As spring arrives, many people return to golf, yard work, and outdoor activities after a long winter off. While it feels good to get moving again, this sudden increase in activity often comes with an unwelcome side effect—golfer’s elbow.
Golfer’s elbow, also known as medial epicondylitis, causes pain on the inside of the elbow and commonly appears when activity ramps up too quickly after a period of rest.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow occurs when the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow become irritated or overloaded. These tendons help control wrist flexion, gripping, and forearm rotation—movements used constantly in golf, gardening, lifting, and household projects.
Despite its name, golfer’s elbow affects far more than golfers. Anyone returning to repetitive arm or hand tasks after a winter slowdown can develop symptoms.
Why Golfer’s Elbow Is Common in the Spring
During the winter months, overall activity levels tend to drop. Grip strength, forearm endurance, and shoulder stability often decline without regular use.
When spring arrives, many people jump back into full rounds of golf, heavy yard work, home projects, or recreational sports without gradually rebuilding strength. The tendons of the elbow are especially sensitive to sudden increases in load, making them prone to irritation.
Cold-weather stiffness, reduced mobility, and lingering posture changes from winter also contribute to strain on the elbow.
Common Symptoms
Golfer’s elbow symptoms often include:
Pain or tenderness on the inside of the elbow
Discomfort with gripping, lifting, or swinging a club
Weakness in the forearm or hand
Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
Without proper management, symptoms can linger or worsen as activity continues.
How Physical Therapy Helps Golfer’s Elbow
Physical therapy addresses the underlying reasons golfer’s elbow develops rather than simply resting the elbow.
Treatment may include:
Progressive strengthening of the forearm and grip muscles
Shoulder, wrist, and upper-back strengthening to reduce elbow load
Manual therapy to improve tissue mobility and reduce pain
Education on gradual return-to-activity and workload management
Movement and swing mechanics assessment when appropriate
By improving strength, endurance, and movement patterns, physical therapy helps tendons adapt safely to spring activities.
Getting Back to Activity Safely This Spring
Returning to activity after winter requires a gradual approach. Building tolerance before jumping into long golf sessions or heavy yard work reduces strain on the elbow.
A physical therapist can help create a structured plan that rebuilds strength and supports a pain-free return to the activities you enjoy.
When to Seek Help
If elbow pain persists, worsens with activity, or limits your ability to golf, work, or complete daily tasks, physical therapy can help guide recovery.
At Breathe In Motion Physical Therapy & Wellness, our therapists specialize in treating golfer’s elbow with individualized, one-on-one care. Our goal is to help you get back to spring activities strong, confident, and pain-free.
