As the warmer months roll in and the evenings stretch just a little bit longer, there’s a sudden surge in activity—whether it’s getting back to the driving range, finally starting that DIY project, or spending more time tossing a ball around with the kids. But for some, that increase in movement comes with a little sting—right on the inside of the elbow.

That dull, aching pain near the bony bit of your elbow? The one that pops up when you grip something tightly, turn a doorknob, or even just pick up the kettle? That’s likely medial elbow pain, more commonly known as Golfer’s Elbow.

At ARC Rehabilitation & Pilates, we see this every year around this time. People are more active, more outdoors, more hands-on—and sure enough, in come the sore elbows. Whether it’s from swinging a golf club, drilling into a wall, or overdoing it on the rowing machine, medial elbow pain is one of those sneaky overuse injuries that creeps up before you even know it’s there.

But don’t worry—there’s plenty you can do to calm it down, ease the discomfort, and most importantly, stop it from becoming a long-term problem.

The inner elbow is where your wrist flexor tendons attach—those muscles you use every time you grip, lift, twist, or carry. When these muscles are asked to do too much, too quickly, or too often (especially after a long break), the tendon where they attach to the elbow can get irritated and inflamed. That’s what causes the ache.

It’s not just golfers who get it. In fact, more often than not, we see it in painters, carpenters, weightlifters, and even gardeners. Anyone who's using their hands and arms repetitively and forcefully.

Just like the back gets stiff after too much weeding, the elbow gets sore after too much gripping. The trick is to manage the load—how much you're asking those tendons to do—and then gradually build them back stronger than before.

Here’s where we step in.

At ARC, we take a layered approach. First, we help you calm the pain and reduce the irritation. This might include manual therapy, gentle mobility work, and activity adjustments to let things settle. Then, we slowly introduce strength work, focusing on controlled, specific exercises that retrain the tendon to handle stress again.

One of our favourite rehab tools? Reformer Pilates. It’s perfect for easing back into movement, especially for someone hesitant about lifting again. With its spring-based resistance and smooth motion, we can train grip, arm strength, and shoulder control in a way that feels supportive—not painful.

It’s also important to remember that the elbow doesn’t work in isolation. Weakness or tightness in the shoulder, wrist, or even your posture can all feed into how your elbow handles load. That’s why our Initial Consultation is so valuable. We don’t just treat where it hurts—we look at how your whole upper body moves and functions.

So, what can you do in the meantime?

• Break up repetitive tasks – don’t spend an hour straight sanding or painting.

• Use the opposite hand when possible – yes, even for the kettle!

• Stretch gently through the wrist and forearm during breaks.

• And most importantly, don’t ignore it—early treatment is the fastest way to recovery.

If that inner elbow ache has been quietly nagging you lately, don’t let it get worse. The right rehab plan can make a world of difference—and we’re here to help you get back to all the things you love doing, pain-free and confident.

Reach out to us today to book your Initial Consultation, and let’s start your journey to elbow freedom.

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Phone: 0861763809