Get relief from golfer’s elbow with expert physical therapy in Salem, Oregon. HWY Physical Therapy Clinic offers pain relief, rehab, and prevention.
Elbow pain can be frustrating, especially when it interferes with golf, work, or daily activities. One of the most common causes of pain on the inner side of the elbow is golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis. This condition develops when the tendons that attach to the inner elbow become irritated from overuse or repetitive movements.
While rest may ease discomfort temporarily, golfer’s elbow often requires focused treatment to fully heal and prevent future flare-ups. That’s where physical therapy comes in. With the right approach, therapy not only reduces pain but also restores strength, flexibility, and confidence in movement.
If you live in Salem, Oregon, local care is available to help you recover. This guide explains what golfer’s elbow is, how physical therapy works, treatment timelines, and prevention strategies, with a focus on expert care from HWY Physical Therapy Clinic in Salem.
Golf elbow, or medial epicondylitis, is an overuse injury that causes pain and tenderness on the inside of the elbow. The condition occurs when the tendons that attach the forearm muscles to the inner elbow become irritated or damaged. Although its name suggests it only affects golfers, anyone who uses repetitive gripping, twisting, or wrist movements can develop it.
It is a tendon injury where small tears develop in the flexor tendons of the forearm. These tendons are responsible for bending the wrist and fingers, so repetitive stress quickly overloads them.
Repetitive golf swings or tennis strokes
Frequent lifting or gripping at work
Poor swing mechanics or heavy equipment use
Age 30–60, when tendons lose flexibility
Lack of warm-up before activity
Typical signs include pain when gripping objects, stiffness in the elbow joint, and weakness in the wrist or hand. A physical therapist can often diagnose the condition through a simple exam, checking for tenderness over the inner elbow and pain during resisted wrist flexion. Imaging like ultrasound or MRI is rarely needed.
Not all cases of golf elbow are the same. Treatment depends on whether the condition is new or has persisted for months. Understanding the difference helps set realistic recovery expectations.
Acute cases usually develop after a sudden increase in activity, such as more golf swings, new equipment, or repetitive work tasks. Early treatment focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing further tendon strain. Common steps include rest, ice, gentle stretching, and activity modification. Physical therapy begins with pain relief strategies before moving into strength and mobility work.
When pain lasts longer than three months, the condition becomes chronic. The tendon fibers may develop small degenerative changes, making healing slower. Treatment shifts toward progressive strengthening, eccentric exercises, and manual therapy to improve tissue quality. Chronic cases often require more therapy sessions and stricter adherence to a home program.
In rare situations, persistent pain despite consistent therapy may lead to additional options such as injections or surgery. Physical therapy still plays an essential role before and after these treatments to restore function and prevent recurrence.
Physical therapy addresses the root causes of golf elbow rather than masking the pain. The goal is to reduce irritation, restore tendon strength, and improve overall arm function so you can return to sports, work, and daily life with confidence.
Therapists often use soft tissue massage and joint mobilization to decrease stiffness and improve blood flow. These techniques help relax tight muscles and prepare the tendons for exercise.
Gentle stretches lengthen the forearm flexor muscles and relieve pressure on the inner elbow. Common stretches include wrist flexor stretches, where the arm is extended while pulling the wrist back, holding for 20–30 seconds. Regular stretching prevents further tendon irritation.
Once pain decreases, strengthening begins. Therapists prescribe isometric holds and eccentric wrist curls to rebuild tendon resilience. Grip-strengthening exercises using a ball or band also improve overall forearm stability. A gradual increase in resistance ensures safe recovery.
Supportive treatments such as ice packs, heat therapy, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be used to reduce pain and speed healing. These modalities work best when combined with active exercise and movement-based therapy.
With consistent sessions and guided progression, physical therapy not only heals the current injury but also reduces the chance of recurrence.
Healing from golf elbow is a gradual process. Physical therapy provides a structured path that reduces pain, restores strength, and prevents the condition from coming back. The exact timeline varies, but most people notice steady improvements within weeks.
During the first 2–3 weeks, treatment focuses on reducing irritation. Rest, ice, gentle stretches, and light hands-on therapy keep pain under control. Activity that causes pain is modified but not completely stopped.
From weeks 4–8, strengthening becomes the main focus. Tendon-loading exercises like eccentric wrist curls, grip training, and forearm strengthening help rebuild tissue. Therapists also correct mechanics in golf swings or daily tasks to prevent repeat injury.
By weeks 8–12, patients usually regain pain-free motion and functional strength. At this stage, gradual return to golf or work begins. The therapist designs a progressive plan, often starting with light swings or reduced workloads, and builds up to full activity.
Studies show that most patients improve significantly with physical therapy alone. Success rates are high when patients stick to both in-clinic and home exercise programs. Research also indicates that eccentric strengthening has the strongest evidence for tendon recovery. Chronic cases may take longer, but consistent therapy remains effective in reducing pain and restoring function.
