SupremeInner elbow pain every time you grip?
Carrying the shopping, pulling on a rope, gripping a tool or a club. A sharp ache on the inside of the elbow that runs down the forearm. Golf causes very little of it. Gripping, pulling and twisting cause most of it.
Nick Monczakowski 4.9 from 74 Google reviews · 13+ years
Not the golf. The grip.
Your forearm never switches off.
Every grip, pull and twist runs through the same tendon on the inside of the elbow. It rarely gets a break.
One muscle gets missed.
Pronator teres turns your forearm and tightens with every grip and twist. It's often ignored and it's often the key.
The tendon gets sensitive.
Leave it and the attachment becomes more reactive, so smaller loads start to hurt.
Release the pull on the inner elbow.
Wrist flexors & pronator teres
The muscles that bend the wrist and turn the forearm. Pronator teres especially is often the missing piece.
Common flexor tendon
Careful cross-fibre work where the tendon attaches calms sensitivity and helps it remodel.
Forearm flexors
Several muscles share the load. Treating the whole group gets a more complete result.
Ulnar nerve check
If tingling is part of it, treatment takes the nerve into account and Nick will say if you need it checked.
When the nerve joins in.
The ulnar nerve runs right past the inside of the elbow. Sometimes it gets irritated alongside the tendon.
Pins and needles
Tingling or numbness in the ring and little finger, often worse after leaning on your elbow or bending it for a long time.
The funny bone nerve
The ulnar nerve, the one you hit when you knock your funny bone, is being squeezed or irritated near the tendon.
Checks first
He'll find out whether the nerve is involved before treating and tell you if it needs looking at by your GP first.
Who gets golfer's elbow?
Golfers
Gripping tight through impact, usually in the lead arm. Left arm for right-handed players.
Climbers
Constant finger and forearm load on the wall. The most common overuse injury in regular climbers.
Tradespeople
Gripping, twisting and pulling tools all day. Often alongside tennis elbow. Manual worker pain →
Desk workers
Mouse and keyboard with the forearm turned flat on a hard desk. Common in heavy keyboard users Nick treated at Google HQ.
Gym regulars
Curls, pull-ups and heavy carries. Strong grip, tight forearms.
Throwers & bowlers
Cricket, baseball and softball load the inside of the elbow on every throw.
Elbow myths. Busted.
“I don't play golf, so it's not golfer's elbow.”
Tap to flip →Golf causes a small share of it. Gripping, pulling and twisting cause most of it, at work, in the gym or on the wall.
“It's just tendonitis, it'll pass.”
Tap to flip →Some settles on its own. Left too long, the tendon gets more sensitive and recovery slows right down.
“Tingling means it's serious.”
Tap to flip →Often it's the ulnar nerve being irritated nearby. It needs checking, but it's usually manageable alongside treatment.
One hour. A calmer elbow.
- 01
Talk
Your sport, your work and how the pain behaves.
- 02
Assess
Hands-on assessment of the forearm flexors, pronator teres and the inner elbow, including whether the nerve is involved.
- 03
Treat
Release of the flexor and pronator group plus careful work at the tendon attachment.
- 04
Plan
Grip and load advice for work and sport while it settles.
Stronger grip. In their words.
“Our experience has been that as a result of Nick's treatments, we have managed to recover much faster as compared to relying on classical physiotherapy or other treatments.”
Maarten · Family of clients“Seen a lot of specialist in the time but the way Nick spoke to you and explained the plan he had for as very reassuring.”
Gary · Cricketer“I have gone from having unknown aches and pains to being not only pain free but also having a deeper understanding of the issue and things I can do myself outside of treatment.”
Illyriana · Ongoing clientBefore you book for golfer's elbow.
Can sports massage help golfer's elbow?
Yes. It responds well to targeted release of the forearm flexor and pronator muscles plus careful cross-fibre work at the tendon attachment on the inside of the elbow. That takes load off the tendon and helps it remodel. Most people notice a clear improvement within 2 to 3 sessions.
What is the difference between golfer's elbow and tennis elbow?
Golfer's elbow is on the inside of the elbow where the muscles that bend the wrist and turn the forearm attach. Tennis elbow is on the outside where the muscles that lift the wrist attach. Both are overload of the tendon and treatment works on different muscle groups. Some people have both, especially tradespeople and racket players.
How long does golfer's elbow take to resolve?
Most people see a clear improvement within 2 to 3 sessions. Full recovery usually takes 4 to 8 weeks depending on how long it's been there and how much your work or sport keeps loading it. You'll get an honest view after the first session.
Can I keep using my arm during treatment?
Yes, in most cases. The aim is to cut back the specific gripping and wrist-bending movements irritating the tendon, not to stop using your arm. Nick will tell you which movements to change while it recovers.
What is the connection with the ulnar nerve?
The ulnar nerve runs close to the inside of the elbow and can be irritated in the same area. That can cause tingling or numbness in the ring and little finger alongside the elbow pain. If you have nerve symptoms, treatment takes that into account and Nick will advise whether it needs further checks.
When to see your GP first
Call NHS 111 or see your GP before booking if you have elbow pain with any of these:
- Numbness or tingling in your fingers that doesn't go away, or a weak grip
- Elbow pain after a fall or knock, with swelling or the elbow looking out of shape
- A hot, red or swollen elbow, especially with a fever
- Your hand muscles look thinner or you keep dropping things
Not sure? WhatsApp Nick a quick description first. If massage isn't the right first step, he'll tell you before you book.
Your elbow has company.
Sort the inner elbow properly.
- £80 first session, assessment included
- Mon–Fri 11am–7pm
- Near New Malden station · free street parking
- Personal reply from Nick, usually same day
“I'm not a sports person but I'm now greatly benefiting from Nicks knowledge and skills.”