Golfer’s Elbow

Despite the name, golfer’s elbow (medial epicondylitis) isn’t just for golfers. It’s caused by overuse of the forearm muscles and tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow, usually from repetitive gripping, lifting, or wrist flexion. Common culprits include:

• Golf (obviously)
• Tennis or other racquet sports
• Weightlifting (especially curls and pressing)
• Typing or manual labor jobs

Symptoms include:

• Aching or sharp pain on the inside of the elbow
• Tenderness when pressing on the area
• Weak grip strength
• Pain with wrist or finger flexion

Why Traditional Treatments Fall Short

Rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and bracing are often prescribed—but these approaches only address the symptoms, not the root cause. If the underlying soft tissue dysfunction isn't resolved, the pain will likely return once activity ramps back up.

That’s where Active Release Technique (ART) comes in.

What Is Active Release Technique?

Active Release Technique is a highly targeted, hands-on treatment that focuses on breaking up scar tissue, adhesions, and tightness in muscles, tendons, and fascia. It’s performed by a certified practitioner who uses precise tension and movement to restore normal function to soft tissues.

In golfer’s elbow cases, ART typically targets:

• Flexor carpi radialis & ulnaris
• Pronator teres
• Palmaris longus
• Wrist and finger flexors
• Median and ulnar nerve entrapment points

How ART Helps With Golfer’s Elbow

1. Reduces Pain by Releasing Adhesions

Repetitive motion leads to micro-tears, which your body “heals” with scar tissue. Over time, this scar tissue can:

• Limit mobility
• Trap nerves
• Restrict blood flow
• Cause inflammation and pain

ART manually breaks up these adhesions, freeing up the tissues to move normally again and reducing pain at the source, not just masking it.

2. Improves Range of Motion and Flexibility

Tight or shortened forearm muscles can pull on the medial elbow, worsening the strain. ART helps lengthen and normalize muscle tissue, restoring healthy movement patterns and joint function.

Better mobility = smoother, more powerful swing mechanics with less effort and strain.

3. Restores Strength and Grip

Once tightness and pain are reduced, you can rebuild strength and grip without guarding or compensation. ART improves neuromuscular communication, helping you recruit muscles more efficiently—a key for both rehab and performance.

4. Accelerates Return to Play

Because ART treats the cause, not just the symptoms, most patients report quicker and longer-lasting relief compared to passive treatments like rest or ice alone. Many athletes can return to their sport sooner and with more confidence in their body’s ability to perform.

Bonus: ART Isn’t Just for Golfer’s Elbow

Many athletes use ART preventatively or as part of their regular recovery routine to:

• Improve flexibility and performance
• Avoid overuse injuries
• Recover faster from intense training

It’s a tool that fits into both injury rehab and peak performance.

Bottom Line: Don’t Let Elbow Pain Sideline You

Golfer’s elbow can be stubborn, but it’s also very treatable—especially when you take a smart, targeted approach like Active Release Technique. Whether you’re swinging a golf club, gripping a barbell, or working with your hands all day, ART can help you:

• Relieve pain
• Improve performance
• Return to play faster and stronger