Golfers Elbow
Golfers elbow is a tendon problem on the inner elbow causing pain with gripping, bending the wrist or throwing. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme and hands-on treatment, easing pain and restoring strength at our Marple clinic.

Understanding Your Condition
Golfers elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is the inner-elbow counterpart of tennis elbow. It affects the tendon where the forearm flexor muscles attach to the inner elbow, causing pain with gripping, wrist bending and lifting — and, like tennis elbow, you don't need to play golf to get it.
It's slightly less common than tennis elbow but no less stubborn. At Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple, we settle the irritation and rebuild the tendon's capacity with a progressive loading programme, addressing the activities driving it so your elbow recovers properly and stops returning.

What You Feel
- Pain on the inner bony point of the elbow
- Discomfort gripping, squeezing or carrying objects
- Pain when bending the wrist or rotating the forearm
- Weakness in grip or when flexing the wrist
- Tenderness when pressing the inner elbow
- Aching spreading down the inner forearm
- Pain with throwing or racket-sport activities
- Gradually worsening symptoms over weeks
Common Causes
- Repetitive gripping, wrist bending or lifting at work
- Throwing sports such as baseball or javelin
- Racket sports with poor technique
- Weight training, particularly biceps and grip work
- Gardening, DIY or repetitive manual tasks
- Weakness in the forearm flexor muscles
- Age-related tendon changes
- Sudden increases in repetitive hand and wrist activity
Who Physiotherapy Can Help
Golfers elbow affects anyone whose activities involve repetitive gripping, wrist flexion or throwing — including tradespeople, gardeners, throwers, racket-sport players and gym-goers. We see both recent onset and long-standing, stubborn cases.
If gripping, twisting or bending your wrist hurts your inner elbow, you may have golfers elbow. It often lingers without the right treatment, so a proper loading programme makes all the difference.
Struggling with Golfers Elbow?
Book your assessment today. We'll find the root cause and start hands-on treatment in your first session.
Your Assessment
Your assessment confirms golfers elbow and grades the tendon problem. We test the specific tendon with pressure and resisted wrist flexion, assess your grip and forearm mobility, and review the activities that aggravate it to identify the cause.
As with all tendon problems, the right level of loading depends on how irritable your tendon is. We'll design a programme matched to your tolerance and explain how to progress it.
How We Treat It
Our hands-on treatment approach:
- Assessment to confirm golfers elbow and grade the problem
- Hands-on treatment to ease pain, including soft tissue work
- A progressive tendon-loading programme to rebuild the tendon
- Advice on modifying aggravating activities
- Technique correction for sport or work tasks
- Shockwave therapy for stubborn, long-standing cases where appropriate
Expected Recovery
Golfers elbow typically improves over 6–12 weeks of consistent, progressive loading. Acute cases settle faster, while stubborn, long-standing cases take longer and may benefit from shockwave therapy.
Consistent, correctly-progressed loading is the key — tendons strengthen slowly but reliably with the right programme. We guide your progress and adjust the load as your tendon adapts, so you keep improving without flare-ups.
Everything You Need to Know Before Booking
No GP referral needed. Direct access appointments available — often same-day or within a few days.
What Happens at Your First Appointment
Your first session is a 45-minute comprehensive assessment. We start by listening — understanding your symptoms, your history, and what you want to get back to. We then carry out a thorough hands-on physical examination to identify the root cause of your problem. You'll receive a clear explanation of what's going on, a personalised treatment plan, and hands-on treatment begins in that very first session. You leave knowing exactly what's wrong, what we'll do about it, and how long recovery will take.
What Should I Wear?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area we're treating. For knee, hip, or leg problems, shorts are ideal. For shoulder, neck, or back issues, a loose top or vest works well. You'll never be asked to undress beyond what's necessary for examination and treatment, and you'll always be treated with dignity and respect in our private treatment room.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
This depends on your condition, how long you've had it, and your goals. Many patients feel significant improvement within 3–6 sessions. Acute injuries often resolve faster, while long-standing or complex conditions may need more. We'll give you a clear treatment timeline at your first appointment — and we only ever recommend sessions you genuinely need. Our goal is to get you independent and pain-free as quickly as possible, not to keep you coming back.
Can I Claim Through Insurance?
Yes. We are recognised by most major health insurance providers including AXA, Vitality, Bupa, WPA, and Healix. We can bill your insurer directly so you don't need to pay upfront — simply bring your insurance authorisation number to your appointment. If you're not sure whether you're covered, call us and we'll help you check before you book.
Treated by a Qualified, Experienced Professional

Rob Wood
Head Physio & Clinic Owner
Meet Rob, founder of Complete Recovery Physiotherapy in Marple.
Golfers Elbow Frequently Asked Questions
Why Choose Complete Recovery Physiotherapy?
Tendon-Loading Experts
Golfers elbow needs a specific, progressive loading programme — not rest or generic exercises. We build this around your tendon's tolerance for proper, lasting recovery.
Shockwave for Stubborn Cases
For long-standing golfers elbow that hasn't responded to loading, we offer shockwave therapy to stimulate healing in chronic tendons — often avoiding injections or surgery.
We Address the Cause
We look at the work, sport or technique driving your elbow pain and correct it, so it doesn't keep returning once settled.
Hands-On Plus Loading
Manual therapy to ease your pain combined with a structured strengthening programme — the combination that produces lasting results.
Honest Timelines
Tendons take time. We give realistic expectations and a clear plan, so you understand normal progress and aren't discouraged.
Flexible Booking
Early morning, evening and Saturday appointments in Marple, with online booking 24/7 to fit around your work and life.
Related Conditions We Treat

Tennis Elbow
Tennis elbow is a painful tendon problem on the outer elbow, usually caused by overuse rather than tennis. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme and hands-on treatment, easing pain and restoring grip strength.
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Tendinopathy
Tendinopathy is a painful tendon condition caused by overuse, affecting tendons throughout the body. We rebuild the tendon with a progressive loading programme at our Marple clinic.
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Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) causes pain from repeated movements, often in the arm, wrist or elbow. We ease the pain and correct the ergonomics and habits causing it at our Marple clinic.
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Shoulder Pain
Shoulder pain affects reaching, lifting, sleeping and sport. We assess the exact cause — from tendon problems to stiffness — and rebuild comfortable, confident movement with hands-on treatment and targeted rehabilitation at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreRelated Services

Physiotherapy
At Complete Recovery Physio, everything we do is built around high-quality physiotherapy. Whether you're recovering from an injury, dealing with ongoing pain, or looking to move more freely, we're here to support you.
Learn More
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave Therapy is an evidence-based treatment that is particularly effective for stubborn tendon problems, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, shoulder tendinopathy, and other chronic soft tissue conditions that haven't responded to conventional treatment.
Learn More
Exercise Rehabilitation
Exercise rehabilitation is the structured, progressive programme that rebuilds your strength, movement and confidence after injury or surgery — turning short-term relief into lasting recovery, guided by physiotherapists at our Marple clinic.
Learn MoreDon't Let Pain Hold You Back
Expert, hands-on physiotherapy in Marple. Free parking. Same-day and short-notice appointments often available.
Ready to Start Your Recovery?
Book your assessment today and take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Free parking at our Marple clinic.



