Condition guide
Golfer's Elbow Physiotherapy
Treatment for medial elbow tendon pain linked to gripping, lifting, and repetitive forearm loading.
Golfer's elbow describes pain around the inner elbow where forearm tendons attach. It can affect people who grip, lift or twist repeatedly, whether or not they play golf. Rehabilitation usually combines manageable changes to these tasks with gradual forearm exercise; new hand numbness or weakness needs assessment rather than being assumed to be tendon pain.
This guide is general information and does not replace a clinical assessment.
Common Symptoms
Pain on the inside of the elbow
Pain with gripping or wrist flexion tasks
Forearm tightness and reduced load tolerance
Symptoms during gym, golf, or repetitive work activity
Seek Prompt Medical Advice If You Have
Severe pain after acute trauma
Marked swelling, deformity, or movement block
New numbness or weakness in the hand
Persistent severe pain unresponsive to rest
If you are unsure, call NHS 111 or seek urgent medical care.
Assessment
Review gripping, lifting and twisting demands at work, during sport and at home
Check inner-elbow tenderness and the response to wrist and forearm movements
Assess grip-related function and whether nerve symptoms or an injury need further investigation
Agree practical goals such as carrying bags, using tools or returning to training
Treatment
Adjust the amount and type of gripping or lifting that currently provokes symptoms
Introduce forearm and wrist strengthening at a level selected after assessment
Gradually rebuild capacity for the work or sporting tasks that matter to you
Review exercise response and reconsider the plan if pain or function is not improving
Aftercare & self-management
At your appointment, agree which exercises to do, how often to practise them and when to review your progress.
Alternate demanding hand tasks with lighter activities instead of completing them all together
Use less forceful gripping where possible and share heavier loads between both hands
Follow the agreed home exercises and ask for a review if the response is difficult to manage
Report new numbness, weakness or a sudden injury rather than pushing through it
Plan your visitClinic, prices, insurance and home visits
- Your clinic & directions
- Newham clinic, Plaistow
Newham Leisure Centre, 281 Prince Regent Lane, Plaistow, London E13 8SD
- Self-pay
£60 for a 30-minute physiotherapy appointment.
Prices & self-pay- Health insurance
Cover depends on your plan and chosen physiotherapist.
Insurance & cash-plan guidance
Would a home visit suit you better?
If getting to the clinic is difficult, explore physiotherapy at your visit address. Suitability depends on your condition, care needs, travel and the available clinician; the clinic price and insurance arrangements above do not automatically apply to home treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is golfer's elbow only seen in golfers?+
No. It commonly occurs with repetitive loading in work, gym, racquet sports, and manual tasks.
Do I need to stop all grip training?+
Painful gripping may need to be reduced or paused initially. A suitable rehabilitation plan can rebuild tolerance gradually; new hand numbness, weakness or a sudden injury should be assessed before progressing.
How long does tendon rehab take?+
It varies. Tendon rehabilitation is typically gradual and guided by symptom response.
Related care and guides
Further reading
For public health information, self-care guidance and advice on when to seek medical help:
- NHS: golfer's elbow rehabilitation
- NHS: golfer's elbow assessment and self-management
- NHS: Elbow and arm pain
About your care at Nexus: meet our physiotherapists and read our clinical governance information.