Golfer's Elbow causing pain when lifting, gripping or typing? Discover how Shockwave Therapy at Physio Three Sixty in Hitchin can help reduce tendon pain, stimulate healing and support long-term recovery.
Shockwave Therapy for Golfer’s Elbow – Expert Treatment in Hitchin
If you're dealing with a nagging ache on the inside of your elbow, especially when lifting, gripping, or typing, you may be facing a frustrating condition known as Golfer’s Elbow. Also referred to as medial epicondylitis, this condition causes inner elbow pain that can gradually affect your ability to work, train, or even carry everyday items comfortably.
At Physio Three Sixty, we use Shockwave Therapy as part of an evidence-based approach to treating medial epicondyle tendinopathy. This non-invasive treatment is particularly effective for chronic tendon pain that hasn’t responded to stretching, massage, or even rest.
In this blog, we’ll explore what Golfer’s Elbow is, why it happens, how Shockwave Therapy works, and the kind of results patients can expect from elbow pain treatment in Hitchin.
Why Golfer’s Elbow Affects More Than Just Golfers
Despite the name, Golfer’s Elbow isn’t limited to golfers. We see this injury regularly among:
- Weightlifters and gym-goers
- Manual workers
- Desk-based professionals
- Musicians
- Gardeners and DIYers
The common denominator? Repetitive strain on the tendons that attach to the medial epicondyle (the bony bump on the inner elbow). Over time, microtears and degeneration in these tendons lead to pain on the inside of the elbow that worsens with gripping, wrist flexion, or lifting.
Symptoms typically include:
- A dull or sharp forearm pain near the elbow
- Stiffness and soreness during wrist or finger movement
- Weak grip strength
- Tenderness to touch on the inside of the elbow
Without treatment, it can persist for months and impact everything from sports to typing or lifting a kettle.
The Science Behind Shockwave Therapy for Medial Epicondylitis
Shockwave Therapy uses focused acoustic energy to stimulate tissue healing at a cellular level. When applied to a tendon, it:
- Increases blood flow and metabolic activity
- Breaks down fibrotic or calcified tissue
- Triggers the body’s natural repair process
For medial epicondylitis, this means reduced pain, better tendon structure, and faster recovery. It’s ideal for chronic cases (pain lasting 6+ weeks) that haven’t improved with conventional physio alone.
Benefits of Shockwave for Golfer’s Elbow
- Non-invasive and drug-free
- Effective for stubborn tendon injuries
- Minimal downtime – most clients return to work/training quickly
- Typically improves symptoms in 3–5 sessions
Read more about the science behind Shock Wave Therapy for Medial Epicondylitis →
Treatment Process – What to Expect at Physio Three Sixty
1. Full Assessment
We begin with a comprehensive physio assessment to confirm Golfer’s Elbow and rule out other causes of elbow pain when lifting (like nerve entrapment or referred pain from the neck).
2. Shockwave Application
The treatment area is prepped with ultrasound gel, and the handheld shockwave device is used to deliver pulses directly to the painful tendon. You may feel deep pressure or tapping – it’s not painful but can be intense.
3. Exercise Prescription
We provide you with tailored medial epicondylitis exercises that target tendon loading, grip strength, and tissue resilience. These often include:
- Eccentric wrist flexion
- Forearm stretches
- Grip strengthening drills
4. Progress Tracking
We review symptoms and functional improvement week by week, adjusting your treatment plan to ensure long-term recovery.
Why Choose Physio Three Sixty for Tendon Rehab in Hitchin
Our clinic is known for treating complex tendon injuries with:
- Expert Shockwave Therapy application
- Longer appointment times for thorough care
- Strong links to Hitchin’s fitness and running communities
- Fast access – most clients book within 3–5 days
We don’t just treat the pain. We help you understand the cause, break the cycle, and return to what matters.
Learn More About UsFrequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Golfer’s Elbow the same as Tennis Elbow?
A: No. Golfer’s Elbow affects the inner elbow (medial side), while Tennis Elbow impacts the outer elbow (lateral side). Both involve tendon pain but require different treatment approaches.
Q: Can Shockwave Therapy help if I’ve had elbow pain for months?
A: Yes. Shockwave is particularly effective for chronic tendon issues that haven’t responded to rest or rehab.
Q: Will I need to stop training or working?
A: Not necessarily. We often advise modifying activity rather than complete rest, and tailor rehab to suit your routine.
Q: How long until I feel improvement?
A: Most clients feel relief after 2–3 sessions, with continued progress over 4–6 weeks.
Q: Is the treatment painful?
A: It can feel uncomfortable during pulses, but the sensation is short-lived, and intensity is adjusted to your comfort.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Take Elbow Pain Seriously?
If your elbow pain flares every time you lift, grip, or carry something, it may be time to do more than just rest and hope it goes away. Golfer’s Elbow can become stubborn if left untreated, but Shockwave Therapy offers a modern and effective path forward. At our physiotherapy clinic in Hitchin, we help you move past the pain with tailored care and a clear plan to get back to full strength.
Book a Consultation at Physio Three Sixty
