Arm, Wrist & Hand · Trenton, MI
Golfer's Elbow
Physical therapy for golfer's elbow at Total Body Rehab — evaluation-driven, one-on-one care in Trenton, serving all of Downriver.
Golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis) is the mirror image of tennis elbow: an overload of the tendons that flex your wrist and fingers, anchored at the inner elbow. Golf can cause it — but so can lifting, throwing, carpentry, and gripping work.
Like all tendon overload problems, it responds best to a structured loading program rather than rest alone.
Common signs & symptoms
- Pain and tenderness at the inner elbow
- Pain gripping, lifting, or swinging
- Aching into the forearm
- Occasional tingling toward the ring and little fingers
- Morning elbow stiffness
How physical therapy helps
Treatment mirrors our tennis-elbow approach on the other side of the joint: settle the tendon with manual therapy and dry needling, then progressively strengthen the wrist flexors and grip. We also screen the ulnar nerve, which runs nearby and can mimic or complicate the picture.
Treatments we use
- Progressive flexor loading
- Dry needling
- IASTM
- Nerve screening & glides
- Technique and grip coaching
Frequently asked questions
How is golfer's elbow different from tennis elbow?
Location and muscles: golfer's elbow affects the inner elbow and the flexor tendons; tennis elbow the outer elbow and extensors. Treatment logic is similar, targeted to the opposite muscle group.
Can I keep golfing during treatment?
Often, with temporary swing and volume modifications. We'd rather adjust your play than shut it down — then build you back to full rounds.
Why do my fingers tingle with elbow pain?
The ulnar nerve passes right by the inner elbow. If it's irritated, tingling reaches the ring and little fingers — we screen for that at evaluation and treat accordingly.
This page is general education, not a diagnosis. For advice about your specific situation, schedule an evaluation or talk with your physician.