the elbow, caused by irritation of the tendons that extend the wrist and fingers.
• Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis): Pain is on the inside of the elbow, linked to the tendons that flex the wrist and fingers.
🩺 Why It Happens
Both are types of tendinopathy, often developing from repetitive strain or overuse of the forearm muscles. For golfers, repeated gripping and wrist flexion during a swing can overload the tendons. Poor technique, lack of warm-up, or sudden increases in play time can all make matters worse.
💪 Managing & Preventing Elbow Pain
1. Seek Professional Help – Physiotherapists can assess biomechanics, use manual therapy, and prescribe targeted exercises to support recovery.
2. Rest & Modify – Give the affected arm time to recover. Avoid repetitive gripping or wrist motion.
3. Stretch & Strengthen – Focus on gentle forearm stretches and progressive loading to improve tendon resilience.
3. Check Your Technique – Proper swing mechanics and grip size can make a big difference.
4. Warm Up Before Play – Light wrist and forearm movements help increase blood flow and reduce strain.
⛳️ The Takeaway
Golfer’s and tennis elbow are overuse injuries, not signs of weakness. Early intervention, proper technique, and gradual strengthening are key to keeping you swinging, pain-free and powerful.
