Specialist Focused Shockwave Therapy for Golfer's Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
Experiencing a sharp ache or stiffness on the inside of your elbow?
Our specialist clinic in Richmond, London provides advanced focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) for Golfer’s Elbow (medial epicondylitis), helping clients throughout the UK return to their daily activities and sport pain-free.
Golfer’s elbow is a form of tendinopathy caused by repetitive strain to the tendons that attach your forearm muscles to the bone on the inside of your elbow. While it is common among golfers, it frequently affects anyone involved in repetitive lifting or gripping.
Focused shockwave therapy (fSWT) offers a non-invasive, regenerative solution to repair the tendon at a cellular level.
Book your free phone consultation today to see if this treatment is right for you.
How does it work? | Treatment protocol | Benefits | When to consider fSWT
What Is Golfer's Elbow?
Despite the name, you don't have to play golf to develop this condition. It is an overuse injury that occurs when the tendons on the inner side of the elbow become overloaded, leading to micro-tears and chronic inflammation.
The pain often radiates down the forearm and can make simple tasks - like opening a jar - incredibly painful. Our high-energy focused shockwave reaches the deep attachment of the flexor tendons, stimulating the body’s natural repair mechanisms to restore tendon strength and flexibility.
Differential Diagnosis: Identifying Inner Elbow Pain
Pain on the inside of the elbow can be confused with:
- Ligament Sprains: Stability issues in the medial collateral ligament.
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Tightness in the flexor muscles of the wrist that creates local tenderness.
- Triceps Tendinopathy: Specifically the inner (medial) head of the triceps.
Not sure which condition is causing you pain and would like some advice?
Book your FREE phone consultation online now, drop us an email or phone us on 07760 536155 for a quick chat.
See all conditions we treat to learn how fSWT can help.
How Focused Shockwave Therapy Treats Golfer's Elbow
- Tendon repair
- Increases blood flow
- Reduces pain
- Reduces inflammation
Learn more about shockwave therapy and the difference between focused and radial shockwave therapy.
Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or drop us an email to find out more about how we can help.
Treatment Protocol for Golfer's Elbow
With a wealth of experience treating golfer's elbow locally in Richmond for clients throughout Greater London and across the UK, we build tailored treatment plans focused on your recovery goals.
Typical Course
- Starts with 5–8 sessions, usually once per week.
- The exact number of sessions will depend on the severity of your condition and response to treatment.
Intensity And Frequency
- Shockwave intensity and frequency are adjusted to your pain tolerance and the characteristics of the tendinopathy.
Minimal Downtime
- Most clients can continue normal activities immediately.
- Reduction in high-impact activity is advised during the first few sessions of the treatment plan.
Post-Treatment Sensation
- Mild soreness or swelling may occur, usually resolving within a few days.
Each treatment plan is tailored to your condition. Learn more about what to expect from focused shockwave therapy and view a full breakdown of clinic fees on our prices page.
Benefits of Focused Shockwave Therapy for Golfer's Elbow
Non-Invasive and Safe
Focused shockwave therapy offers a non-surgical option for treating golfer’s elbow, reducing the need for invasive procedures and minimising the associated risks.
Improved Functionality
As the tendon heals and strength is restored, clients often regain full use of their elbow, enabling them to return to sports or other activities that were previously painful.
No Downtime
Clients can resume most daily activities immediately after each session.
Reduced Dependence on Medication
Effective pain management through shockwave therapy may decrease the need for painkillers or anti-inflammatory medications, reducing potential side effects.
Faster Return to Sports
Ideal for athletes and active individuals who want to avoid long layoffs from sport.
When to Consider Focused Shockwave Therapy for Golfer's Elbow
Pain during gripping
If you struggle to hold a golf club, racquet, or heavy tools.
Inner elbow tenderness
If the bony bump on the inside of your elbow is painful to touch.
History of condition
If you have a history of golfer's elbow or other elbow conditions that have not responded well to alternative treatments.
