Golfer’s elbow—also known as medial epicondylitis—is a common and painful condition that affects the tendons on the inside of the elbow.
While it often develops from repeated stress during sports like golf or tennis, many people develop golfer’s elbow through everyday activities or manual work.
If you’re experiencing ongoing elbow pain that hasn’t responded to rest, physiotherapy, or medication, shockwave therapy may offer the breakthrough you need.
At Central Chiropractic Clinic, we offer non-invasive, clinically backed shockwave therapy to help accelerate healing and reduce pain—without surgery or injections.
What Is Golfer’s Elbow?
Golfer’s elbow is a type of repetitive strain injury (RSI) that causes inflammation and microtears in the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle — the bony bump on the inside of the elbow.
Symptoms typically include:
- Pain or tenderness on the inner elbow
- Stiffness in the elbow joint
- Weak grip strength
- Pain that worsens with gripping or lifting
- Discomfort when flexing the wrist or twisting the forearm
Although the name comes from golf, this condition can result from activities like:
- Painting
- Typing or using a mouse
- Manual labour (e.g. plumbing, carpentry)
- Weightlifting or resistance training
Left untreated, golfer’s elbow can become a long-term issue—limiting your ability to work, exercise, or perform daily tasks pain-free.
Common Treatments for Golfer’s Elbow
Initial care often includes:
- Rest and modifying activity
- Ice therapy to reduce inflammation
- Anti-inflammatories
- Elbow braces or supports
- Physiotherapy and targeted exercises
- Corticosteroid injections (in some cases)
While many recover with these methods, some continue to experience pain—especially if deeper tendon damage is present. That’s where shockwave therapy may help.
What Is Shockwave Therapy?
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy acoustic waves to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.
Delivered via a handheld device, it sends targeted pulses to injured tissue—encouraging blood flow, collagen production, and cell regeneration.
This technique is used worldwide in chiropractic, sports medicine, and physiotherapy to treat conditions like:
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- Plantar fasciitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
How Shockwave Therapy Helps with Golfer’s Elbow
1. Stimulates Healing
Chronic golfer’s elbow often involves scarring or microtears that stall recovery. Shockwaves promote new blood vessel growth and cell repair, reigniting the healing process.
2. Reduces Pain
Shockwave therapy disrupts pain signal transmission to the brain—offering natural, drug-free relief.
3. Breaks Down Scar Tissue
It helps break up adhesions and calcification in damaged tendons—improving flexibility and function.
4. Restores Function
As pain subsides and tissue repairs, shockwave therapy enhances grip strength, range of motion, and endurance—helping you return to work or sport.
What to Expect During Treatment
Each session lasts around 10–15 minutes. The procedure is clinic-based and doesn’t involve downtime—you can return to normal activity immediately afterward.
Some discomfort is possible during the session, especially over sore areas. Most people benefit from a course of 3–6 treatments, spaced one week apart.
Shockwave therapy benefits include:
- No needles or surgery
- Fast treatment and recovery
- Long-lasting pain relief
- No need to stop daily activities
Patients may feel immediate relief or gradual improvement over several weeks as healing accelerates.
Is Shockwave Therapy Right for You?
It may be suitable if you:
- Have had symptoms for over 6 weeks
- Haven’t responded to rest, therapy, or medication
- Prefer a drug-free, non-invasive approach
- Want to avoid injections or surgery
Your chiropractor or physiotherapist will conduct a full assessment to ensure it’s appropriate for your case.
Backed by Research and Results
Shockwave therapy is supported by clinical evidence, particularly for chronic tendon conditions. According to the NICE guidance, it is considered safe and effective for refractory elbow pain. Additionally, a Cochrane review found that shockwave therapy may improve pain and grip strength in some patients with elbow tendinopathy.
At Central Chiropractic Clinic, we use state-of-the-art equipment and combine shockwave therapy with rehabilitation exercises and expert care to help you get lasting results.
Get Back to Doing What You Love
Whether you’re struggling with daily tasks or eager to return to sport, shockwave therapy could be the turning point in your recovery journey.
Book your assessment at Central Chiropractic Clinic and discover how this breakthrough treatment can help you move, live, and feel better—without surgery or medication.