Golfer’s Elbow: When the Swing Stings

December 3, 2025

Mojo Chat is the virtual physical therapy platform brought to you by Mojo Health

Golfer’s Elbow slowing your game? Don’t let that inner elbow pain keep you off the course—Mojo Chat to the rescue!

Golfer’s elbow, known medically as medial epicondylitis, is a common overuse injury that affects the tendons on the inner side of the elbow. Despite the name, it does not only affect golfers. Anyone who performs repetitive wrist flexion or forearm movements can develop this condition. This includes tennis players, weightlifters, construction workers, and even office workers who perform repetitive gripping activities.

What Exactly Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inside of the elbow) become irritated or inflamed due to overuse. These muscles are responsible for gripping, wrist flexion, and forearm rotation—motions frequently repeated in many sports and occupations.

How does Golfer’s Elbow Even Happen?

Golfer’s elbow is typically caused by repetitive stress placed on the wrist flexors and pronators. Common triggers include:

Sports-Related Causes:

  • Repeated golf swings, especially with poor technique and “death-grip” over-gripping
  • Tennis forehand strokes, especially topspin with beginner technique using an "eastern" grip
  • Throwing sports like baseball or football

Lifestyle-Related Causes:

  • Frequent hammering, wrenching, or using tools
  • Carrying heavy objects with a tight grip
  • Repetitive computer or mouse use
  • Strength training with improper form

What puts you at risk of Golfer's Elbow?

  • Age 30–60 (most common)
  • Poor conditioning or lack of warm-up
  • Sudden increase in activity intensity
  • Untrained technique or incorrect equipment

How do the symptoms of Golfer's Elbow develop over time?

Golfer’s elbow symptoms usually develop gradually but can also appear suddenly after intense activity. It usually starts with pain and tenderness on the inner side of the elbow. If we ignore the pain and continue doing the offending activity without reset or treatment, next we start to see stiffness and reduced flexibility of the elbow. If the pain did not convince us to take it seriously, hopefully this stage will!

But if we continue ignoring the pain and stiffness (which many of us do because we simply adore hitting a ball with a stick and fixing things with tools!), next we will encounter weakened grip strength, pain that radiates down the forearm, and finally that stabbing and burning pain that simply cannot be ignored because it is downright debilitating. Symptoms can range from mild soreness to irritating pain that limits everyday activities. If you find yourself progressing along this path, or maybe even at the conclusion of it, read on!

Golfer’s elbow is a manageable and often preventable condition. With proper rest, rehabilitation, and attention to technique, most people recover fully and return to their normal activities. Early recognition and treatment play a major role in speeding up healing.

Quick Relief for Golfer’s Elbow Is Within Reach

You can use Mojo Chat today to get a fast and accurate assessment of your medial elbow pain. Our licensed Physical Therapists will determine whether your discomfort is simply Golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) or if it involves other underlying issues. The good news is that either way, our self-treatment plans can provide quick relief. By following the recommended exercises and instructions, you can restore elbow strength and mobility, reduce pain, and get back to your usual activities without lingering discomfort.

You’re in Great Hands

At Mojo Health, we have seen how much Golfer’s elbow can impact your daily life, and we’re here to help you recover quickly and confidently. With our online physical therapy platform, Mojo Chat, you can start recovery from home anytime—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Mojo Chat begins with simple questions about your elbow, forearm, grip strength, and daily activities—the same questions our physical therapists ask during an in-person visit. Then, you can record a short video to demonstrate exactly where your elbow hurts, describe how the pain started, and share any questions or concerns you have.

Our licensed Physical Therapists review everything and provide a clear diagnosis, along with a tailored 14-day treatment plan you can start right away. Mojo Chat guides you step-by-step every day, lets you reach your therapist by text or video, and adjusts your plan as your elbow heals. Our therapists and care team track your progress to make sure you’re improving exactly as expected. And here’s the best part… 86% of users who follow the full 14-day treatment plan report significant to full recovery. For those who need extra support, Mojo Chat seamlessly connects them to top in-person physical therapy clinics nearby.

Don’t Put Up with Golfer's Elbow

More good news is that you don’t have to be an elite athlete to diagnose and heal Golfer's elbow. We know you love your sports and need to continue your favorite lifestyle activities. We see this in ourselves and we treat patients just like you every day. So don’t wait! Start a Mojo Chat case today and take the next step toward relief. If your employer offers Mojo Chat, check with Human Resources for a coupon code. Or, simply use a credit card to get started.

No appointments. No hassle. Just expert help when you need it—anytime, anywhere.

Pain. Solved.
Online Physical Therapy
Always available. Anywhere you are.
Learn More