Calcium deposits
If imaging investigations (e.g., X-rays, ultrasound) show calcium deposits in the tendons (calcific tendonitis), fSWT is effective in breaking down these calcifications, which can reduce pain and improve function.
When other treatments are not working
If other treatments such as standalone physiotherapy or medications such as anti-inflammatories or corticosteroid injections are not working.
Early use of focused shockwave therapy can reduce pain and stimulate tissue repair, helping to prevent chronic tendon damage and allowing a quicker return to activity.
FAQs – Golfer's Elbow & Focused Shockwave Therapy
Q: How does this differ from tennis elbow treatment?
A: The technology is the same, but the application is different. Golfer’s elbow affects the inside (medial) of the elbow, while tennis elbow affects the outside (lateral). We precisely target the specific tendon group involved in your pain.
Q: Can I keep playing golf during my treatment course?
A: We usually suggest "relative rest." This means you can keep moving, but we may advise reducing the intensity or frequency of your play for a few weeks to allow the tendon to repair.
Q: Is it painful on the bony part of the elbow?
A: No. Because we use focused shockwaves, we can direct the energy into the soft tissue tendon rather than just hitting the bone, making it much more comfortable than radial shockwave devices.
Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: Most elbow tendinopathies respond very well within 5 to 8 sessions, but the total number required will depend on how long and how severe your condition is.
For more answers to common questions, see our FAQs page
No commitment, pressure or obligation! Book your FREE 30 minute phone consultation online now or call us for a quick chat.
Golfer's Elbow Testimonials
Our Specialist Focused Shockwave Clinic
Be Vibrant Physio is a leading UK provider of advanced Focused Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (F-ESWT).
Based in Richmond, London, our clinic is a specialist hub equipped with world-class Storz Medical technology.
We routinely welcome clients from across Greater London, the UK, and international visitors seeking expert clinical protocols.
Situated a short walk from Richmond Station, we are easily accessible via the District Line, Overground, and National Rail, with 90 minutes of complimentary parking available nearby.
After 2.5 years of problems with my collarbone, the shockwaves helped me immensely. Nim was great and very professional throughout - before and after pics!
I was unable to play tennis due to hamstring tendinopathy for many months and it did not improve until I had a course of shockwave treatments which have been very successful. Nim is very pleasant and is genuinely interested and enthusiastic about seeing an improvement in your condition. She is very knowledgeable and information and advice she gives is always based on up to date research.
I was recommended focused shockwave therapy for a hamstring tendinopathy that had not been resolved through traditional physio. I found Nim, and her treatment has been excellent. After years of pain, I am delighted with the results. She is so knowledgeable and I've learnt a lot from her. How I approach sports training has changed forever for the good! She is also a lovely and interesting person to talk to: I always learned something new in each treatment session.
It’s difficult to know where to start but I found Nim after hearing a podcast about shockwave therapy, Google led me there and my first meeting with her gave me the reassurance to give her a go.
I suffered a spinal fracture nearly ten years ago, recurring sciatica, lower back pain, daily aches and stiffness. A diagnosis of arthritis and years of chiropractors, osteo’s, physio’s and rheumatologists.
Nim took one look at me and noticed my pelvic twist, my imbalance caused from years of compensating for pain. Coupled with focused shockwave to repair the damage that never properly healed and targeted stretches, nothing rocket science or hard to fit in to a busy schedule. Now I am pain free for the first time that I can remember, my mobility has returned and the ‘arthritis’ gone.
Thankyou Nim, you are a true healer and proof that there is help out there if you are strong and willing enough to refuse a lifelong diagnosis and find the help you need. 11 stars from me.
I was told how good Nim was by another satisfied client which was why I decided to finally tackle a decades old problem - a horrible crunchy rotator cuff which was limiting my arm movement. The shockwave therapy really works and Nim is both very friendly and extremely knowledgeable, supporting the therapy with a programme of exercises to do at home. I've got far more movement in my shoulder now, thanks to Nim!
