GOLFERS ELBOW TREATMENT

For golfer's elbow (medial epicondylitis), sports massage and deep tissue massage can help reduce muscle tension, improve soft tissue mobility, decrease pain, and support the rehabilitation process. However, like tennis elbow, massage is generally most effective when combined with strengthening exercises and activity modification.

​

​

How Massage May Help

​

Reduce Tension in the Forearm Flexor Muscles

Golfer's elbow affects the tendon attachment of muscles responsible for:

• Wrist flexion

• Finger flexion

• Gripping

• Forearm pronation

​

When these muscles become chronically tight or overworked, they can place excessive stress on the tendon attachment at the inside of the elbow. Massage can help reduce this tension.

​

Reduce Pain

Massage may:

• Decrease muscle guarding

• Improve circulation

• Help calm pain-sensitive tissues

• Improve comfort during daily activities

​

Improve Tissue Mobility

Chronic tendon irritation can be associated with:

• Tight fascia

• Restricted soft tissue movement

• Thickened or sensitive tissues

Massage may improve the mobility of surrounding muscles and connective tissues.

 

Improve Function

By reducing muscle tightness and improving flexibility, massage may make:

• Gripping

• Lifting

• Sporting activities

more comfortable.

​

Support Exercise-Based Rehabilitation

Massage can help prepare tissues for:

• Strengthening exercises

• Stretching programs

• Return-to-sport activities

​

Areas Commonly Treated

Therapists typically work on more than the painful elbow.

Common treatment areas include:

• Wrist flexor muscles

• Finger flexor muscles

• Pronator teres

• Biceps

• Triceps

• Shoulder muscles

• Upper back muscles

​

The shoulder and upper arm are often assessed because poor movement patterns higher up the arm can increase stress on the elbow.

​

What Therapists Usually Avoid

Especially during highly irritable phases:

• Aggressive pressure directly on the tendon

• Excessively painful friction techniques

• Forceful stretching that reproduces significant pain

The goal is usually to calm the tissues rather than provoke them.

​

​

What Massage Cannot Do

Massage alone generally cannot:

• Repair a damaged tendon

• Correct poor swing or lifting mechanics

• Replace strengthening exercises

• Prevent recurrence if the tendon continues to be overloaded

​​

What Usually Produces the Best Results

​

The strongest evidence for long-term improvement typically involves:

1. Activity modification

2. Progressive strengthening of the wrist flexors and forearm muscles

3. Gradual return to sport or work activities

4. Technique correction when needed

5. Stretching and mobility exercises

6. Sports massage or deep tissue massage as a complementary treatment

 

For golfer's elbow, many therapists focus heavily on the forearm flexor-pronator muscle group because reducing tension in these muscles can decrease the load transmitted to the irritated tendon attachment on the inside of the elbow. Massage can provide symptom relief and improve movement, but the most durable improvements usually come from a combination of massage and a structured strengthening program.