Golfer's Elbow vs Tennis Elbow: Why Your Golf Swing May Be Hurting Your Elbows
- Dr. David Didlake, DPT
- Sep 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 3
The Suprising Truth About Elbow Pain in Golf!
Did you know that golfer's elbow is 4 times less common than tennis elbow (Wolf et al., 2010)? Yet many golfers suffer from both conditions simultaneously! As a golf medical specialist, I've seen firsthand how specific swing characteristics can lead to painful elbow conditions that keep you off the course.
Understanding Elbow Pain: Medial vs Lateral Epicondylitis
What's Really Happening in Your Elbow?
In medical terms, golfer's elbow is known as medial epicondylitis (affecting the inside of the elbow), while tennis elbow is called lateral epicondylitis (affecting the outside of the elbow). These conditions develop when the tendons or ligaments in your forearm experience excessive strain, leading to:
Inflammation (epicondylitis)
Tissue degeneration (epicondylosis)
Chronic pain (epicondylalgia)
3 Golf Swing Characteristics That Cause Elbow Pain
Your golf swing technique could be setting you up for injury. Here are the three most common swing problems I see causing elbow pain in amateur golfers:
1. Casting the Club
When you "cast" the club early in your downswing, enormous force transfers to the tendons in your trail arm forearm. This repeated stress is a primary cause of medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) in the trailing arm.
2. The "Chicken Wing" Position
Because casting reduces power, many golfers compensate with a "chicken wing" position at impact. This forces the muscles on your lead arm's outside elbow into a compromised position, often resulting in lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow).
3. Over-the-Top Swing Path
An over-the-top swing path creates a cascade of compensations. Many golfers try to "shallow" the club by releasing early, then swing harder to make up for lost distance. This vicious cycle puts tremendous stress on both elbows.
Additional Risk Factors for Elbow Pain in Golf
Beyond swing mechanics, these common practices can damage your elbows:
Repeatedly hitting fat shots
Excessive use of impact bags during practice
Hitting off hard surfaces or worn mats
7 Proven Steps to Relieve and Prevent Elbow Pain
If you're experiencing golfer's elbow or tennis elbow pain while golfing, follow these evidence-based recommendations:
Consult a golf medical specialist immediately (don't wait until surgery is your only option)
Modify your practice volume and intensity
Perform self-massage on forearm trigger points
Stay properly hydrated throughout your round
Consider collagen supplementation to support tendon health
Prioritize quality sleep and avoid sleeping on the affected side
Temporarily avoid activities that provoke pain
Advanced Treatment Options for Golfer's Elbow and Tennis Elbow
As a specialist in golf-related injuries, I offer several effective treatments for epicondylitis, including:
Instrument-assisted soft tissue massage
Take a Proactive Approach to Your Golf Health
Don't wait until elbow pain sidelines you from the game you love. A comprehensive golf assessment can identify problematic swing characteristics before they cause injury, helping you enjoy pain-free golf for years to come.
SCHEDULE YOUR SESSION TODAY!
Here's to your health and your game!
Dr. David Didlake, DPT
PT, Cert. SMT/DN, CSCS, Cert. TPI Medical Level 3, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPT
Owner, Integrative Therapeutics "Home of the Saint Louis Golf Doc"
Follow me @theintegrativeclinic @thestlgolfdoc
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References
For those interested in the scientific evidence behind golfer's elbow, we've included a key research citation:
Wolf, Jennifer Moriatis; Mountcastle, Sally; Burks, Robert; Sturdivant, Rodney X.; Owens, Brett D. Military Medicine. May2010, Vol. 175 Issue 5, p336-339. 4p. DOI: 10.7205/MILMED-D-09-00086
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new treatment.
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