Physical therapy is the most effective conservative treatment for golf elbow, but it is not the only option. Understanding how it compares to other methods helps patients choose the right path.
Rest alone may ease pain temporarily, but it does not address tendon weakness. Braces or straps can reduce strain during activity, yet they work best as a supplement to therapy. Physical therapy corrects the root issue by strengthening the tendons and improving mechanics.
Steroid injections can provide short-term relief by reducing inflammation. However, research shows that long-term results are often better with therapy. Injections do not strengthen the tendon, so symptoms may return without rehabilitation.
Surgery is only considered when symptoms persist after months of structured therapy and other conservative care. Even then, physical therapy remains critical for pre-surgery preparation and post-surgery recovery.
Physical therapy consistently offers the best balance of pain relief, functional recovery, and long-term success without invasive procedures.
Once pain improves, prevention becomes the priority. Simple adjustments and routines reduce the chance of golfer’s elbow returning.
Improper swing mechanics or using clubs that are too heavy can overload the tendons. A coach or therapist can help refine grip, stance, and swing technique. Choosing clubs with the right shaft flex and grip size also lowers strain.
Many people develop golf elbow from repetitive tasks like typing, lifting, or using tools. Breaking tasks into shorter intervals, adjusting workstation ergonomics, and avoiding excessive gripping protect the elbow during everyday activities.
Starting each game or workout with 5–10 minutes of light cardio and dynamic stretching prepares muscles and tendons for stress. After activity, gentle wrist and forearm stretches maintain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
Consistently applying these strategies allows people to return to sports and work without the same risk of reinjury.
Rehabilitation is not complete until you can swing a club, work, or perform daily tasks without pain. A structured return-to-activity plan ensures the elbow can handle stress again.
Patients often begin with putting and chipping before moving to short irons. Gradually increasing swing intensity and number of holes allows the tendons to adapt. A therapist may also recommend limiting practice sessions early on to prevent overload.
Even if golf is not the cause, activities like lifting boxes, gardening, or using tools can stress the elbow. Therapists teach safer lifting techniques and grip changes to protect the tendons during everyday work.
Ongoing strengthening of the forearm, shoulder, and core reduces elbow strain. A maintenance program with weekly stretches and resistance training keeps tissues resilient. Patients who continue these exercises are less likely to experience recurring pain.
Access to care is an important part of recovery. In Salem, physical therapy for golf elbow is widely available and often covered by insurance.
Most patients require 6–10 sessions over several weeks, depending on severity. Chronic cases may need longer treatment.
Many insurance plans cover physical therapy, though co-pays vary. Without insurance, patients should expect a per-session fee. Some clinics offer package pricing to reduce costs.
Local clinics like HWY Physical Therapy provide convenient access at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE. The clinic specializes in sports injury rehabilitation, making it an excellent choice for golfers and active adults in the community.
Some parts of recovery can be done at home, but professional care ensures a safer and faster outcome.
Daily wrist flexor stretches, grip exercises, and use of ice after activity can relieve pain. Consistency is key, and exercises should be performed with proper form to avoid further irritation.
Counterforce braces or wrist supports may reduce strain during activities. They can provide short-term relief but are not a replacement for therapy. Long-term recovery requires strengthening and technique correction.
A physical therapist adjusts exercises, monitors tendon healing, and progresses treatment at the right pace. In-clinic care also includes hands-on therapy and advanced modalities that patients cannot perform at home. This guidance reduces the risk of reinjury and speeds recovery.
For residents of Salem, specialized treatment is available close to home. HWY Physical Therapy provides targeted care for golf elbow and other sports-related injuries.
The clinic focuses on personalized treatment plans that match each patient’s activity level and recovery goals. With a blend of hands-on therapy, exercise programs, and education, patients gain the tools needed for lasting results.
Dr. Raj emphasizes one-on-one care, guiding patients through each phase of recovery. His expertise in sports rehabilitation helps golfers and active adults return to pain-free movement safely.
HWY Physical Therapy is conveniently located at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301. Call 971-202-1979 to schedule an appointment and begin recovery today.
Mild cases may improve with rest and stretching, but physical therapy speeds recovery and reduces the risk of recurrence.
Most people return to light play within 8–12 weeks. The exact timeline depends on whether the injury is acute or chronic and how closely the therapy plan is followed.
Recurrence is possible if the underlying cause, such as poor swing mechanics or repetitive stress, is not corrected. Continuing strengthening and prevention strategies greatly reduces the chance of reinjury.
University of Rochester Medical Center: Medial Epicondylitis (Golfer’s Elbow)
Stony Brook Medicine (AAOS): Therapeutic Exercise Program for Epicondylitis
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries: Conservative Care for Work-Related Epicondylitis
Don’t let golf elbow keep you off the course or limit your daily activities. At HWY Physical Therapy Clinic, Dr. Raj provides expert one-on-one care tailored to your recovery. Call 971-202-1979 or visit us at Center 50+, 2615 Portland Rd NE, Salem, OR 97301 to start healing today.
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