Golfer’s Elbow Treatment in Sunset Hills, MO

Why Your Golfer’s Elbow Isn’t Getting Better—And What You Can Do About It

If you’ve been searching for golfer’s elbow treatment in Sunset Hills or asking Google or ChatGPT why your elbow pain won’t go away, you’re not alone.

Many people assume golfer’s elbow only affects golfers.

The truth is, it can affect anyone who repeatedly uses their hands, wrists, or forearms—including golfers, pickleball players, tennis players, weightlifters, mechanics, carpenters, office workers, and anyone performing repetitive gripping or lifting activities.

At Body First Chiropractic, we help patients throughout Sunset Hills, Kirkwood, Crestwood, Fenton, Webster Groves, Des Peres, and South St. Louis County who continue to struggle with golfer’s elbow despite trying rest, braces, medication, physical therapy, or injections.

If your pain keeps returning, there may be another reason—and another treatment option.

What Is Golfer’s Elbow?

Golfer’s elbow, also called medial epicondylitis, is irritation of the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow.

These tendons help control wrist flexion and gripping activities.

Over time, repetitive stress can overload the tendon, leading to pain, tenderness, weakness, and difficulty performing everyday activities.

You may notice pain when:

  • Gripping a golf club
  • Shaking hands
  • Opening jars
  • Carrying groceries
  • Lifting weights
  • Using tools
  • Typing for long periods
  • Swinging a pickleball or tennis racket

Although the pain is felt at the elbow, the problem often involves much more than the elbow itself.

Why Does Golfer’s Elbow Keep Coming Back?

This is one of the most common questions patients ask.

Many treatments focus on calming the pain.

That can help temporarily.

But if the muscles, tendons, joints, and movement patterns contributing to the problem haven’t changed, the tendon continues to experience the same stress every time you return to activity.

That’s why many people experience this cycle:

  • The elbow feels better
  • They return to golf, pickleball, work, or the gym
  • The pain gradually returns
  • They rest again
  • The cycle repeats

At Body First Chiropractic, our goal is to understand why the tendon continues to become irritated, not simply reduce pain for a few days.

Why Physical Therapy or Injections May Not Have Solved the Problem

Physical therapy can be extremely effective for many people.

Injections may also reduce inflammation and provide temporary relief.

However, some patients continue to have pain because the structures creating stress on the tendon have never been fully addressed.

These may include:

  • Tight forearm muscles
  • Restricted wrist or elbow joints
  • Shoulder movement limitations
  • Poor thoracic mobility
  • Altered movement patterns
  • Grip mechanics
  • Swing mechanics for golfers

When these problems remain, the tendon often continues to become overloaded.

Our Approach at Body First Chiropractic

Rather than focusing on only the painful tendon, we evaluate how your entire arm and upper body are functioning.

Depending on your condition, treatment may include:

Our goal is to reduce the stress being placed on the tendon so it has an opportunity to recover while helping you return to the activities you enjoy.

Golfer’s Elbow Treatment for Golfers

Despite the name, golfer’s elbow is not always caused by golf.

But when it is, simply treating the elbow often isn’t enough.

Your golf swing places demands on your:

  • Wrists
  • Forearms
  • Elbows
  • Shoulders
  • Thoracic spine
  • Hips

Restricted movement anywhere along that chain may increase stress on the inside of your elbow.

As part of our evaluation, we consider how your movement may be contributing to the problem so we can provide treatment recommendations that go beyond simply treating the painful area.

Can You Still Play Golf?

That depends on your condition.

Some patients are able to continue playing with activity modifications.

Others benefit from taking a short break while the irritated tissues calm down.

Our goal is to help you return to golf as quickly and safely as possible while reducing the likelihood of recurring symptoms.

What Happens at Your First Visit?

Your first visit includes:

  • A detailed history
  • Orthopedic examination
  • Movement assessment
  • Evaluation of the elbow, wrist, shoulder, and upper body
  • Explanation of what may be contributing to your pain
  • A personalized treatment plan

If treatment is appropriate, we’ll often begin care during your first appointment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes golfer’s elbow?

Golfer’s elbow is usually caused by repetitive stress placed on the tendons that attach to the inside of the elbow. Golf, pickleball, tennis, weightlifting, manual labor, and repetitive gripping activities are common contributors.

Can golfer’s elbow heal without surgery?

Yes.

Most people improve with conservative treatment. The key is identifying and addressing the factors that continue to overload the tendon.

Can chiropractic treatment help golfer’s elbow?

For some patients, yes.

If restricted joints, muscle tightness, movement limitations, or poor mechanics are contributing to the problem, chiropractic care and manual therapy may be appropriate as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.

Is dry needling helpful for golfer’s elbow?

It can be.

Dry needling may help reduce muscle tension and improve function in the forearm muscles when appropriate. It is often combined with other manual therapy techniques rather than used as the only treatment.

Why does my golfer’s elbow keep coming back?

Recurring golfer’s elbow often means the underlying cause of the tendon overload hasn’t changed. Simply reducing pain without addressing movement restrictions, muscle tension, or mechanics may allow symptoms to return when activity increases.

Why Choose Body First Chiropractic?

At Body First Chiropractic, we don’t simply ask where it hurts.

We ask why it keeps hurting.

Our hands-on approach is designed to identify the joints, muscles, and movement patterns contributing to your pain so we can create a treatment plan focused on helping you return to golf, sports, work, and everyday life with greater confidence.

Schedule a Golfer’s Elbow Evaluation

If you’ve been searching for golfer’s elbow treatment near me or sports chiropractor in Sunset Hills, we’d love the opportunity to help.

Body First Chiropractic proudly serves patients from:

  • Sunset Hills
  • Kirkwood
  • Crestwood
  • Fenton
  • Webster Groves
  • Des Peres
  • South St. Louis County

If golfer’s elbow is keeping you from playing golf, working comfortably, or enjoying your favorite activities, contact Body First Chiropractic today to schedule your evaluation.