Golfer’s Elbow / Common Flexor Tendinopathy

Often mistaken for tennis elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis/Common Extensor Tendinopathy), Golfers elbow (Medial Epicondylitis/ Common Flexor Tendinopathy) affects the other side of the elbow, and causes pain at the inside of the elbow where the wrist flexor muscles originate. These work to pull the wrist back towards the forearm.  

The most common causes of this condition are acute overload caused by high increase in activity in a short space of time or chronic one-sided overload from a high volume of repeated contraction which stresses the tendon.

It is not as common as tennis elbow, but golfers’ elbow does contribute to around 9-20% of all epicondylopathies. It is common in sports people such as golfers and baseball players due to the biomechanics involved during the action. However, it also affects those with manual jobs which involve lots of heavy lifting and carrying, such as delivery or removal men.  

Risk factors include the following: Performing repetitive activity for >2hours, ages between 35-50, obesity and smoking.  

• Pain when palpating the inside elbow soft tissue and bony point (medial epicondyle).

• Pain on inside of elbow which can radiate down the ulna and into the little finger. 

• Reduced movement and strength wrist, specifically flexion and supination of the wrist.

• Numbness or tingling.

• Morning stiffness and pain which improves with gentle movement.

• Pain with aggravating activity such as golf.  

At Pure Physiotherapy, your clinician will take a detailed history of the issue and how it is impacting your life followed by a thorough physical examination of the elbow to help provide you with an accurate diagnosis and to rule out other conditions which may masquerade as the symptoms reported. Scans are not usually indicated as most examination and physiotherapy treatment is successful.  

Upon confirming your diagnosis of common flexor tendinopathy, your skilled and experienced clinician at Pure Physiotherapy can provide you with a tailored step by step plan in order to alleviate your symptoms and return you back to where you want to be.

Treatment will include, stretching exercises, strength training (isometric – eccentric – concentric), graded return to activity, advice, education and coping strategies.  

Please find the patient resources section of our website where we have created a series of recommended exercise programmes for this condition. To access these, please contact us to obtain the password. We advise consulting with your Physiotherapist prior to trying any of these exercises.

We may also recommend taping or a brace, dependent upon patient circumstances.